Three years ago for our April issue, I turned my first segmented bowl from maple and walnut. It was a pretty simple orb-shaped design made up of six rings, eight segments per ring, with a large solid-walnut bottom. I had such a good time turning that piece that I’ve since made at least a dozen more segmented bowls in varying styles. While they’re really fun to make, here are three more reasons I like them. First, segmented bowls are comprised of ordinary board lumber, so there’s no need for chainsawing a green log. Second, shaping the inside and outside profiles of the bowl involves turning side grain — not a mix of side and end grain, as you do with a typical one-piece wooden bowl, so the turning and sanding stages are much easier. And third, I think the tiled effect of segmentation is a pleasant visual departure from typical bowls. The staggered design and repeating geometry continues to catch my eye. It has for others as well — these segmented bowls of mine have been good sellers as well as much-appreciated gifts for family and friends!
If you didn’t join me in turning a segmented bowl back in 2021, I invite you to give this second go-around a try for the upcoming holiday gift-giving season. The cherry and maple “brick-laid” pattern really isn’t
