Using a bowl gouge with confidence is critically important and an initial hurdle to jump when first turning wood bowls. The fear of getting catches can be paralyzing.
Knowledge and practice are required to tame that fear and create beautiful bowls while using a bowl gouge.
Let’s face it; no one wants to get a catch while turning a wood bowl.
But, when first starting out it’s difficult not to think, or instead worry about much other than those dreaded catches.
In this article we will go beyond the bowl gouge basics and I will share with you information about what catches are and when they will most likely occur, as well as how to avoid catches. I will give you important underlying knowledge about catches, and you will be able to look out for and stop them before they crop up.
Think of a bowl gouge catch like a car running off the road and striking a tree. Continuing with this comparison, the knowledge I’m sharing here will help you realize and correct for the car when its only slightly off the asphalt first, allowing you plenty of time to make corrections long before any ditch or tree appear.
I know from first-hand experience, catches can seem as if someone instantaneously placed a tree directly in your path. However, bowl gouge catches are usually a build up of multiple elements converging in a quick progression.
Like learning how to drive, we need to know and recognize the sound of our tires on the gravel shoulder and make minor subtle adjustments to correct our course and prevent the situation from escalating.
To avoid bowl gouge catches (and car crashes) we need to take a moment and explore the root causes. Knowledge will put us on the path of using the bowl gouge with confidence and diminish or hopefully wholly extinguish those paralyzing fears of a catch.
Understanding Bowl Gouge Catches
What Is A Catch
What is a catch? This is where we could start talking about the techniques of using a bowl gouge, but we need to back up a bit first. Let’s look at the basics.
A bowl gouge catch is usually a combination of things that occur and grow until the bowl gouge grabs, binds, or rips wood fibers instead of cutting them smoothly.
OK, that’s a decent description of a bowl gouge catch, but let’s break this down even further.
The dreaded bowl gouge catch is really nothing more than the bowl gouge not being able to cut wood material at a given moment.
When this happens, the momentum of the rotating bowl slows or stops. The catch creates an immediate force applied to the turner and the bowl gouge in hand, that can range from a simple jerk to a somewhat more dramatic impact.
At the moment of a catch, more wood is in contact with the bowl gouge than it can cut. That, in a nutshell, is what happens at the conclusion of a bowl gouge catch.
Ideal-Cut Using A Bowl Gouge
When we make a smooth bevel riding bowl gouge cut in line with supported wood grain fibers, clean shavings fly and the gouge cuts effortlessly. If you take a moment and watch the tip of the bowl gouge during this ideal cut, a very small area of the gouge cutting edge is actually performing the cut.
On the wood bowl turning spectrum, this beautiful cut is at the opposite end of the ugly and dramatic bowl gouge catch.
Also, another key component of this clean bevel supported cut is the even consistent amount of material being removed. In our car analogy, this is the car sprinting down the highway perfectly between the lines.
Overloading the Bowl Gouge
Catches occur when we overload the amount of wood being introduced to the bowl gouge in one way or another.
What do I mean by overloading the amount of wood? Here is a list of examples when the bowl gouge can become overloaded, which in turn can lead to a catch;
- Starting without proper tool rest support
- The unsupported off-bevel tip cutting
- Diving into the wood instead of making an even cut
- Angling flute to engage too much of the cutting edge
- Moving into a corner location with too much wood at once
I feel these are important enough to know; we need to explore them in detail. Let me break down each of these ways of improperly using a bowl gouge that could lead to a catch.
Tool Rest Support
This will most likely only happen once or twice because it can be very scary, abrupt, and memorable.
Approaching the wood bowl blank rotating on the lathe with the bowl gouge not support on the tool rest will result in a literal smackdown. The bowl gouge tip only needs to touch wood briefly to grab, and all control is gone.
At the time it can be a huge surprise. But in hindsight, it’s pretty obvious the gouge tip catches a portion of the spinning timber, and the rotating force brings the bowl gouge along for the ride.
Not Riding the Bevel
Of course, the most used bowl gouge phrase is the term, ‘riding the bevel.’ When the bevel is not being ridden, and instead the tip is the first and only contact, a smooth cut is not going to occur.
In extreme cases, this unsupported bevel cut can cause the tip to vibrate and bounce on the wood surface. Depending on the conditions a bounce and dip can cause the tip to dig into the wood and make a catch.
If riding the bevel has eluded you, I encourage you to read my article – Riding The Bevel – Bowl Gouge Technique Explained.
Diving Overbite
Even when an ideal bevel supported cut is happening, the gouge can drift inward towards the wood bowl and begin cutting too much material.
Each differently sized bowl gouge has an ideal amount of material it can efficiently remove. When that amount wood exceeds the bowl gouge capability, the gouge will drag and begin to bind up and can potentially catch.
It’s a good idea to watch the amount of material your bowl gouge removes when things are going well. If you see that bowl gouge is removing more material than usual, a catch may occur.
Aggressive Flute Angle
If the bowl gouge flute angle is incorrect, the bowl gouge cutting edge may be exposed to more wood surface than it can cut at once.
The worst situation regarding flute angle, and one that will cause the most dramatic catches is when a side wing is accidentally introduced to the bowl surface.
Corner Overload
When the bowl gouge tip is making a nice clean cutting pass but then approaches an area where there is additional wood material that hasn’t been removed, this can cause a catch.
A situation where this is likely is when clearing the interior of the bowl. Working the inside bowl walls down to the point where material has yet to be removed can put too much wood at the bowl gouge tip all of a sudden.
How To Avoid Bowl Gouge Catches
Now that we’ve explored the many ways bowl gouge catches can occur let’s start proactively figuring out how to avoid them.
Sharp tool
First off, our bowl gouge must be properly sharp. This seems obvious, but a dull edge, even while adequately using a bowl gouge can cause a catch.
Keep this woodturning tool sharpening phrase in mind at all times, “if you think your tool needs sharpening, you should have done it ten minutes ago.”
ABCs
The ABCs of woodturning is also a time-tested phrase to keep in mind. A is for anchor. Anchor your tool on the tool rest first. B is for Bevel. Be sure you have bevel support. C is for cut.
Sticking your tool into a spinning bowl blank before it is anchored on the tool rest is a recipe for an adrenaline rush and a nasty catch.
Tool Rest Reach
The distance the bowl gouge cutting tip reaches beyond the tool rest needs to be as minimal as possible. Also, the size of a bowl gouge will affect the amount of tool reach possible. A large diameter bowl gouge can go a bit further across the tool rest threshold than a small diameter gouge.
Regardless of bowl gouge size, the further the cutting tip reaches across the tool rest; there is less tool control. When tool control is reduced, the gouge can quickly come off bevel, bounce around, and some not-so-good things may occur, including a catch.
Stop the lathe frequently and move the tool rest within a good working distance to the wood bowl blank. Not so close that the tooltip is resting on the tool rest. But, not so far that control and stability are lost.
I like to keep my tool rest close enough that the bevel of my bowl gouge is not near the tool rest. If the bowl gouge is resting on the bevel, I do not have tool control. Instead, I make sure the bevel edge is just on the other side of the tool rest, and the bowl gouge shaft is only contacting the tool rest.
More Than Can Be Chewed
Know your bowl gouge’s appetite and don’t let it over-eat. While that might seem funny, I hope that visual will stay with you at the lathe.
Each bowl gouge is a bit different. Larger gouges eat more wood than smaller gouges. When gouges eat too much, they can get upset and make catches.
Observe
Here’s a simple observation to make. Look at the flat outside surface of a fresh bowl blank on the lathe. Using a bowl gouge, make simple, clean straight cuts across the face of the bowl blank.
During these straight cuts look closely at the tip of the bowl gouge. Observe how much material is coming off the tip. Make another pass but this time press inward a bit more and have the gouge cut a little deeper. Again, observe the material coming off the bowl gouge leading edge.
There will come the point, with increased depth to each cut, the gouge does not perform as well, or cut as fast. This is the point where the bowl gouge is overeating.
Memorize the Sensations
On a nice straight path, this is easy to recognize. Remember the way the gouge feels, sounds, and handles when the amount of material is increased and becomes too much for the gouge. Store this information in your memory bank.
The same exact feelings, sounds, and handling will occur with the bowl gouge in similar situations while making more complex curve cuts. However, typically our mind is preoccupied with getting the curve right, and we forget about paying attention to the signals coming from the bowl gouge.
Listen to your bowl gouge! It is a lean mean cutting machine, and when we try to overfeed it, it will rebel.
Bevel Riding
Riding the bevel is the wood bowl turner’s happy place. It’s important to understand and practice bevel supported cuts all the time. Once this technique is learned, repetition makes bevel riding second-nature, like riding a bike.
Using the bowl gouge efficiently with clean bevel riding passes is a significant step in ridding bowl gouge catches completely.
Angle Angle Angle
The angle of the bowl gouge cut is probably the biggest woodturning catch culprit. When the tip of the bowl gouge is angled improperly, the cutting edge can quickly become overwhelmed and grab.
It’s easy to overlook the simplicity of angles while cutting. Angles are so important. When we angle a cut, we reduce the amount of wood being removed, and we reduce the amount of taxation on the bowl gouge cutting surface. This makes for a cleaner cut and requires less effort by the cutting tip.
Cutting Experiment
Here’s another great experiment to try. You will need a sharp knife and a regular sheet of paper. Hold the sheet of paper on edge with one hand and the knife in your other hand. Gently hold the knife above and perpendicular to the sheet of paper. Make a downward motion towards the paper with the knife while holding the paper steady.
Did the knife cut the paper? Probably not.
Now angle the knife at about a forty-five-degree angle above the paper. Make a cut along the paper, away from you. This time, depending on how sharp your knife is, it should have cut the paper.
When going straight into the paper at a ninety-degree angle, the knife edge is being asked to cut more than possible. However, at an angle, the knife can manage the task. The same is true of our bowl gouge.
Flute Angle
Let’s aline the flute and bowl gouge rotation with the hour positions on a clock. When using a bowl gouge think of the fluted center facing upward as twelve o’clock. When the flute is rotated ninety-degrees to the right, that position is three. Ninety-degrees to the left is nine o’clock.
THIS IS IMPORTANT: There are almost NO times when the flute should be in the twelve o’clock position while turning.
In that position, too much of the cutting tip is engaged with the wood. This aggressive approach will almost certainly cause the bowl gouge to catch.
Another bowl turner, Glenn Lucas, teaches this by having students color the inside of the bowl gouge flute red with a marker. If at any time while using a bowl gouge, you see red in the flute, you need to take caution and rethink your bowl gouge position.
Using A Bowl Gouge at 45° Angle Rule
Like the paper and knife example above, the flute of the bowl gouge needs to be angled to make ideal cuts. If and when the flute is asked to make a blunt cut, like the first knife cut example, it will most likely cause a catch.
One way to prevent this type of catch is to remember the forty-five-degree rule. This is similar to coloring your gouge flute red. If at any moment you’re not sure if the bowl gouge is positioned correctly, ask yourself this question.
“Is there at least a forty-five-degree cutting angle?”
If the bowl gouge position does not have an angle around forty-five degrees, it might be in a place for a catch to occur.
Here are a couple of examples of dangerous situations when using a bowl gouge that will most likely cause severe catches.
Adding an angle when using a bowl gouge is an important element to understand, practice, and commit to memory. This too will become second nature, if it isn’t already.
Point The Way
The tip of the bowl gouge is your leading edge, and it points the way of your cut. While this might seem obvious, its possible to get in a position where the tip isn’t leading the direction you intend to go.
Like an arrow, your bowl gouge is indicating where it will go. If that seems to be other than your intended cut, take notice.
Performing a push cut from the inside rim of a bowl to the bottom center point, with your eye, draw an imaginary line along this path. The tip of the bowl gouge should be following this line.
If the bowl gouge rotation, tool angle, or handle control are deviating from this path, it will be obvious by observing the direction of the gouge tip. Any other path to the bowl center can lead the gouge into the side wall, causing too much wood contact at once, and result in a catch.
Exposed Wings
The most grievous of all catches is the bowl gouge side-wing surprise. I call this a surprise because that’s precisely what it can be, a huge, ugly, nasty, startling surprise.
Typically this type of catch will occur on an inside push cut when rotation is lost during a cut. Let’s examine this closer.
Unlike the simple straight cut across the face we practiced with earlier, the inside curve of a bowl requires additional movements that all need to be coordinated.
The path down the inside of the bowl starts with the bevel supported and the gouge at nearly a ninety-degree angle at the rim edge of the bowl.
As the bowl gouge descends into the bowl, the handle must be simultaneously arced with the right hand on the handle and rotated, or twisted, more open to maintain the bevel supported cut.
If the opening of the flute angle is too severe or happens too quickly, the left wing of the bowl gouge can contact the wall of the bowl and become overwhelmed. Otherwise known as a big ugly bowl gouge catch.
The solution, while using a bowl gouge, is to watch the tip closely. Maintain a bevel supported cut, guide path of the bowl gouge with your right hand on the gouge handle, and gently rotate the shaft of the tool to keep the bevel contacting. Remember, the gouge tip will be pointing directly at the very exact center of the bowl bottom indicating you are on track.
Check Point
If you’re not quite sure of your bowl gouge position at any given moment while turning, stop the lathe. Instead of causing a big frightening catch, or worse, fearing a big terrifying catch, do a test using a bowl gouge.
Yes! You can test for bowl gouge catches in a safe manner.
This test will let you know if your bowl gouge will catch in advance, without all the high-speed drama.
With the lathe off, position yourself and the bowl gouge exactly how you intend to make your next cut. Using your hand, manually rotate the lathe’s hand wheel or just turn the bowl slowly in the usual forward direction.
As the wood slowly moves forward, engage the bowl gouge and see what happens. If a smooth, effortless cut results, you’re doing well. Usually, depending on the wood, a clean curled shaving will be made. Curly shavings are a good sign of a proper bowl gouge cut. Curly shavings are our friends.
However, if the bowl needs to be forced forward with an effort to cut, or if the gouge stops the bowl, something is not right. Reposition the gouge, yourself, or both and try again.
Conclusion
In the beginning, we are all scared about nasty catches when using a bowl gouge and we usually imagine situations that are far worse than reality.
The most significant contributor to this fear is the unknown. Hopefully, after reading this article, you have more information, knowledge, and practical strategies for using a bowl gouge and dealing with those fears. Or rather, putting those fears to rest once and for all, is what I want to help you achieve.
Leave a comment below and let me know if this article helps you understand bowl gouge catches a bit better.
I’d really like to know too, what bowl gouge catch issues you may have had or are having now. Please leave a comment below.
Also, check out my Bowl Gouge Basics and the 4 Bowl Gouge Cutting Techniques articles to further expand your bowl gouge knowledge.
Here are some other valuable articles for you to read:
• BOWL GOUGE SHARPENING ANGLES – SURPRISE ANSWER
• 10 WOODTURNING TIPS AND TRICKS FOR WOOD BOWLS
• 13 WAYS TO RUIN A WOODTURNED BOWL
• 7 VALUABLE DAVID ELLSWORTH WOOD BOWL TURNING INSIGHTS
• LIVE EDGE BOWL – 10 SECRETS FOR TURNING SUCCESS
Happy Turning!
Kent
42 Responses
I found your suggestion to slow down the lathe to test your cut very helpful for learning how to position the gouge. The slow speed seems safer and reduces anxiety. And, as long as I move the gouge slowly as well, I am just doing a slo-mo version of the standard approach and it works just the same.
A simple extension of this suggestion is to increase the speed of the lathe gradually as you practice and learn, keeping in mind that the pace of the gouge can increase with the speed of the lathe. This is a great way to get a feel for avoiding overfeeding the gouge.
Thanks again for all of your help, Kent. You present a delightful mix of head knowledge and encouragement to acquire muscle memory.
Paul,
Good idea. Thank you for writing and sharing!
Glad this helps Paul.
All the best to you and Happy Turning!
Happy Turning!
Kent
Just finished reading the article “NO CATCHES-USING A BOWL GOUGE WITH CONFIDENCE” which explains many of my past undesirable results and causes.
Currently, I am trying to get an almost perpendicular angle between the side of a bowl and the bottom, as opposed to a curved side-bottom contact. I have created a practice bowl bowl blank to try different techniques. I have thought of using a fingernail grind bowl gouge at various sizes depending on bowl size and using a cut either down the side to the bottom or across the bottom of the bowl to the side. However, in both instances I am worried about a catch.
Maybe a bowl gouge with a micro bevel would be the answer? Or possible a Easywood carbide cutter tool or a round nose scrapper of the appropriate size?
Thoughts? Thanks.
Mike,
Thank you for writing and sharing!
I can understand your concerns. However, the biggest issue is to simply keep the bevel parallel to the exterior of the bowl, regardless of the gouge profile.
Each profile you mentioned will only change your position in relation to the bowl. The bevel being parallel to the outside profile is the key.
All the best to you and Happy Turning!
Kent
Hi Kent,
I’m a newbie, cleaned up an old lathe that hasn’t been used in over 30 years and trying to have a go. First little egg-cup thingy went well, but then I tried to jump right in with trying a small bowl with a piece of apricot wood and I got a nasty surprise. The side of the bowl went OK, but when I tried to begin hollowing out the bowl, nothing happened (except catches!) The wood just seems to be hard as steel! The tools are sharp, or were when I started trying to cut (end grain), and I really can’t figure out what I am doing wrong! Do you have any pointers as to what I’ve done wrong? I should also mention that I can’t even drill (14mm) in the thing!
Hello Julie,
It sounds like there could be many different issues. I don’t know where to start. I know this might sound like a sales pitch, but it’s not, I think it’s the proper answer to your question. Please consider my online Turning Course, because every step and possible issue you just explained is covered and you will turn a bowl with me along the way. You will learn every turn, move, and angle to use with the bowl gouge as you turn. Check it out. I think it will help you and save you a ton of time and frustration. http://www.TurnAWoodBowl.com/turn Happy Turning!
Hi Kent, I have been turning for a couple of years now but have never taken any instruction. I have just enrolled in your course and I am very happy I did. Just wanted to share a catch with you. A couple of years ago I was roughing out a bowl and decided to use my roughing out gouge. Apparently I had the rest too far from my work piece, had a catch and it broke off the gouge in an instant. A big lesson for me, one I never forgot. I am loving this sharpening course. Thanks
Frank,
Thanks for writing and sharing your experience. Yes, watch out for those spindle roughing gouges, they are bad news on bowls.
I’m glad you’re enjoying the Tool Sharpening Course.
Thank you and Happy Turning,
Kent
Great article! One of my problems has been lack of attention. I’m a relatively new wood turner and I need to remember that when you are working with a 21 inch tool or longer, pay attention to where the sharp end of that thing is.
Cotton,
Yes, that is an excellent point.
I try to remember I can only really do one thing at a time.
If my mind is wandering somewhere else, I too have gotten in trouble.
Catches have a way of waking us up and making us focus. LOL
Happy Turning,
Kent
I am from south africa to get hold of bowl and spindle gauges is a nightmare if you lucky to get it costs a price of a farm any ideas for me
Yikes, that’s a problem. Perhaps you can for someone with a metal machine shop. Essentially, a bowl gouge is a rod of high-speed steel with a flute milled out of the center. It might take some trial and error, but these can be made.
I wish you all the best luck!
Kent
I was a shop teacher for 33 years and stressed safety with each lesson and corrections while working. I did spindle turning with my students but bowl turning was put aside because I never could explain how to avoid catches . Now I teach my peers at a Senior community and your article has given me, “the why” of catches and illustrations of there avoidance. A life long learner!
Hello David,
I think you’ve discovered the secret to a happy life – never stop learning.
All the best to you! Take care!
Happy Turning,
Kent
Hi
Great article.
However, it seems that catches with a bowl gauge can be VERY dangerous. I found this on the Internet: ….can cause serious injury or death…..!
That scares the daylight out of me!
Can you explain in what situation this can send me to the hospital or even kill me😳.
Regards
Lars
Hello Lars,
Yes, of course, woodturning has the potential to become dangerous, just like most crafts, hobbies, and other activities. The key is to understand where the dangers lie and how to avoid them. I highly recommend reading my article on Best Safety Practices. Wear proper safety equipment as well. I list all the safety gear I recommend here.
Once you understand the best practices and protect yourself, begin gradually learning and practicing woodturning. Don’t start with a massively large log as your first piece. Instead, start with a small piece of scrap cheap pine. Once you get a few little catches, you will learn how to avoid them. Build up your confidence and you will understand how to avoid big mistakes.
And for goodness sakes, don’t watch accidents online. Yes, some people do some very wrong things with the lathe and pay the consequences. Use your common sense and you’ll go far.
By the way, just because you are asking this question, you will most likely be more cautious than the average person and you will also most likely do all the right things to keep yourself safe.
Happy Turning,
Kent
Thank you for your guidance and written explanation. I have just been trying to turn my first bowl from a very dry hard piece of firewood and from the center it has been great, BUT, on the side walls “catch” has been the name of the game. In desperation I have found your article and my errors tick most of the boxes of “Don’ts” on your list. I now will go cap in hand back to my lathe and try to tidy up the battlefield I have crated on the sides of my bowl. Your time and effort to put things into writing is highly appreciated and this old dog has hopefully learnt something from the wisdom you have generously shared….I was getting desperate trying to understand what I was doing wrong (almost everything) so much better reading than trying to follow videos which make it look easy.
Hello David,
Thank you so much for writing. I’m so glad to have provided some useful information for you. Yes, some people learn better by reading vs. videos. Although I will be creating more videos also in the near future.
Good luck doing away with those nasty catches. Godspeed on your journey to catch-free turning!
Happy Turning,
Kent
I’m an “old” woodworker, 81 yrs. with a very nice shop but have never turned. So I thought it was about time. After reading and listening over and over to all the info. I could find I came across your articles. Your organization of the various facets of turning and then the detailed, step by step process within those sections has finally given me the confidence to set up and start turning. It has been very, very enjoyable. Thank you for all the hard work you have put in to help others enjoy this hobby.
Don,
Thank you so very much. Your thoughtful words are inspiring and I hope to provide much more content to come. Thank you again!
Thank you for this
You are welcome!
I’m interested in turning and am slightly terrified of ‘catching an edge’! Your article was really helpful, and I already have a little more confidence going into my lesson next week! Thank you!
Kim,
I completely understand. Expect to have some issues but also realize with patience and continued practice you’ll work right past the phase. Happy Turning!
I found your article most helpful. I have been having a lot of catches.
Hi Glenn,
Thanks for commenting. I hope you get relief from those ugly catches. Be patient and keep turning, soon they will be a thing of the past!
1. i do not have paypal but would like to buy your eBook in your shop – can i send you a 10uss in a letter to get it ? need the adress then
2. to sharpen the tool what is the grain on the sander ?
Hello Axel, Thanks for writing to me. Here are the answers to your questions. 1) You do not have to have a Paypal account to purchase my eBook. Any credit card will work, Paypal simply does the processing. 2) I have two CBN wheels; one wheel is 80 grit, which I use to shape the tools and the other CBN wheel is 180 grit which I use to apply a finished sharp edge. Here’s a link to each – 80 grit CBN wheel and 180 grit CBN wheel. Thanks for your questions!
As a beginner in the art of wood turning you see all these excellent pieces and the words of the turner generally goes right over your head. It’s only when you pick up the chisel that’s when reality hits home your eyes widen and it becomes real. That bit of wood is a real thing and as in life it has a history that’s when you put down the chisel and read and watch and listen and as in life you start with the baby steps before crawling and the walking. I have read and gone back and read it again and watched with very open eyes, now I feel a bit and emphasise a bit more confident with the chisel in my hand now to start the long road in turning a piece of wood into a creation. Thank you I’ve read and gone back and read it again and it has made me a bit more confident in starting my world of wood turning.
Thank you, Derek. I hope these articles will help guide you through your journey. I can tell you also, that consistency and persistence are the real keys. Best of luck and Happy Turning!!!
Kent, a fantastic article for me as a new woodturner. Please pardon me for asking: in the middle section you write “THIS IS IMPORTANT: There are almost NO times when the flute should be in the twelve o’clock position while turning”, and the last photo of the manual test shows the flute wide open??
Could you please clear this up for us?
Many thanks, Scott
Hi Scott, Thanks for the comment and yes I agree I should have explained that image a bit more. The last image with the curled wood shaving is illustrating how to feel the resistance of the cutting angle while manually turning the blank. And in the image, with the flute open, you will feel the most resistance during that manual process.
Never too old to learn ! Thanx a lot from South Africa
This is correct! Never too old! 😉
Thanks for sharing your knowledge to help us wanna be turners. I purchased my first lathe in march of this year and so far I have experienced a few catches as you might expect . Learning to hold turn sharpen and move with your tools is no doubt a learning experience that will come with practice and listening to those who have already turned the path to turning.
Thanks, Jim, be patient and develop a consistent turning routine and you’ll see improvement most quickly. Happy Turning!
Well, I imagine that it took quite a bit of time and effort to write this explicit guide, so you have a thank you from me for it. I look at a lot of videos on bowl turning etc, but most turners really don’t go into details regarding catches and they tend to make it all look so simple and obvious, which it is not. I think your last bit of advice about stopping the lathe and turning by hand is just great as surely it reduces or eliminates the stress we wannabe turners experience when wondering how to shove the point of our tools into the spinning piece of wood. which is pretty nerve racking! Cheers and thanks again.
Thanks for the compliments. I’m trying to share and simplify info as I acquired it while turning. Catches were pretty scary at first but once you realize when they will most likely occur, it becomes much more relaxing to turn wood bowls. Thanks again!
I am a relatively new wood turner and this article helped me a lot. Thanks.
Thanks for the comment, Duane! Happy Turning!
Thanks, this article clears up a few issues I was having. Very easy to understand.
Hello Jerry, Thanks for the compliment. I’m glad this article was helpful. Happy Turning!