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For smaller lids and thin platters (not exceeding 150mm diameter) only a shallow recess of
around 3mm (1/8 inch) is necessary. It will be a matter of gaining experience as to what
combinations and sizes will suit best.
FORMING RECESS
The jaw dovetail has been designed for use with a standard skew scraper. This chisel will make a
recess to the angle required. FOR SAFETY REASONS WE STRONGLY ADVISE AGAINST
USING ANY OTHER TOOL. A profile of this chisel is shown opposite. It is best to work with a tool
which is already ground to the correct angle. All that is necessary then is to keep the leading
edge of the chisel flat on the wood, moving forward and out to form the recess to the required
diameter and depth.
Mount bowl blank on screw as described in previous section. It may be convenient to first mark
out with a pencil, a circle on the bowl blank. To mark out the recess diameter with a pencil: hold
pencil point to desired radius, supported on the toolrest. Then revolve blank by hand thus creating
a pencilled circle. However, as specified above, any recess diameter can be made between
50mm (2 inches) - 75mm (3 inches) (standard 50mm jaws) so exact sizing of the recess is
unnecessary.
Before scraping out the recess, slightly hollow out the centre of the bowl blank with a bowl gouge
or round nose scraper. The purpose is to relieve the centre so that when the recess is scraped
out only half the chisel edge needs to be used. We recommend this to reduce tearing of the wood
by scraping action; and to make the recess a little more finished to give a better effect to the
overall bowl. Extra embellishments can also be made to the recess to enhance the bowl.
After the recess is finished and the outside of the bowl is turned to shape, wind bowl back off
screw.
Bowl blank is now ready to be reversed onto the jaws. Using the lever in the scroll, expand the
jaws into the recess. When the jaws are expanded out into the recess, screw the wood blank
gently back and forth to make sure it is seated properly on the bottom face of the jaws.
WARNING: MAKE SURE THE JAWS ARE SEATED PROPERLY IN THE RECESS AND THAT
THE BOWL IS NOT INCORRECTLY REDING ON THE FLAT SHOULDER SECTION OF THE
JAWS BEHIND THE DOVETAIL. THIS COULD LEAD TO THE BOWL DISLODGING FROM THE
CHUCK. LOOSEN JAWS AND REMOUNT CORRECTLY
Now give a few gentle raps with the end of a chisel handle or wooden mallet around centre of
bowl. Use pinion handle to give an extra nip up. Refer to chuck operation on Page 4. Refer again
to safety before operation.
