Demonstration by Emma Cook
26th January 2022
Emma’s informative IRD demonstration involved turning a platter, then using it to show texturing the rim using
carving tools, before colouring using a dry brushing method, providing a comprehensive demonstration of carving and colouring.
The stock for platter is 6” x 6” x 2” sycamore which was mounted between centres. She explained that it is sensible to retain the square shape in case defects are found, in which case some usable stock can be salvaged. The corners are turned off using push and traversing cuts, the final cuts being light to minimise tear-out. The piece is then examined to determine the best orientation for carving of the rim.
After forming a spigot using a beading/parting tool, then mounting in a chuck, the foot was formed using a parting tool. Now using a bowl gouge the underside of the platter was formed to an ogee shape.
Emma explained the importance of final cuts being from the inside out such that cutting is with the grain thus minimising tear-out. Emma also made the final cuts at the rim from the outside in to avoid break-out. After sanding to 240 grit applying “cut and Polish” and waxing the platter was reversed into the chuck to start hollowing the bowl.
Emma encouraged us to use our own instincts to dimension the rim and foot size rather than try to follow the golden ratio, “if it looks right it will be”.
She started to shape the rim leaving the spigot for as long as possible
in case the piece had to be reversed for any reason. After the rim was
finished, the bowl was hollowed, although Emma recommended that if
the rim is to be coloured the bowl should be finished after painting to
give a clean edge, but if texturing, finish the bowl at this stage. To avoid
dark rings caused by the heel of the gouge compressing the wood
fibres, Emma used a gouge with the heel ground off.
The inside of the bowl was sanded and finished as before.
Emma then moved on to texturing and colouring the rim, which
is covered by an information sheet that she provided.
Report by Bill Clyne
