Segmented Woodturning

On the following day after the glue has set,  the band clamps are removed. It is time to begin truing up the ring of segments of our segmented woodturning. In order to attain flatness on one of the ring’s edge we’ll lay a segment of the ring flat on the bed of the disc sander. It’s important to maintain a 90 degree angle during this operation. We’ll take the time and to make sure of accuracy. When the edge is truly flat we can then proceed to the wood lathe.

Now the ring is mounted on the wood lathe and the opposite edge is being turned so that it is flat and parallel. The straightedge of a combination square is placed against the edge and indicates that there are no gaps. This is a good sign.
The depth of the mortise is being checked to allow for the base to be let in. The dial caliper is indicating 1/4″ . The base is 3/4″ maple. The depth of this mortise is fine to allow for a good glue bond.
The maple base of the segmented woodturning pictured to the right has been bandsawed to the diameter of the ring. Notice that screws are used to attach a waste block. Hot melt glue gun is used to adhere the maple base to the waste block.  So now it’s time to true-up the tenon of the base on the lathe.
Here’s how the base looks after it is trued-up and sized. The tenon matches the mortise in depth and diameter. When you have a good fit it is time for gluing the two parts of the segmented woodturning together.
It’s a simple matter of applying an adequate amount of yellow glue to the joint of the ring and base. Clamp firmly and allow the glue dry.  A good rule of thumb is to allow the glue to set-up overnight before turning the  bowl on the wood lathe.
Here you can see a number of the smaller bowls as well as the tossing bowl. The process of segmented woodturning is easier and more efficient when you can find a rhythm. What do I mean by that?

Here’s it in a nutshell. I’ll cut all the segments on the miter saw at one time. I’ll perform my glue-ups all at the same time. I’ll do all of my tenons for the small bowls at the same time and then all the mortises at the same time. You get the idea. It’s a matter of making the most of your setups during the segmented woodturning process..
Here’s how the small bowl looks when it’s mounted and ready to be turned.
And…here is how the bowl looks after a little turning. The bottom will now be completed. (Take a second and note the hollowed out area at this time. This area allows for lathe chuck to grip the bowl for the previous operation. The outside walls of this mortise are angled out to allow for a dovetail-like grip of the chuck.)
The tossing bowl measures 10 1/2″ by  5″. It is turned to shape, sanded, and burnished with sawdust.
The entire set of bowls are now completed except for the wood finish.  The next step is to remove all the dust from the segmented woodturning. I’ll use the air compressor for this operation. Then numerous coats of a  food-safe finish called Tried and True are applied.

Watch these Woodturning Videos:

Let’s Turn Salt and Pepper Mills – How to Woodturn

Segmented Wood Turning – Fruit Bowl…part 1

Segmented Woodturning – Fruit Bowl – part 2

Segmented Woodturning – 9″ x 12″ Vase

The Apprentice and The Journeyman University