The proliferation of AI has made searching for information about woodturning significantly easier than using search tools like Google and DuckDuckGo. The great benefit provided by the AI tool is that it gives the answer to the question posed, with links to where it got that answer. It does not simply provide a list of places which might give you the information, but more notably, this is a list of sites through which I must go seek the information.
I prefer to use Perplexity.ai, but there are certainly others such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot (that list is not complete; there are many more).
Note: Most AI systems require you to "sign up", but at least Perplexity and ChatGPT do not require you to pay anything at the lowest tier of usage. And I have not seen a large influx of spam email from this (like when I switched to using Gmail).
To give you an example of where this may be of use to you, I used a question posed recently by Michael Nathal titled, "Looking for an article". I posed this query to Perplexity & ChatGPT:
The responses I received are below. The web links noted are presented a little differently on each site, but this will give you a link to the same place.
Response from Perplexity.ai
Response from ChatGPT.com
I prefer to use Perplexity.ai, but there are certainly others such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot (that list is not complete; there are many more).
Note: Most AI systems require you to "sign up", but at least Perplexity and ChatGPT do not require you to pay anything at the lowest tier of usage. And I have not seen a large influx of spam email from this (like when I switched to using Gmail).
To give you an example of where this may be of use to you, I used a question posed recently by Michael Nathal titled, "Looking for an article". I posed this query to Perplexity & ChatGPT:
Please show me an article on woodturner.org about turning a hollow piece through the bottom
The responses I received are below. The web links noted are presented a little differently on each site, but this will give you a link to the same place.
Response from Perplexity.ai
Turning a Hollow Piece Through the Bottom: Overview
The technique of hollowing a vessel through the bottom-rather than the traditional approach of hollowing through the top opening-allows woodturners to create pieces with extremely small or even non-existent top openings, resulting in an "impossible" hollow form. This method is particularly useful for decorative vessels that appear solid or have only a tiny hole at the top, challenging the viewer’s expectations and showcasing advanced turning skills. (https://www.woodturner.org/Woodturn...Display.aspx?iProductCode=AW3604&Category=PUB)
Key Article Reference
Wes Jones’s article, featured in American Woodturner (Volume 36, Issue 4), specifically addresses this technique. The article details how to create a hollow vessel with a very small or no opening at the top by hollowing through the bottom while the piece is mounted on the lathe.
Process Summary
1. Initial Shaping
- Begin by shaping the exterior of the vessel as usual, focusing on the desired final form.
- The top opening is kept very small or closed entirely, which is the hallmark of this method.
2. Hollowing Through the Bottom
- Instead of hollowing through the top, the piece is hollowed from the bottom.
- The vessel is mounted on the lathe, and a hole is created in the bottom large enough to accommodate hollowing tools.
- Specialized hollowing tools or systems are used to remove the interior wood, working carefully to achieve even wall thickness and avoid breaking through the sides.
3. Closing the Bottom
- After hollowing is complete, the bottom opening is closed.
- This can be done by turning a plug or matching the grain as closely as possible, then gluing it in place.
- The bottom is then finished and blended to hide the seam, making the hollowing process virtually undetectable.
Advantages of Bottom Hollowing
- Enables the creation of vessels with minimal or no top opening.
- Expands artistic possibilities and allows for "impossible" forms.
- The technique is particularly useful for show pieces or competition work where visual intrigue and technical skill are valued.
Related Techniques
Other articles and resources from woodturner.org and the broader woodturning community discuss similar methods, such as:
- Hollowing ornaments by parting and hollowing each half, then gluing them back together. (https://www.woodturner.org/common/Uploaded files/WoodFunPub/WF0804-2019.pdf)
- Using thin parting tools to pare material from the bottom end for specific projects. (https://www.woodturner.org/common/Uploaded files/WoodFunPub/WF0904-2020V2.pdf)
Considerations
- Precision is critical when closing the bottom to ensure the seam is invisible.
- Matching grain and finish are essential for a seamless appearance.
- The technique requires careful planning and advanced turning skills.
Conclusion
Hollowing through the bottom is a specialized woodturning technique that allows for the creation of visually striking vessels with tiny or no openings at the top. Wes Jones’s article in American Woodturner provides a detailed guide to this process, highlighting the creative and technical challenges involved. (https://www.woodturner.org/Woodturn...Display.aspx?iProductCode=AW3604&Category=PUB) This approach pushes the boundaries of traditional woodturning and is a testament to the ingenuity of skilled turners.
Response from ChatGPT.com
The American Association of Woodturners (AAW) has published several resources on the technique of hollowing woodturning projects through the bottom. This method is particularly useful for creating vessels with minimal or no openings at the top, allowing for unique design possibilities.
Key Resources on Hollowing Through the Bottom
- "Hollowing Through the Bottom" by Wes Jones
Featured in American Woodturner, Volume 36, Issue 4 (August 2021), this article by Wes Jones provides a comprehensive guide to hollowing vessels from the bottom. Jones discusses the use of lathe-mounted jigs and specialized tools to achieve this technique, enabling turners to create hollow forms with small or nonexistent top openings. The article includes detailed explanations and illustrations to assist woodturners in mastering this method.
- "Deep Hollowing from the Bottom Up" by Dennis
In the Woodturning FUNdamentals publication (August 2019), Dennis presents a demonstration titled "Deep Hollowing from the Bottom Up." This resource offers insights into the process of hollowing deep vessels starting from the bottom, including discussions on jar shapes, styles, and the tools used for such projects. The article is rich with information beneficial for both novice and experienced woodturners.
- "Carved Turnings"
An earlier article from American Woodturner (1994) titled "Carved Turnings" touches upon the technique of hollowing the base by first sawing off the excess piece and drilling through the base bottom. It then describes the removal of material using a bent scraper, providing foundational knowledge for those interested in bottom-up hollowing methods.
For more detailed information and to access these articles, you can visit the American Association of Woodturners website. Membership may be required to access certain publications.
If you're interested in specific techniques, tools, or project ideas related to hollowing through the bottom, feel free to ask!
