How To Carve A Wooden Bowl | Chop With Chris 

It always a great feeling bringing out the design from a block of wood. The description of the "rush" is perfect. The process of making a bowl is always better then the endpoint.

Maple is fine to use. I prefer green wood since its less likely to crack when I am hewing. An unheated shed is not nearly enough as the wood wants to equalize the moisture with the atmosphere. I recommend you place the bowl in paper grocery bags and then place that in a garbage bag. Then each day replace the grocery bags as they will absorb the moisture slowly from the wood. Also turn the garbage bag inside out as well to evaporate the moisture. Check out 2 of my videos (IV and V).

I have many tools I am able to collect quite cheaply and I know it can be difficult to find such tools for most people so I am happy to spread them out to people who would not normally have the opportunity. I have sent tools to people in US, Canada, and Ukraine. Send me a separate note to my RU-vid inbox if you would like to discuss further and if not, no problem. Go to "seregayoga" RU-vid page and check out the video "tools from Queticochris". Chris

I have many tools I am able to collect quite cheaply and I know it can be difficult to find such tools for most people so I am happy to spread them out to people who would not normally have the opportunity. I have sent tools to people in US, Canada, and Ukraine. Send me a separate note to my RU-vid inbox if you would like to discuss further and if not, no problem. Go to "seregayoga" RU-vid page and check out the video "tools from Queticochris". Chris

I have many tools I am able to collect quite cheaply and I know it can be difficult to find such tools for most people so I am happy to spread them out to people who would not normally have the opportunity. I have sent tools to people in US, Canada, and Ukraine. Send me a separate note to my RU-vid inbox if you would like to discuss further and if not, no problem. Go to "seregayoga" RU-vid page and check out the video "tools from Queticochris". Chris

Matt, The chisel is called a "slick" and it used for finishing large flat surfaces like log cabin beams. I got this at an Amish auction in southern Pennsylvania. It was missing the handle so I made one out of walnut. I paid $30 but you can find them in antique stores and ebay for anywhere from $80 to $250. I see them occasionally and can look for one for you if you would like me to. Send me a personal message if you would like to pursue further. Thanks for the question. Chris

The key is to dry it very slowly. I usually put one coat of oil (tung oil or boiled linseed oil) and then place in a couple of paper grocery bags and then place that in a plastic garbage bag. The moisture absorbs slowly into the paper bag but the plastic bag prevents too much moisture from escaping. I replace the paper bags each day and turn the plastic bag inside out so it does not get nasty from the moisture. I weigh the bowl each day. Check out Hand Carved Wooden Bowl III for more info.

@Dames12345 Need a log splitting wedge and sledge hammer, the more fine splitting you can use a "froe" - looks "L" shaped - hard to find these days. A hatchet for rough work. An adze curved on both axis for the inside of the bowl. A curved chisel with the bevel on the bottom side for fine work on the inside. A scaper to smooth the inside and out. Watch all my bowl video's and you get a good idea of what you need.

Mike, I got an old drywall hammer and had a blacksmith shape it into an adze. Much cheaper! I describe this in detail in my video called: "My Hobby - Wood, Tools, and Video". I also provide the contact information for my blacksmith. You can work with him directly to get one made. Good luck. Chris

The wood is cherry and it was green. I always seal the wood with Anchorseal to hold in the moisture. This is just a hobby for me al be it I am very passionate! This video was made in Maryland. Thanks for your comments. You understand more about me watching my video called: My Hobby - Tools, Wood, and Video. Take care. Chris

@fraudioc, I am flattered that I inspire you given all the inspiration your beautiful country has all around you. I use tung oil finish but I'm not sure it is food safe. You can use mineral oil, boiled linseed oil, and peanut oil to name a few. Do an internet search for food safe oils and you will find some more. Chris

@max465t, Glad you enjoyed it. Check out my video "Hand Carved Wooden Bowl III - Walnut where I describe how I dry out my bowls. Please let me know if you have more questions. Also - you may enjoy "The Anniversary Table". It has nothing to do with bowls but its my best video yet. Chris

@Dames12345 Also get a book called "The Woodwright's Shop" by Roy Underhill - He has a show on public broadcasting (PBS) - look him up on-line to see the shows - all handtools uisng traditional techniques. I lived in England for 6 months back in 2000 - West Byfleet in Surrey

@doberman74 Given the intricate design it took about 16 hours to hew and carve and 5 weeks to dry out. I did this over the course of 2 weeks. In between sessions I wetted the ends to prevent cracking and kept it in a plastic bag. Hope this helps. Chris

@mach92goose I have lots of video's already on RU-vid. Subscribe to my RU-vid channel at "Queticochris" and you will get copied on all current and future videos. I'm glad you liked it. Chris

Ah yes - Bought this from someone on Craigslist for $150. They were using it as a table top. This is a standard wood working bench top with a leg vise and tail vise. Chris

Thanks. You've got a great channel. I just posted a new video - check it out - "The Anniversary Table" @ Queticochris. I made a dining room table with just hand tools.

Thanks. I am self taught and enjoy the challenge. You can gain more insight on me by watching my video - My Hobby: Wood, Tools, and Video. Chris

It's a Beatty. About 150 years old. It's the most perfectly designed and balanced tool I own. I told my wife I want to be buried with it!

Thanks for the feedback. Check out some of my newer video's. I have some new video editing software and made them a bit more exciting....

She turns the volume up on the TV! I am very glad you enjoyed the video. I have many other videos - please enjoy them all. Chris

Its a dog-leg gouge which I purchased from Countryworkshops on the internet (dot com). They are expensive but worth it. Chris

Flea markets and auctions - Check out my video: My Hobby - Wood, Tools, and Video. I go through how I get all my tools. Chris

For this bowl I used tung oil finish which is not food grade. For food grade I use butcher block oil.

@municsscareme, It was as much fun finding them and refinishing them as it was to use them. Chris

You need to follow your passion. If you enjoy the dremmel then stick with it. Good luck. Chris

@nedeljkomostar, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I hope to have a new video by Christmas. Chris

@Dames12345 , For what woodworking project do you want me to suggest a starter kit? Chris

I have hundreds but the reality is all you need is a few - axe, saw, adze, chisel, hammer

Great videos. Keep up the good work. I love the sense of rush when you are removing the rough stock.

@doberman74 Good luck and post a photo or video of your work as well. Chris

It took about 12-16 hours total for the woodworking and 6 weeks to dry it out.

Not sure - it is heavy - I am not so good at carving thin bowls.... Chris

I have to say I am not an expert. I just use standard stones and strope

Thanks. I have several nowl videos. I hope you like them all. Chris

I can't seem to get this link to work. Please resend. Thanks Chris

Passion flows from within - If you have it then you will be. Chris

Nope. I tried it very slowly and keep it out of the sun. Chris

Are you referring to the very long work bench or the short one?

I just use basic sharpening stones. I am far from an expert.

I will send you a note directly by this weekend. Chris

Thanks. It turned out better than I expected. Chris

@barto11000 Please describe "wall sculpture". Chris

Thanks. I have many more. I hope you enjoy. Chris.

Sorry - Just a hobby right now - maybe someday

@ec2749, Honesty is the best policy. Chris

ขอบคุณ ฉันได้เดินทางไปกรุงเทพฯหลายครั้ง คุณมีประเทศที่สวยงาม คริส

Vă mulțumesc pentru toate complimentele. Chris

Appreciate seeing the cross cut sawing. A lot of hand carvers (including myself) rely on chainsaws and bandsaws so it's refreshing to see all hand

Why? It takes a ton of memory.

I ingest a lot of ibuprofen.....

Glad you enjoyed the video. This bowl is not used to store food so I used tung oil finish. There are several food grade oils available. The easiest one to find at hardware stores is boiled Linseed Oil. If you search online you can find several other as well. Good luck. Chris

Per your comment on my bowl carving video: I have so many chosen tools ...Let me know the timestamp in the video of the tools you have questions about so I can answer you in detail. Also, I have many tool I do not use and am happy to send you some at no cost. Let me know and check out my other bowl videos. The design of this bowl is based on the common a famous Swedish bowl carver named Bengt Lidstrom. Chris

I recently was given a hand chopped Bowl made by bill day from West Lebanon Indiana was wondering if he is a well known craftsman in the bowl making community

Thanks you my friend. Chris

Well said. Sometimes you tell the wood what it's going to be and other times the wood tells you what its going to be. Often I look at the wood from several angles literally for hours until I can see the endpoint in my head in 3D. Then the rest is easy. Chris

Glad you enjoyed the video. I have a couple other videos for carving - check them out. Let me know if you need any specific tools. I have a bunch I never use and could send them to you. Chris

@T3hJones Thanks for the comments. I did feel a little weird using the saws but I wanted to use them since they are just hanging on the wall and I've had some issues recently with cracking my bowls when I am hewing the outside corners. I guess I need to learn a bit more control. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I sure love making them. Carving pours ice water on the fires of stress. Chris

I get that a lot. Thanks.

Several things. When I get a fresh cut log I coat the ends with Anchor Seal which goes on as white waxy substance but dries clear and holds the moisture in and prevent cracking. I normally finish the ends last but whenever I am not carving on a piece I coat the ends with water and place it in a paper bag and then a plastic bag. Hope this helps. Chris

Thanks for the compliments. I have made a few newer bowl videos since I made this one that may provide additional instruction. I hope this helps. Chris

I will need a new computer for that given I have maxed out my current computuer. Maybe next year I can have the funds to upgrade. Chris

Thanks for compliment. It took about 16 hours of pure joy. I have a few newer bowl videos and may want to watch my video called "Beauty and the Beast". Chris

Thanks for the compliment. It took me about 12 hours. I have some newer bowl carving videos you may enjoy and an wooden apple carving video as well. Chris

For this I used tung oil finish but there are many other oils you can use: Minerial oil, Butcher blcok oil, Boiled Linseed oil, etc.

I give them to friends as gifts, use them to store, mail, remote controls, etc. or display them in my basement. I just enjoy making them. Chris

The key is to dry it very slowly to eliminate the internal stresses, give a few coats of oil, and keep it out of the sun. Chris

Thank you. This project took about 16 hours plus 60 days for drying the bowl completely. You may also enjoy my video called "Beauty and the Beast", my 1st wood sculpture. Good luck in your studies and career. Chris

Brendan, Thanks for the comments. Its been a great journey these past 18 months of collecting and learning to use all these old tools. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Chris

I like how your bowls have handles like a tray... tray + bowl = troll? lol. I'm probably enjoying your videos more than I should... better get back to my bench.

Never sold them n

Best of luck!

SO glad you enjoyed it. I have more bowl and non-bowl video's. Please enjoy all of them. Chris

Gracias a mi amigo.

Thank you my friend. I really enjoydoing this. Very soon I will be releasing my next video called "The Rocking Chair". I know you will love it. Take care. Chris

Glad you enjoyed it. I have another video coming out in the next few weeks. Stay tubed. Chris

Spokeshave

Good luck!

@Playborn Glad you enjoyed it. I have several bowl videos. I hope they are helpful to you. Chris

Obrigado meu amigo.

No doubt!

16 hours

Thanks.

Thanks

Great!

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks

Always!

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks

Yep

Yep!

Tack min svenska vän!

Loved the video and the bowl. I'm curious how this has held up over the last few years. Any major cracks or warping?

Thanks for the compliment. I hope you enjoy all my bowl videos. Chris