This project was built and designed by Izzy Swan.
Izzy demonstrates a simple, purpose-built jig that allows a woodworker to turn both the outside and the inside of a wooden bowl on a tablesaw, turning a familiar tool into a small lathe-like setup for segmented or solid blanks.
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Design and Purpose
The jig is conceived as a single solution to handle both outside profiling and hollowing the interior of a bowl using the tablesaw as the primary cutting power.
The approach is experimental and approachable, showing how a stout, well-secured fixture can expand the capabilities of common shop equipment for bowl turning tasks.
Setup and Safety
Securing the blank and balancing it on the jig are the foundation of a safe and successful run, and Izzy emphasizes checking fasteners and alignment before spinning the assembly at speed.
He also highlights the inherent risk of repurposing machines and recommends only attempting similar setups when the operator fully understands their equipment and clamps the work extremely solidly.
Turning the Outside
For the exterior profile, the blank is mounted and the tablesaw blade is raised into the rotating work to shape the bowl’s outside, with careful attention to centering to minimize vibration.
Izzy notes that initial imbalance can cause vibration early in the cut, but a sturdy jig and good mounting will stabilize once some material is removed and the piece becomes more balanced.
Turning the Inside
The interior cup is made by reversing or repositioning the blank and using a different blade suited to hollowing, allowing a controlled approach to the internal profile without switching to a lathe.
Izzy demonstrates that matching blade choice and blade height adjustments let a builder experiment with wall thickness and interior shapes while staying within the tablesaw setup’s limitations.
Troubleshooting and Practical Tips
Balance the blank as well as possible before cutting and consider temporary braces or supports behind the work if extra security is desired, especially for segmented pieces with irregular density.
Expect vibration, plan for it by building the jig heavy and rigid, and be prepared to stop and rebalance if chatter persists; changes in blade size or blade height are useful levers for tuning results.
Finishing and Next Steps
After turning, simple finishing—oil or another surface treatment—helps reveal the bowl’s form and any natural features like knots that become focal points rather than flaws.
Izzy suggests experimenting with different blade sizes and settings to refine wall thickness and profile, and to treat the first runs as experiments to learn how the jig behaves with various blanks.
Why This Jig Matters
This jig demonstrates a resourceful way to extend the functionality of a tablesaw, offering a low-barrier method for makers who want to explore bowl turning without investing in a lathe right away.
The technique encourages careful setup, attention to balance, and iterative adjustments—skills that translate across many shop projects and help build confidence with nonstandard jigs.
Please support Izzy by visiting his website: https://www.izzyswan.com/.