Broad Rimmed Platter

This platter by Mark Baker makes a majestic centrepiece for a table

1.Find the centre of a piece of yew 16in (405mm) square by 1 3/4in (45mm) or so thick, drill a hole to suit your screw chuck and fix it to the blank. This chuck has screw holes in the flange for extra strength. When secure, mount it on the lathe. The side with the chuck will be the inside of the bowl. Position the rest about 1/4in (6mm) below centre and far enough away not to foul the blank when it is revolved by hand

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A majestic centrepiece for a table or sideboard, this project introduces some key skills when it comes to platter turning.

The blank is first mounted on a screw chuck or faceplate, where the back is turned to completion. It is then reversed and mounted in a chuck which grips either on a spigot or in a recess. Once the top surface is finished, either reverse-chucking or hand detailing can be used to put the final touches to the foot section.

By now it should be clear to you that the techniques required for various types of projects have a great deal in common. Repeated practice of these basic procedures is what enables us to develop, improving not only the speed with which we work, but also the dexterity and skill.

With this platter, I have suggested using a carving tool as an alternative way to create a finish on the foot.

Yew, as I have mentioned before, is one of my favourite timbers. The figuring and colouring that can occur within the wood keep me in a constant state of expectation when I am turning it. The only drawback is that the larger sections of yew that are available usually have bark inclusions or splits. I do not mind these, and think they even add to the attraction. See what you think.

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