Turning a Platter

Push your skills and create a showstopper.

- By Jimmy Clewes

PROJECT #2108_

Skill Level:

Intermediate

Time: 2 Days

Cost: $100

The platter is probably my most favorite subject to turn. The form is open and shows off the grain in the wood. On the outside, the beautiful double curve of the ogee and a rim that gently curves into the inside makes this piece aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic to hold. It’s also utilitarian.

Prepping the Blank

To start, I find the center of the blank using a pair of dividers or compass by scribing four arcs into the surface. Imagine a clock and scribe the arcs from 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock into the center of the blank, keeping the point of the compass on the outside points. When you make the four arcs, it will form a cross that indicates the middle.

Cutting the blank round on a band saw will make the initial balancing of the blank much quicker and easier. Even just cutting the corners off to make an octagon will be far faster to turn than from a square.

Mount the Blank