Day Demonstration: Spiral Carved Vessels
This demonstration will include a variety of activities beginning with the showing of slides and/or digital images of carved vessels. Next, there will be a presentation on how to select materials suitable for carving. This will be followed by the turning of a vessel to be carved.
During the turning and hollowing process, information will be provided on the appropriate wall thickness of the vessel followed with a demonstration on how to lay out the spiral carving. Included in this segment will be a discussion on factors to consider when determining the number of segments for the vessel. In addition, jigs and templates used in the layout will be shown. Upon completion of the layout a demonstration on how to carve the vessel will follow. This process will begin with using a V-chisel in a power chisel to cut a V-groove.
Next, the corners of the V-groove will be removed with a straight chisel (in the power chisel) and the final shaping will be done with a rabbet plane. After the demonstration on how to carve the vessel, techniques for sanding, surface treatments and suggestions for finishing the carving will be shared.
Other techniques that will be demonstrated are: (1) how to make feet and inserts (collars) for a vessel; and (2) how to make a finial for a vessel.
Workshop: Spiral Carving Vessels (layout and carving)
NOTE: Participants will have to prepare a vessel in advance following the diagrams in the brochure.
This workshop will allow each participating person, to get assistance in laying out the spiral pattern and many other tips related to a successful carving of the vessel. Participants will be given tips on the number of segments and tips on how to select the best curve template to achieve a smooth transition on the top and bottom of the vessel (these areas are the most problematic). Also, participants will be shown how to maximize special features and how to minimize negative features on the vessel. The participants of the workshop will be shown how and where to start the carving. They will also be shown where the problem areas are and how to avoid tear outs. In addition, the participants will be shown how to more effectively use the carving tools recommended.
Workshop: Turning collars, feet, and finials
NOTE: Participants will need to prepare a vessel in advance to maximize this workshop.
Collars, feet, and finials are frequently used on hollow vessels. These additions are used for a variety of reasons. These additions provide more details to the vessel, allow for easier hollowing of the vessel, provide more contrast to the vessel, allow for hiding or removal of defective areas in the wood, allow for modification to a vessel, and allow for repair of a damaged vessels. Learning to execute these techniques can be very useful to all woodturners.
Participant in this workshop will learn factors to consider when selecting material for collars, feet, and finials. They will learn techniques for mounting the material to be turned; procedures for turning the material; and techniques for conserving valuable material. In addition, each participant will turn a collar, a foot, and a finial to fit/match their vessel.