Woodturning a bowl too long for its width. (9)

"When the other bowls are boring, this one could keep you awake."

Actually as we consider the bottom it is still necessary to think of the outside or rather the overall shape of the piece.

This is the first time we have a chance to see the piece as it will eventually be displayed. Even with the face plate still on we see the proportion of sides to width of bottom and the relationship of mass and curve to height of base.
I decide for the nonce that I like a pedestal base, not my usual style but I think it fits this piece. That decided it is time to do something about the base. Before the faceplate comes off I mark the base center. Note the little tool to the right of the picture. The tool has a tenon turned the diameter of the inside of the faceplate threads. A brad is dead center on the tool and cut off to a point.
Place the tool in the faceplate and with a little turn
The bottom center is marked.
I fasten a scrap wood block to the lathe
and bring up the tail stock to marked dead center while putting a piece of foam between the piece and the block.
Then I carefuly adjust the piece for center, tighten the tail stock, and bring up a 3/16" Oland to finish the bottom

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