DIY Network

Turning the Bottom Turning the Bottom From "Woodturning Techniques" episode DWTT-113

Figure A

The body of the birdhouse fits inside the roof of the house (figure A), and the bottom of the house fits inside the base of the body. Here's how to create a perfect fit.

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Steps

1. A tenon is cut on the bottom with a parting tool, and the blank is turned and fitted into the chuck.

2. The face of the piece is turned smooth, using a bowl gouge to make short cuts.

3. Next, a pencil is held against the spinning blank at intervals to mark a series of circles (figure B). The goal is to match one of the circles to the exterior measurements of the birdhouse body, directing where the pieces will fit together.

4. After determining which inside circle is closest to the body measurements, mark it with a pencil (figure C). Then, using a parting tool, cut a recess 1/2" deep at this circle and check the fit of the two pieces (figure D).

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

5. When the fit is correct, hold the pieces firmly in place with the tailstock. This allows the bottom piece of the house to be turned to match the diameter of the walls. The bottom excess is turned away with a bowl gouge and, when it's finished, will have the general shape of a finial.

6. Sand the bottom to blend seamlessly with the body of the birdhouse.

7. To turn the finial at the bottom, an interior recess is turned to hold the piece in the chuck. This step works only if there is enough wood; otherwise the expanding jaws of the chuck would split the piece apart. A parting toll is used to create this 1/4" recess.

8. Attach the piece to the chuck and remove the excess wood with a bowl gouge.

9. A spindle gouge is used to shape the finial (figure E).

10. To hold the top, cut a tenon in a plywood disc and slip the top of the house over the tenon to finish shaping the rounded top (figure F). Employ a bowl gouge for the finial shaping, using the side of the bevel to produce a fine cut.

11. Sand with 100-, 150- and 220-grit sandpaper.

12. Use a spindle gouge to finish smoothing the base (figure G).

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G