Q: How does it work?
A: The BowlSaw is a simple saw that inserts into a groove you create around the edge of the bowl blank that allows you to saw off the bottom of the "daughter-bowl" you have created.

Q: Is it safe?
A: It is very sturdy, made of a heavy Swiss-made Sawsall blade, it is designed to take punishment of sawing both wood and metal. I have made over 50 sets of bowls without a problem and (see testimonial sheet) others have done the same. Fred Holder, Editor of More Woodturning, wrote: "It works just like you said it would. There is no danger in using it. And it's also easy to use."

Q: How long will it last?
A With a brand-new tool as this one is, I have to guess. I've never had one wear out. In the development process (due to faulty welding) I had several break. But after getting good workmanship and using a new design, my guess is 50 bowls (100 units)--and then it could be sharpened.

Q: What tools do I use for the outside groove on the parent bowl?
A: My choice is a 1/8" Hamlet gouge with fingernail grind. This allows me control (on extremely hard woods) and also it works rapidly and is narrow enough to fit the 5/8" groove. When the groove is 5/8" wide and within 3/8" of the bottom, I use a 1/2" Hamlet skew (round shank) . This has good control and removes just the right amout of wood to insert the BowlSaw. (Your method of making that groove depends on your skill and you may want to use a parting tool for the groove. Doug Miller of Woodturning Resources uses the Easy Rougher as it makes a perfect groove for the BowlSaw.) If you make the groove wider than 5/8" to accommodate the tool, that's fine, but the more of the center you save, the larger the "daughter-bowl" will be.

Q: When do I insert the BowlSaw?
A: When you have the groove for the "daughter-bowl" at the proper width (5/8" or so) and depth (3/8" from bottom of parent bowl). If it doesn't fit, widen the groove until it does.

Q: How do I start the BowlSaw?
A: Make sure the tool is all the way down to the skew-flattened bottom of the groove and resting on the tool rest. Turn lathe by hand to start saw kerf on bottom of "daughter-bowl". Then start lathe at a slow speed with tool in place. Gently turn BowlSaw counterclockwise to saw off bottom of inside bowl.

Q: What size blanks will the BowlSaw work with?
A: 5" to 6-1/2" diameter blanks for the 6" BowlSaw, 7" to 8-1/2" blanks for the 8" BowlSaw..