Plates are a good project for any skill level, but students should have some turning experience. The skills and techniques learned during class can be easily applied to other items such as bowls or platters. In this class we will make a wooden plate that you will be proud to eat a meal off of. Don't be surprised if you are asked to make a matching set of plates! In class we will:
· Discuss how and where to process your own plate blank
· Discuss different plate designs
· Plate sizes
· Rim width and thickness
· Rim and edge profiles
· Base (foot) size and different types of bases
· Different ways to mount the blank for the initial shaping
· Use of a Negative Rake Scraper
· Use of a Beading Tool
· How to make your own large wooden jaws
· How to get a flat bottom and sanding tips
· Food safe finishes and what finishes to avoid.
I will be making the project along with everyone, so every step will be covered, showed and explained. There are a few tips that will help to make things easier, and in the end you will have a 9 inch plate, perfect for many uses.
Please bring the following tools if you have them:
· Bowl gouge (3/8” and/or 1/2")
· Bottom Bowl Gouge (if you have it)
· Spindle Gouge (3/8”)
· Skew
· Curved or Round nose scraper, Negative Rake or Traditional is fine
· Beading Tool (if you have it)
· PPE
· Ruler, tape measure, pencil, sandpaper
Pat will provide a blank to make a 9-inch plate. If students want to bring their own blank, or bring a larger blank to make a larger plate that's fine. If bringing their own blank it should be dry, round, and 10" to 11.5" (max) diameter x 1.5" to 2" thick. Quartersawn is preferred but not required. Local hardwood such as Maple, Ash, Elm, Walnut, Honey Locust, or Cottonwood is fine. Do not bring: super soft wood such as Pine, Fir, Redwood, or Aspen; exotic woods; or blanks with any large knots, cracks, or other defects.