The technique of turning a cup, even one with a handle, was mastered already. And besides a handle, there’s more that can be done that requires a bit more experience. So, we started the day by making a reproduction of an early medieval cup found in York, United Kingdom, as accurately as possible.
The cup’s dimensions were determined using a drawing in a book. Diameters, heights, and the thickness of the base? By drawing and measuring these, you get a sense of the shape and dimensions.
We’ve already gone through the steps from rough to fine in other projects, of course. A new aspect when making a reproduction is that it’s always best to start slightly larger than the final cup size to minimize risks. For example, if you drill the hole for the spindle at a slight angle, your cup will be a bit smaller. Normally, this wouldn’t really matter, but in this case, the dimensions must remain accurate. Smaller isn’t acceptable. After rounding the axed out piece, you need to mark out the dimensions and fine-tune the shape. Again, keep in mind that you’ll lose a little extra wood in the finishing process.
By the way, have you ever seen the shavings you create when turning a cup from end grain wood? Beautiful, isn’t it?!
Once the exterior is finished (note the incised lines, which are also present on the original), it is then simply a matter of hollowing it out, which is not difficult if the exterior meets the requirements.
And with a satisfied Pieterjan, the next challenge had to be presented: a wine goblet with a captive ring around the base, turned from a single piece. This brought together several previously learned techniques in a single piece. Making a ring like this requires considerable concentration, but the result is impressive!
This concluded the three days of this meeting. A great production (nest, locking lidded box and two cups), and we learned a lot!
