Woodturning Segmented Platter – Tips, Tricks, and Bloopers
In case of viewing difficulty, this video is also posted to YouTube and FaceBook. Best to stay right here!
For this project, I am pushing my limits. After my move from Oregon to Utah, I had several project crack from the change in humidity. These were generally flatter projects with long butt joints. I resolved to turn a platter that would not crack.
One issue is the outer rim when segments extend out often with limited support and on this platter – no support. The butt joints between segments are very sensitive to changes in humidity and risk cracks. To resolve this, the outer ring is a lamentation of two rings with the joints offset. This plan supports the butt joints with stronger side grain joints.
In addition, since the project is flat, rings cannot bricklay on top of each other. Instead, I cut matching bevels on each pair of rings. The bevel gives a lot of forgiveness in matching the joints and extends the glue line a little bit.
The platter contains 48 segments in walnut and hickory. In addition, the center is 3 plys of maple cross-banded to constrain grain movement. The platter is about 10 inches in diameter and finished with walnut oil.
Enjoy!
Hi
Would it be possible to rough turn the plate blank, cut it in half diagonally and use biscuits glued into each half and re-glued together to strengthen the outer rings? Just a thought…
John 😀
The only way to tell would be to try it. 🙂
Thank you
Alan
Great video! I enjoy all your comments and learning experiences. Please continue to explain any difficulties.
Will do.
Thank you
Alan
As I view your videos I am glad that you share and show some of your mistakes. I often learn from your efforts and maybe I don’t make those mistakes.
Thank you David.
I will keep making mistakes. 🙂
Alan
Same joint failure issues here in the northeast where there is a 80% humidity swing between the seasons to the point that I stopped making segmented platters but I like your solutions. With all social turning and woodworking activities now shut down for a 2nd straight year other than these spectator videos I’ve given up and going back to hiking, fishing, kayaking.
Those are healthy swings to deal with
The outdoors are enjoyable also. Keep a lookout for some great wood for when you come back.
Alan
Alan. I very much appreciate you sharing the challenges. The learning is always in the mistakes, that’s how we all learn. The end result is very striking and attractive. My congratulations and thanks. Russell
Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
There are plenty of mistakes to go around. 🙂
Alan