This whole discussion seems to me to elucidate a lot of hard ways to
solve an easy problem. The lathe is the right tool for the job.

Bill

George wrote:
"Gerald Ross" wrote in message
...
George wrote:
"Gerald Ross" wrote in message
...
procedure. Sand bottom of bowl flat and top fairly flat on 4" belt
sander. Invert bowl on base of jig, center masonite guide on dovetail
recess of bowl and hold with rubber bands on corners. Adjust depth of
bit to touch bottom of dovetail recess and route slowly letting guide
bushing guide the router. A soft start router and slowest speed is the
way to go. I stop frequently and blow the dust out so it won't interfere
with the guide bushing.
Seems you could use a bottoming bit, the same jig and bushing for level
rather than fussing with sanding? Then go two steps up in the bushing
and work your dovetail. With the longer shanks on 1/2" bits, you could
easily go to 1/2 stock and avoid the flex.

I'd wedge for level and tack with hot glue for down below.
You lost me. How can I level the bottom if the jig is resting on it? The
dovetail bit does cut on the bottom, and levels the bottom of the recess.
On the bowls I've done with it, it takes about 2 seconds to knock the
bottom flat on the sander. It does not seem necessary to level the top of
the bowl.

Rest the jig on the table or whatever via the three legs straddling the
bowl. I hate belt sanders, gave mine to the school after rounding over and
gouging everything I touched with it. Now a block plane....