Types of wood turnings
There are multiple types of objects that are created using a lathe. All are "turnings". They include
- Open bowls
- Natural bark edge bowls
- Closed vessels
- Goblets
- Nested bowl sets
Open bowls
Open bowls are any vessel where the opening at the top is the largest diameter (or close thereto) of the vessel. Typically all utility bowls and any that will have a functional purpose are an open bowl design.
Natural edge
Any turning where the upper edge of the vessel is not turned but is the edge of the wood in the way that it grew is a natural edge turning. If the bark is left on then it is called a natural bark edge bowl. Sometimes the bark is removed but the irregular edge underneath the bark is maintained and that too is a natural edge bowl. Natural edge bowls can be sculpted on the lathe so that they appear oval when viewed from the top.
Closed form or "Hollow vessel"
All turnings that resemble a bottle or jug with a restricted neck opening at the top are closed form vessels. The opening can be a turned edge or a natural edge. These are among the most difficult and time consuming turnings to make. The photo at the left is of a classic "pot" style that could be functional for storing grain or other substances and emulates pottery. Other types have very small openings, and are usually not
Goblets
Goblets are fairly self explanatory. The "trick" part of them is in the art and skill of lathe turning of an object with such a slender stem without it breaking. And full bark natural edges to the goblets are possible. It can be done! California Live Oak harvested and turned green during the winter months is ideal for this.
Nested bowl sets
A nested bowl set is a series of bowls that are all carved with special turning tools from a single piece of wood. Each smaller bowl is from the interior of the larger bowl it is resting in.
These are difficult and challenging sets to turn.
These are difficult and challenging sets to turn.
the same set as above but layed out individually.