I always see segmented turnings constructed with rings oriented horizontally, so each ring has end grain joinery, and the rings are joined to eachother by facegrain joints. I would think this is meant to maxime the strength between rings, and simplify ring creation. Is there a good reason not to orient pieces vertically, the way a cooper makes a barrel, and use a mechanical joint (a mortise and tenon) at each layer junction so as to not rely soley on endgrain gluing? This would allow for some more natural flowing of grain for urn shaped vessels, along the order of 6-8 " diameter and 12-16" long. If there is a more appropriate place to ask this question could someone direct me? I'm a boxmaker just starting to explore turned and turned-like forms, created by a variety of techniques, including bent lamination, and CNC 4th axis cutting. Thanks! Al Ladd www.alladd.com