How I make my Heart Bowls

[Bill T Tucker]

Apparently HiTech acquired the design and rights to make the Glaser screw chucks. This was a long time ago and they were terribly slow about production. I already had bought one from Jerry before he passed but wanted a second one as a spare. I understand HiTech is sometimes difficult to purchase things from, perhaps not returning calls.

However, Alan Lacer carries the screw chuck and usually has them in stock. His price is lower, and he's quite responsive.

Glaser Screw Chuck

No other screw chuck on the market allows such versatility as this chuck. The three different configurations allow for these different base diameters: 1 1/2", 2 1/2" and 31/2". The bases are made with a narrow

stores.alanswoodturningstore.com

I recently purchased another 1-1/4x8 from him as a spare (or in case a student just has to have one immediately or to loan out. I like to keep two on hand but don't really need three!)
As of last week I believe he was out of stock on the smaller size, 1"x8tpi, after I bought the last one to send to a friend. If someone needs that smaller thread size, give him a call - maybe he'll get more before too long.

I also got one of his diamond slip stones to evaluate after reading about it on this forum. My initial impressions after using it on just a couple of gouges - I think it will be most useful. It's a little coarser grit than a conical diamond hone I use a lot inside the flute on gouges, but it works well.

Diamond Slipstone/Hone BACK IN STOCK!!!!!

Diamond hone, diamond slipstone, round edge hone

stores.alanswoodturningstore.com

Alan is wonderful to deal with - things I ordered were sent out the same day.

JKJ

Thanks for the heads up...fond memories of Alan, taught us how to use the skew in a previous century...19??...18??, or we now say, the other day

 

[John K Jordan]

Thanks for the heads up...fond memories of Alan, taught us how to use the skew in a previous century...19??...18??, or we now say, the other day

I watched his skew video, ahem, "the other day" but it's been a long "other". So when making an order I added his set of 5+ DVDs, including Skew Chisel and Son of Skew.

Now I can binge watch them then loan to others. Might take a while - looks like the total viewing time is about 11 hrs! I haven't see some, like the shopmade tools and jigs and his projects. The Getting Started video might be a help to some beginners.
I know there are a lot of videos of him on youtube from clubs and such, but it's nice to have the DVDs in hand.

I always start new students on the skew but maybe I'm not too old yet to learn or be reminded of some things...

JKJ

 

[Vincent Vogel]

@David Wyke Here's my heart bowl. It was pretty easy following your instructions. I used a woodworm screw and put a tenon on the bottom that way I could use the same chuck for both sides. I can see where you could make a batch of these pretty quickly. These instructions would work with any shape you want to make. One coat of tung oil. Thanks.

 

[David Wyke]

@David Wyke Here's my heart bowl. It was pretty easy following your instructions. I used a woodworm screw and put a tenon on the bottom that way I could use the same chuck for both sides. I can see where you could make a batch of these pretty quickly. These instructions would work with any shape you want to make. One coat of tung oil. Thanks.

That looks great and Valentines Day is next week!
Oh…..send me $5.00

 

[Joe Channey]

10. The end result. I leave some natural but I use wood dye on most. I have no process for the dye, I just have 6-7 colors out on the table and slap it on until I think it looks good. I will sometime use a sealer over the dye before the lacquer and sometime just use lacquer with no sealer. I determine this by the species of wood.
I let customers know if they place the heart bowl next to a window the sun will eventually fade the dye.
I apologize for the quality of some of the photos. They were on an old phone and I was unable to transfer them or the videos so I had to take snapshots of them.

View attachment 68085
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[Joe Channey]

You did great job, easy to understand, Thanks for the new idea.

 

[Bob Raasch]

11. I have shared this process with a dozen or more turners. If they have an issue it is always with the center hole not being used or turning the outer edge of the heart shape which should not be touched until the final process and with a sander only.
You can make any size heart bowl with this process. One thing to remember is the indention of the top lobs will be determined by the thickness of the wood. If you bring the lobs in to far down on thinner wood the top of the heart shape will end up in the bottom of your bowl.
I have sold many of these, gave away, and donated. So, have fun making them they are great sellers at shows. I have several people asking for them now so even though I was in a funk and not wanting to make anymore you guys have revitalized me and now I plan to make a few more soon.
If you have any questions I’ll be happy to answer them and help in any way possible.
If I think of something I left out I will edit the post!
AND, IF YOU MAKE ONE POST IT ON THIS THREAD, so I can see them!!

David, these bowls are gorgeous. Love the color application.

 

[David Wyke]

David, these bowls are gorgeous. Love the color application.

Thank you!

 

[Bob Raasch]

A shallow heart bowl for my wife Valentines Day, 2024. Approx 1 1/2" thick x 8" diam. Maple.