What Are Bowl Blanks?

Wooden bowls are made from blocks of wood called bowl blanks. A number of different types of wood are appropriate for bowls, and each adds its own look to the finished product. The process to make a bowl out of wood includes cutting the bowl blank, turning the wood on a lathe to round the exterior and hollow out the interior, drying and sealing.

Description

Bowl blanks are blocks of wood that are used to make wooden bowls. The outside of the block and interior of the bowl are created by mounting and turning on a lathe.

Types

Bowl blocks can be created from pieces of any type of tree in solid pieces. They can also be made from wood rectangles that have been glued together called strata. Bowl blanks come in a range of sizes for deep or shallow bowls, salad bowls and platters.

Features

Different types of wood results in different colors and grain patterns in the final bowl. Wood that has been glued together to create the bowl blanks gives the finished product an interesting geometric look with blocks of different, or the same, wood. Wood can be glued together in such a way that, after turning, the finished bowl has a rim of a different type of wood to give the bowl a more interesting appearance.

Considerations

Wood with a low moisture are best for bowl blanks. After the bowl is crafted on a lathe, the bowl needs to be dried for seven to 12 months until the moisture content is around 10j percent. The color of the final bowl will depend on the color of the wood chosen for the bowl blank and the type of stain, sealant or combination of stain and sealant.

Where to Buy Online

Bowl blanks are widely available online at these, and many more web sites:
Penn State Industries: http://www.pennstateind.com/store/bowl-blanks.html
West Penn Hardwoods: http://www.westpennhardwoods.com/static/index.htm
Gilmer Wood Company: http://www.gilmerwood.com/bowl_blank.htm