Bowl Turning/Carving - Does growth ring orientation matter?

[Tetsuaiga]

Can anyone tell me whether it matters in a structural sense what the grain curve is when deciding how to hollow out a bowl?

I am of course talking about a piece that isn't quartersawn. So should you make the bowl follow the growth ring curve or the opposite where the edge will go through more growth rings?




Thanks

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Whether it matters in a structural sense? How strong do you need your bowl to be? The grain pattern will be much plainer if the curve of the bowl follows the annual rings, that's the only real difference as far as I can see.

 

[xraymtb]

There is a download from someone on this forum (guessing at CHJ) that shows exactly what grain pattern each different log orientation makes when hollowed. Can't remember the website now but hopefully others can?

 

[xraymtb]

http://www.quest42.co.uk/woodwork/html/projects.html

Found it I think. The log to turned items growth rings download.

 

[Dalboy]

Never bothered me which way they go as I tend to look at a piece of wood and turn it for the best visual effect in my opinion. I have not had any problems with turning in any direction as I have made bowls into end grain as well they just tend to soak up more sealer or finish.

 

[CHJ]

The more of the thin structure is formed from end grain section the more risk of it breaking out if mis-handled.

A look through this set of examples might show up the forms at most risk.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

The more of the thin structure is formed from end grain section the more risk of it breaking out if mis-handled.
Good point. I had visions of someone using the bowl as a step or something when "structural" was mentioned.