On Jun 24, 7:54*am, "Pete S" wrote:
I have looked at several videos on using the bowl gouge and listened, as
carefully as I can to the audio.
In addition, I have looked at several websites/forums where this issue is
discussed.
* ---Still can't get the hang of it, the hollowing in particular.
Most videos are shot by a videographer, I think, who doesn't really know
what's going on, and so, misses the points that a novice like me needs.
* One example: *the instructor says something like: "hold the gouge like
this". *The video shows the instructor's fist clamped around the tool, while
the tool's business end is completely hidden by the hand.

I would quit bowl turning altogether, and switch to basket weaving, but we
have 70 acres of woods and lot of bowl blanks drying.

Is there any way an ordinary human can learn this skill without a live
tutor?

Pete Stanaitis
--------------- *

Hello Pete,

You've received some good advice, the best being to find someone to
tutor you a bit. However, if that is not available, I would suggest
you go to my web site and download the sample issue of More
Woodturning available there. On page 32, I wrote a story called ,
"Making Bowls Fred's Way." That might be of help to you. The bowl
grind that I've used for a number of years is the Ellsworth Grind,
which has a 60 degree nose angle and swept back wings. There is a
picture of the grind in the article. The Ellsworth Grind works very
well on both the outside of the bowl and on the inside. The grind is
easiest to do with the Ellsworth Jig, which I believe is available
from Woodcraft, that is where I purchased mine a number of years ago.
I found that this bowl grind made turning bowls much easier. With the
60 degree nose, you can turn from the rim to the center of the bottom
of the bowl in one continuous cut. I suggest you read that article.

Fred Holder
http://www.morewoodturning.net/sample.pdf