This project was built and designed by Jon Peters from Longview Woodworking. It’s a practical, hands-on guide for turning scrap hardwood into smooth, functional wooden spoons using a ball gouge.
Jon’s video shows how a power carving tool can make hollowing the spoon bowl faster and more efficient. It’s a great way to sharpen your carving skills while producing a kitchen item that’s both useful and beautiful.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Jon’s channel:
Choosing the Right Wood
Jon starts by selecting offcuts of walnut and sapele—dense hardwoods with rich grain and color. These scraps are perfect for a small project like this and help reduce waste in the shop.
The wood is flattened and squared before carving begins. This helps keep the blank steady during the carving process and allows for more precise cuts.
Hollowing the Spoon Bowl
The main shaping work starts with the ball gouge. This rotary carving tool is designed for hollowing concave shapes and is especially effective at forming the spoon’s bowl.
Jon marks reference lines to guide the carving and maintain consistent depth and shape. The ball gouge can be aggressive, so he uses a light touch and makes multiple passes to gradually remove material.
To keep the spoon centered and balanced, he marks the center point of the bowl before carving. This helps distribute the cuts evenly and gives the spoon a symmetrical appearance.
Ball Gouge Tips for Better Control
Jon offers several tips to use the ball gouge more effectively:
- Clamp the blank securely before carving.
- Rotate the piece during carving to follow the grain direction.
- Use light pressure and let the tool do the work.
- Be aware of grain direction to minimize tear-out.
Practicing on scrap wood first is essential. The tool can behave unpredictably depending on the grain and hardness of the wood.
Shaping the Handle
Once the bowl is roughed out, the rest of the spoon is shaped using a bandsaw. Jon cuts a gentle curve into the handle and narrows the neck for balance and comfort.
The bandsaw removes the bulk material quickly, laying the groundwork for more detailed sanding and shaping later. This step is also where the final silhouette of the spoon takes shape.
Sanding and Refining the Spoon
After the bandsaw work, Jon moves on to sanding. A belt sander with coarse grit paper is used to smooth out the rough cuts and establish the final shape of the bowl and handle.
Once the basic shape is refined, he switches to an orbital sander and then a palm sander, working through finer grits to bring the surface to a smooth, splinter-free finish. Sanding also highlights the natural beauty of the wood grain.
Why Sanding is Crucial
A well-sanded spoon isn’t just more pleasant to look at—it’s more comfortable in use. Rough edges or uneven surfaces can cause splinters or wear unevenly over time, especially in a kitchen setting.
Sanding also prepares the surface for a food-safe finish, helping it absorb oils or waxes evenly and protecting the wood from moisture.
Applying a Food-Safe Finish
Jon finishes each spoon with a food-safe board wax. This kind of finish enhances the grain and gives the spoon a warm, satin look while keeping it safe for kitchen use.
He recommends maintaining wooden spoons with occasional reapplications of wax or mineral oil. This keeps the wood from drying out and extends the spoon’s lifespan.
The Value of Practice
Jon emphasizes that like any carving tool, the ball gouge takes practice. He notes that each spoon he made in this series turned out a little better than the last.
That learning curve is part of the fun and makes each finished spoon more satisfying. Even small imperfections can add to the character of a handmade spoon.
Benefits of Wooden Spoon Projects
Wooden spoons are great beginner carving projects. They’re small, manageable, and highly customizable, making them ideal for experimenting with shapes and techniques.
They also make excellent gifts and are a good way to turn scrap wood into something meaningful and functional. No two are exactly the same, and the end result is something that can be used and appreciated every day.
Tool Alternatives and Custom Options
While the ball gouge is a powerful tool for this job, traditional carving gouges or knives can also be used. It just takes more time and control.
Jon’s approach with hardwoods like walnut and sapele works well for durability and finish, but other hardwoods like cherry, maple, or beech are also excellent choices. Each species brings its own look and carving feel to the project.
Support Jon by visiting his website: https://jonpeters.com/collections/plans/.