How to Make a Dovetail Bowl
Dovetail bowls feature two pieces of wood -- each a different type -- that fit together like a puzzle in the center. Dovetail bowls are made using a lathe and a dovetail jig. Once completed, the complementary pieces are glued together and sealed to make the solid bowl. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Dovetail jig
- Wood block
- Wood glue
- Clamp
- Lathe
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Food-grade varnish or mineral oil
Instructions
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1
Set up your dovetail jig for the first piece of wood. Run the wood through the jig to form the dovetail notches.
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2
Reset the jig for the complementary side and run the other piece of wood through the jig.
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3
Apply wood glue to the two pieces and slide them together. Wipe away any excess glue and clamp the two pieces together. Let the pieces dry for 24 hours.
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4
Set the wood block onto your lathe and start the rotation.
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5
Gently press into the wood with your carver and shave off layers to form the inside of the bowl.
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6
Work around to the side of the block and gently press it again to form the outside.
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7
Slow down the rotation and sand the inside and outside of the bowl with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges and cut marks.
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8
Coat the bowl with food-grade varnish and allow to dry for 24 hours or soak the wood with mineral oil and allow the bowl to absorb the oil for 24 hours.
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