Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
How deep can I turn a bowl without going through the bottom?
For most of my bowls the answer comes from the shape itself. The outside curve is supported by the foot, and the bottom of the bowl finishes right at the base of that foot. If I keep the inside wall parallel to that outside curve all the way down, I'm guaranteed not to break through, because the two surfaces are always the same distance apart.
What if there's a recess turned into the base?
Then the rule changes slightly. As the wall comes down towards a recessed foot, it needs to get a touch thicker, not stay parallel, otherwise you'll cut through where the recess reduces the material left underneath.
How do you actually check the thickness as you go?
Some turners set up a jig on the lathe to check as they cut. Others use metal calipers. I mostly rely on feel, my fingers pressed either side of the wall, checking it stays even all the way down.This one came from a viewer question, if you've got something you'd like answered in 60 seconds or so, drop it in the comments and I'll pick one or two to answer each week.
🎓 Want to learn in person? I run woodturning courses at my school in Hampshire for all levels — from complete beginners through to more advanced techniques. Details at www.thewoodturning.school
🛢️ My Finishes: yandles.co.uk/shop/?manufacturer=martin-saban-smith-woodturning
📘 Design and proportion in woodturning — I wrote the book: msabansmith.com/shop
📍 Based at Garthowen Garden Centre, Four Marks, Hampshire — next to the South Downs National Park.
🌐 msabansmith.com
Facebook — Me: facebook.com/msabansmith
Facebook — Woodturning School: facebook.com/thewoodturningschool
Instagram — Me: instagram.com/msabansmith
Instagram — School: instagram.com/thewoodturningschool
The visual video content (including my voice), any text and any graphics in the video are Copyright © Woodturning Online Ltd 2015–2026. All rights reserved.
How deep can I turn a bowl without going through the bottom?
For most of my bowls the answer comes from the shape itself. The outside curve is supported by the foot, and the bottom of the bowl finishes right at the base of that foot. If I keep the inside wall parallel to that outside curve all the way down, I'm guaranteed not to break through, because the two surfaces are always the same distance apart.
What if there's a recess turned into the base?
Then the rule changes slightly. As the wall comes down towards a recessed foot, it needs to get a touch thicker, not stay parallel, otherwise you'll cut through where the recess reduces the material left underneath.
How do you actually check the thickness as you go?
Some turners set up a jig on the lathe to check as they cut. Others use metal calipers. I mostly rely on feel, my fingers pressed either side of the wall, checking it stays even all the way down.This one came from a viewer question, if you've got something you'd like answered in 60 seconds or so, drop it in the comments and I'll pick one or two to answer each week.
🎓 Want to learn in person? I run woodturning courses at my school in Hampshire for all levels — from complete beginners through to more advanced techniques. Details at www.thewoodturning.school
🛢️ My Finishes: yandles.co.uk/shop/?manufacturer=martin-saban-smith-woodturning
📘 Design and proportion in woodturning — I wrote the book: msabansmith.com/shop
📍 Based at Garthowen Garden Centre, Four Marks, Hampshire — next to the South Downs National Park.
🌐 msabansmith.com
Facebook — Me: facebook.com/msabansmith
Facebook — Woodturning School: facebook.com/thewoodturningschool
Instagram — Me: instagram.com/msabansmith
Instagram — School: instagram.com/thewoodturningschool
The visual video content (including my voice), any text and any graphics in the video are Copyright © Woodturning Online Ltd 2015–2026. All rights reserved.
