Am I missing something?

[cskipper]

I've read several posts where folks are boring their holes in turned pieces instead of doing the whole process with with gouges or other turning tools. I was taught to do all of it on the lathe - not by starting out by initially boring the center. I mark the depth I want by putting tape on the gouge that will tell me when I am as deep as I want to go,

Am I the only one doing it this way and most folks are boring the initial holes? It sure would be easier.

 

[Big Mike]

Making a hole in the center to the approximate finished depth of the piece is a good practice. It helps prevent the accidental creation of a funnel.... No, you don't have to do the hole in the center but lots of people find it easier to set a depth mark and remove the center core which is essentially stationary during the turning process.

 

[cskipper]

What's the preferred/recommended method for doing this?

 

[Big Mike]

Cathy, mount a drill chuck in your tailstock with about a 3/8" drill. Measure the height of your bowl and determine how thick you want the bottom to be. Don't forget to subtract any recess you have made for a foot or chuck. Measure the desired depth on the drill bit and mark it with tape. Turn on the lathe and feed the bit into the wood until the desired depth is achieved.

Funnels are great for decorating the shop with....DAMHIKT!!!!:rolf:

 

[cskipper]

funnels haven't been my problem yet. If anything, I tend to make my walls too thin, to the point of cutting them off like Steve did!