Woodworking 101: Woodturning an ice cream scoop

Samstag, 23. April 2011

Woodturning an ice cream scoop

You might be wondering – WHY? Me too.

I’ve been having fun with some multi axis turning. I want to share what I have done, and hopefully , someone with more experience will share too.

I started with a piece of cherry. 2” square x 10” long. I normally mark the center from corner to corner. Marking this way makes it easier to keep it in line. The compass is set at 3/8” point to point, that will be the offset. This would be a good time to use an awl to make a starting point for the center, and also the other points too.

I marked off an inch on each end for waste. This way I won’t turn away my points of reference. Then I marked off another 1 and 1/2 inch, a total of 2 and 1/2” from the end. I drew a circle, no special size, whatever will fit and leave room all the way around.

I took 2 jaws out of the chuck, and used the tailstock to center it.

The bowl of the scoop depth is half the thickness of the wood. I used a drill bit to start a hole, then I used a carbide cutter to scoop it out. I turned this at maybe 400 to 500 rpm. A catch here could be very hazardous. This thing sounded like a helicopter. If you try this, be careful. This is way out of balance.

I removed the chuck, and used Steb centers to hold the piece on center, between centers. The cool thing about these is, if you catch , the wood will spin and not be a problem. I roughed out where the scoop will be, and made pencil lines to see it better .I used a parting tool to give myself some room to work on the ends, then a 3/8” bowl gouge.

I moved from the center to the top mark on both ends. I turned the outside of the scoop like turning a bead.I only turned the scoop bowl at this time, not the handle. I put some CA glue on a crack to keep it together. This will be out of balance, but it’s not too bad, once you get used to it.

I put the headstock end back on center, and kept the tailstock end in the top position. This cuts more off one side than the rest . It also will make something round go to something flat. It’s cool! If you go too far, it’s just round again. I only cut the handle portion, I left the scoop alone.

I did move back and forth between center and top position on the tailstock end , to get the shape I wanted. I would stop and see how it was looking, and adjust to get what I liked. I ended up with a handle that tapers, is part round and part flat.

Here’s a couple of earlier attempts. Yes, they are goofy looking. It’s all good.

I’m not saying this is the only way, or the best way, it’s how I did this one. There are many variables involved in multi axis, and I am only scratching the surface in figuring it out. If you have any input, I’m all ears. If you try this, be safe.