Module 4: Faceplate & Chuck Work¶

Overview¶

This module covers faceplate and chuck turning, which allows production of hollow forms (bowls), the hollowing technique, and reverse turning for finishing. These techniques extend the lathe's capability beyond spindle turning to create functional and decorative ware.

Learning Objectives¶

Mount a workpiece safely on faceplate or in scroll chuck
Balance and set up a bowl blank for safe rotation
Cut a bowl exterior and interior with proper technique
Perform hollowing with appropriate tools and methods
Apply reverse turning to refine a piece or finish the base
Produce a finished bowl or hollow form

Module Structure¶

Slide 1: Faceplate & Chuck Mounting & Safety
Slide 2: Bowl Turning—Exterior Design
Slide 3: Bowl Turning—Interior (Hollowing)
Slide 4: Reverse Turning & Bottom Finishing
Slide 5: Finishing & Decoration Techniques

Assessment¶

Practical: Mount and set up a bowl blank safely
Project: Turn a complete bowl with exterior, interior, and finished base
Technique evaluation: Proper tool angle, control, safe positioning
Quality assessment: Wall thickness consistency, finish quality, dimensional accuracy

Time Allocation¶

Instructor Delivery & Demonstration: 2.5 hours
Hands-on Practice (Supervised & Independent): 8 hours
Project Evaluation: 1 hour
Total Module Time: 11.5 hours

Prerequisites¶

Module 1: Lathe Anatomy & Turning Theory
Module 2: Turning Tools & Sharpening
Module 3: Spindle Turning Techniques (for foundational tool control)

Resources¶

Wood lathe with variable speed control
Scroll chuck or faceplate with appropriate mounting hardware
Bowl gouges (standard and swept-back)
Bowl blanks (6"–8" diameter, 3"–4" thick, various woods)
Hollowing tools (optional; e.g., Sorby hollow tools or carbide burrs for power hollowing)
Calipers and depth gauge
Sandpaper (80, 120, 220, 320 grit)
Finishing oils/waxes, stains (optional)
Dust collection or masks (bowl work produces more dust than spindle)

Module Version: 1.0 Created: 2026-03-15