This project was built and designed by Brady Hommel. It features a striking walnut bowl shaped entirely by hand using an angle grinder, showing just how creative and refined power carving can be.
Brady takes a leftover slab from a kitchen island build and turns it into something entirely different—a one-of-a-kind decorative bowl. The project focuses on organic design, grain exposure, and finishing techniques that highlight the natural beauty of black walnut.
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Finding the Right Piece of Walnut
The project starts with a beautifully grained walnut cutoff that had been sitting around the shop. Rather than discarding it or cutting it into small scraps, Brady saw the potential to repurpose it into something with both form and function.
Walnut is prized for its deep color and swirling grain, which makes it ideal for artistic pieces like bowls or trays. With the right tools and a bit of vision, even a discarded offcut can become a highlight piece.
Designing the Bowl
The shape of the bowl was inspired by a photo Brady had seen online. He used that inspiration to sketch a rough outline directly onto the wood before trimming it down with a crosscut sled.
To ensure the bowl would sit flat on a table, Brady needed to flatten the underside. A planer sled, paired with a few shims and hot glue, made quick work of this, providing a stable surface for the rest of the build.
Power Carving the Interior
To control depth while carving, Brady drilled a shallow reference hole into the center of the blank. This gave him a clear endpoint as he shaped the inside of the bowl.
With a carving disc attached to an angle grinder, he started from the center and carved outward in sweeping motions. This process revealed the grain layer by layer, creating texture and depth while following the natural flow of the wood.
Managing Dust and Stability
Power carving with an angle grinder produces a significant amount of dust and chips. Brady advises preparing for cleanup ahead of time and wearing proper safety gear during the process.
Securing the workpiece proved to be a bit of a challenge. To solve this, he used painter’s tape combined with CA glue—a trick that allowed temporary adhesion strong enough to hold the piece in place, yet easy to remove afterward.
Shaping the Exterior
Once the interior was shaped, Brady flipped the piece to begin carving the outer profile. He used the same grinder and carving wheel setup to match the outer curves to the inner contours.
To smooth and refine the shape, he brought in a spindle sander. This helped clean up any remaining tool marks and define the curves more clearly while keeping the bowl symmetrical.
Sanding and Grain-Raising Technique
With the shape complete, sanding began in earnest. Starting with coarse grits and gradually progressing to finer ones, Brady sanded both the interior and exterior of the bowl.
Between grits, he sprayed water onto the surface to raise the grain. This step makes sanding more effective and results in a glass-smooth final surface. It also helps the finish penetrate more evenly when it’s applied later.
Applying the Finish
Mineral oil was the first layer applied, soaking into the walnut and enhancing its deep brown tones. Several coats were used to ensure full absorption.
After that, Brady added a layer of wood wax to provide extra protection and a subtle sheen. The final finish brought out every detail in the grain, giving the bowl an almost glowing appearance in natural light.
Pricing and Selling Hand-Carved Bowls
Though the project started as a personal creative exercise, Brady noted that walnut bowls like this can fetch high prices on the market. The combination of handmade appeal and natural beauty makes them popular in both gift shops and online marketplaces.
Still, the true value of the piece comes from the process—learning new techniques, solving design problems, and seeing a discarded board turn into something beautiful.
A Great Introduction to Power Carving
This walnut bowl project is a perfect example of what can be achieved with just one tool and a bit of imagination. The angle grinder, paired with a carving disc, opens up creative possibilities that go beyond traditional joinery or flat-panel woodworking.
Whether you’re an experienced woodworker or just exploring power carving for the first time, this type of project offers a satisfying blend of challenge and reward. It’s a great way to work with wood’s natural shapes and discover the artistic side of the craft.
Please support Brady by visiting his website: https://bradyhommel.com/.