Preventing Cracking on Turned Pieces

Claude Dupuis replies: If you are turning dry wood be sure it’s dry before starting. If you are turning green, turn it with a consistent wall thickness leaving it thick. The thickness depends on the size bowl. For a 12˝ diameter bowl you might leave it as much as 1˝. You can decrease the thickness with the size. Place the rough turning in paper bags in a cool location away from sun or a heat source. You want it to dry slowly. Let dry three to six months and you are ready to finish turn. You will not get 100% crack free, but the odds will be in your favor.