Getting started I like to use a piece of straight grained wood wide enough that it can be cut in two square pieces and long enough to cut it in half and for the length of the vase.  It takes four same size pieces to glue up a blank.

 

 

Pick up the pieces and mark the ends.  This is how the pieces will be oriented for the final turn.

 

 

For the first turn twist the pieces so the inside corners face to the outside corners and glue them together.  It takes just a small amount of glue on the very ends.  Remember these pieces will have to be pried apart after the first turning.  The marks should look like this and be glued in this manner.

 

 

I like to use Vise Grip welding clamps.  The pieces need to be as accurate as possible and I get less sliding of the parts with them.I add some quick clamps when the parts are stable.

 

 

 

 

 

A strong tape can be added for extra hold.  I have never experienced any breaks.

 

 

You will also want to get the vase to use as an insert.  I chose this copper vase.

 

 

The bottom is bigger than the top so I chucked it in the lathe and cut the base off leaving a smaller foot.

 

 

 

Now it is time to mount it on the lathe between centers and mark where the vase insert bottom will be.  I usually give the top some wiggle room and turn the wood back to fit.  I decide where I want the window to be and mark that.  It was about five inches from the bottom mark in this case.

 

 

Measure the vase diameter and cut half that distance deep from the corner.  This will create a platform for the vast to sit on and capture it from moving.  You want to turn completely round the part in between the marks too.

 

 

I left a 1/4" shoulder for the vase foot.  Right now the windows are still closed.  Anything turned of now will open the windows by "twice" the amount turned off.  I want an oval shaped window so I marked the center of the oval and used the parting tool to cut the depth I wanted.

 

 

Now finish turn the half oval and sand it.

 

 

Now you can add some embellishments such as burn lines and apply the finish.  The inside can be coated with finish when the vase is done but it is more difficult.  When the finish is dry split the pieces apart.  I like to use a thin knife for this operation.

 

 

It is time to turn the pieces back to their original positions and glue them.  Use all the available surface area as they will stay this way now.  Here is half of it and you can see the platform for the vase foot.

 

 

 

Once the glue is dry mount it on the lathe between centers.  Turn the corners off and form a spigot on the bottom for the lathe jaws to grab onto.

 

 

Remove it from the lathe, install your chuck and mount the piece in the chuck.

 

 

Drill a suitable hole in the end for the vase and then use your turning tools to fit the vase.

 

 

 

 

A little tip.  Sanding sleeves from the oscillating sanders work well for holes your fingers don't fit.

 

 

Bring your tail stock up with the live center and turn the vase to the shape you want.

 

 

I added some burn lines and fit a copper foot to it.

 

 

Put the finish on and you're done.

 

 

 

When turning the inside of the vase you can go as deep as you want.  Just remember the remaining wood vanes get smaller the deeper you go making it more fragile.  Too far is when the blank brakes and that happens when you hit center.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 17, 20197 yr by HandyDan

Super tutorial! Thanks, Dan!!!

how cool is that....

now there's no questions to ask..

thanks Dan...

Nice picture tutorial Dan, and very nicely done on the turning.

 

Steve

Excellent tutorial Dan. Thanks for taking the time to put this together and post.

A great resource for someone wanting to give I/O turnings a go.

I like the vase too and love your re-purposing of items.

@lew...is it possible to pin this topic rather than it slowly disappearing? Just a thought.

1 hour ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Excellent tutorial Dan. Thanks for taking the time to put this together and post.

A great resource for someone wanting to give I/O turnings a go.

I like the vase too and love your re-purposing of items.

@lew...is it possible to pin this topic rather than it slowly disappearing? Just a thought.

Done!

Just now, lew said:

Done!

Thanks Lew...well deserving to be pinned IMO.

Agree!!!

Great tutorial. How about putting this in the blogs along with some of your other pictorial how toos ?

Great work, Dan. Your how-to pictures tell the story well.    Thanks

 Great looking piece Dan. Thanks for the lesson.

Great tutorial Dan, and the finished piece is beautiful.

Really well done sir.

Awesome work and a great tutorial.  Love the finished product.