How to Turn Green Wood Mugs
- 1). Use the chainsaw to cut an 8-inch section off the end of the log. Select a log with no evidence of checking or rot.
- 2). Place the log on your workbench with the freshly cut surface facing up.
- 3). Use the square to lay out an 8-by-9-inch rectangle on the freshly cut face. Mark the sides of the rectangle with a pencil.
- 4). Cut along the pencil marks with the band saw to make an 8-by-8-by-9-inch billet.
- 5). Place the billet on the workbench with one 8-by-8-inch surface facing up. Draw a line diagonally across the billet's upper face from one corner to the opposing corner. Draw another line across the face from the remaining corners to form an "X." The center of the "X" will be the center of the billet.
- 6). Use the drywall screws to attach the billet to the faceplate. Use the center of the "X" as a reference point to center the billet.
- 7). Thread the faceplate onto the lathe. Push the lathe's tailstock against the opposite end of the billet for support and tighten.
- 8). Start the lathe on low speed. Rough out and shape the mug with a medium bowl gouge.
- 9). Stop the lathe. Loosen the tailstock and slide it out of the working area. Position your tool rest at the end of the billet.
- 10
Use a small bowl gouge to hollow out and shape the inside of the mug. Leave the walls of the mug at least 1/4-inch thick. - 11
Turn off the lathe and take the mug off the faceplate. - 12
Place the mug inside a paper bag. Cover the paper bag with two more paper bags and close the tops with a paperclip. This will allow the wood to dry slowly enough to prevent checking. Open the paper bags and inspect the project periodically until it is dry.
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