0-00
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Rex began this first attempt at a bowl with fairly discouraging results. He placed a lot of hits into a sand bag -- but didn't see anything resembling a bowl beginning to form.

0-01
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This is probably a fairly common beginning. Perhaps an easier way for a beginner to understand the basics would be to used the stump method that Frank shows us in the following pics.

1-01 Disc
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Flat disk starts out a little over 7 inches in diameter

1-02 First Hits on Stump
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Shaping is started over a hollowed out stump.

1-03
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Using the stump will stretch the center some -- but it will also cause the edges to wrinkle and the wrinkles are flattened and shrunk

1-04
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A bag is also used for additional stretching.

1-05
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Using the stump and the bag together gets quick results

1-13
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Diameter is now a little over 6 inches.

2-01
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An alternate method is combine the stump or sand bag with shaping over a round stake or anvil. First few whacks on a larger steel bowl into a sand bag

2-02
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Puckers or tucks are quickly formed which can be shrunk from the inside over a hard surface with a mallet.

2-06
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Puckers can also be hammered down on the outside by using a large round anvil or stake

2-08
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The difficulty with this method is in keeping the proper shape. It is easy to get a distorted shape.

2-09
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This is a good start -- but if you get carried away hammering down large puckers too soon the result will be uneven.

2-10
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You can also use a tucking tool

2-19
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This is just pointing out a pucker that is too aggressive. It needs to be flattened our some before going any farther.

2-21
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The center is planished with a light planishing hammer.

2-23
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Althought the center is taking shape the edges are not doing as well. Uneven shrinking has caused a lot of distortion.

2-24
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Not very round at this point. This is mostly the result of being in a hurry and trying to do too much too quickly.

2-25
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Getting closer.

2-26
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Most of the distorion has been worked out and a fairly round bowl is beginning to take shape. However, a beginner would probably be a lot more successful using the stump method.