Before the advent of woodworking power tools, many of the kitchenware items found in homes originated from the surrounding forest and the handcrafting skills of locals. Bowls, trays, and utensils were shaped from green logs with hatchets, handsaws, adzes, chisels, and knives. They were then smoothed by scraping. They took time and brawn to create, resulting in functional pieces that displayed somewhat uneven lines and endearing country charm. Even the wood choices added personality to the pieces, featuring sapwood, crotch figure, knots, and other eye-catching elements.
Today, you can capture the same good looks in a fraction of the time using handheld angle grinders and various carving attachments. I’ll show you how to power-carve a dough bowl to shape from a log half, ending up with a prized container by the day’s end. Once you make the initial investment in tools and cutters, you’ll find you can fill a pickup with one-of-a-kind bowls and trays using green wood from your own backyard. One more thing–don’t feel obligated to knead bread dough in the bowls you make. Use them instead to hold fruits and nuts, as a display item, or as a treasured holiday gift.
Woodcraft Magazine's Classic™ Project Plans
These plans are the "best of" the projects from Editors of Woodcraft Magazine. Each plan features step by step instructions with detail photographs, exploded illustrations for various project steps, a cut list and cutting diagram, and a Convenience Plus Buying Guide so you know exactly what supplies are required to complete the project. Whether you are a beginner or an accomplished woodworker, the Woodcraft Classic Plan series will have a plan for you!