Andy Coates creates a decorative bowl, which remains attached to its base.

A whileĀ ago I turned a bowl on the end of a 1000 x 200 x 200mm block of oak (Quercus robur). Surprisingly it sold as a āfloor bowlā, and Iāve always meant to make another. Recently, I found a large block of very old oak in the wood store and decided to make another, but this time I would pyrograph and colour the bowl. I like the āover-sizedā nature of the object and this allows for the inevitable occurrence of somebody trying to lift the bowl off the block and the incredulous look that passes over their face as they realise it is all one single piece.
I tend to use material that is not ideal for more refined projects or jobs; old posts are ideal but any large block will do. If your stock is a little rough, all the better as this provides a contrast between the turned bowl and its base. I will create further contrast by pyrographing and patinating the bowl. The intention is for an object that looks as if the block has revealed the hidden bowl, like an artefact recovered from a marine concretion.
Equipment
Tools
- 10mm long-ground bowl gouge
- 10mm spindle gouge
- 10mm parting and beading tool
- 2mm parting tool
- Skew chisel
- Multi-head half-round bar scraper
Materials
- Old oak post section: 150 x 150 x 200mm
- Strip of Formica
- Abrasives 180ā400 grits
- Cellulose sealer
- Patinating paint
- PPE: facemask, gloves, dust mask/respirator
Bowl plan







With a square base it is vital that the surface is completely flat along the edges










Painting
Paint finishes are available in a range of colours, textures and effects. While not all are labelled as suitable for wood, many are. Experiment with a sample. Patinating finishes offer an exciting range of design opportunities.








Pyrography
A smoke extractor is essential if doing a lot of pyrography. Place a small fan behind your work area to help drive the smoke towards the extractor. If you feel any heat through the pyrography tool stop work immediately and allow the handset to cool.