Offset Open Segmented Vase Tutorial

When we launched we stated that we wanted to support woodturners and provide a platform for you to share ideas.  Forum member Brody Lambden has kicked things off by writing a useful Segmented Vase Tutorial that describes how he created an offset segmented vase.  Thanks Brody, you have been awarded 1500 reward points for your efforts.  

If you think you have your own, original woodturning tutorial that you would like to share then please get in touch and you could earn 1500 reward points.

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Firstly, you need to decide what type of form you want to make as this will dictate where the cut will need to be made and where the segments will be placed.

This is a basic segmented vase tutorial on how I go through the process of cutting, preparing, assembling and turning the offset vase.

I chose Purpleheart for the main body of the piece and Beech for the segments.
The Purpleheart measures 150mm x 100mm x 100mm.
The Beech measures 270mm x 50mm x 6mm.

Start off by marking a centre line along the blank. This is crucial as these marks will be used to align the two halves of the laminated piece. I then cut it at 15 degrees on the bandsaw

Mark a centre on the small piece then place on the segment jig and use a set of calipers to measure the outside edge of one of the segments. This gives you the measurement for each segment. In this case, it was 25mm.

I then use a jig on the bandsaw to cut the segments.I’m using 12 segments here so the cut angle is 15 degrees. These are then lightly sanded and placed in the jig.

A quick way to calculate the cut angle for segments is:
360 degrees ÷ 12 ( how many segments you want ) ÷ 2
360 ÷ 12 = 30
30 ÷ 2 = 15 degrees

The top section is the glued to the segments and the other half of the blank is turned upside down and used straighten the angle for even clamping

It’s then time to mount on the lathe and start to turn the outside shape and hollow out the form.

Then, sand, apply your finish of choice and part off the lathe. This is the finished product.

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