Turning Multi-sided Bowls
Off Centre Turned Bowls (Giving rounded sides)
This is an unusual effect obtained by off-centre turning. The off-centre centres
however are spaced equidistant around the circumference of the circle dependant
on how many sides you want on the piece. You need to start with a rounded blank
ideally. Mark centres on both faces.
So how does this work?
Okay, you have six copies here so cut out one of the templates, use a point through
the centre hole into the centre hole of your blank. Hold the template in place and
mark off the required number of points, 3 (Triangle), 4 (Square) and 5 (Pentagon).
Draw a line from the centre through your points. With your compass draw a circle
to intersect these lines, this will give you your off-centre centres. This needs
to be transferred to the other side of your wood, so using a square carry the point
where one of your centrelines meets the circumference to the other side, mark it
and again draw through the centre. Use the template to add the other points and
with the compass again draw the circle to intersect the centres.
Now all you need to do using the off-centre centres in turn draw an arc to represent
each side. Mount the blank on each centre and turn to your arc. Once all have been
done you will see the shape of your bowl. Next mount on the centre, form a foot
and shape the outside of your bowl. Sand and finish. Mount on the foot and turn
out the inside of the bowl, sand and finish. Voila, a multi sided bowl !
It is now easy to mount your blank between centres and turn
Multi Sided Straight Edged Bowls
Another technique is to turn straight edged bowls as in hexagonal or octagonal for instance, these also give a pleasing effect. Again I have two templates which allow for various sizes and give the option to extend to your own sizes. Here are hexagonal and octagonal examples:
Techniques for marking these out are the same as above, pin to the centre of the
blank and mark the corresponding axis cross over points. Join them on the blank
with straight lines and then cut your shape on the bandsaw. Simplicity in
itself.
Download Hexagonal Template
Download Octagonal Template
Download Off Centre Template