Sequence for a Reverse-turned Vase
Dale Nish

This turning produces a hollow form without the difficulty of turning a large hollow through a tiny hole, yet it leaves virtually no indication that it wasn't turned that way through a trick in the bottom.

Preparing the Vase Blank

• Turn blank round.
• Face off both ends.
• Cut spigots on both ends.

Turning the Vase Proper

• Turn shape (see illustration). Proportionally, the bottom of the vase (foot) should measure roughly between ¹/₄ and ¹/₃ of the maximum diameter of the body.
• Part off bottom with a wide part for plug. Cut the part with a uniform diameter. The side that will drop off is what will get inserted back into the vase after hollowing has been done. The plug can be faced off and grooves turned into it or etched with a name to push the joke further. Before parting completely, make a mark to aid in realigning the grain during later reassembly.
• Hollow out vase taking care not to widen the opening beyond the plug diameter.
• Turn plug hole on separated bottom to fit snuggly just inside vase bottom.

Execute the "Trick"

• Matching the grain exactly, glue in plug overnight. A coin could be dropped inside to make the trick even more delirious.
• Turn foot. There are multiple appearances that can be applied to hide the plug including placing a corner where the plug edges are (1¼ diameter on bottom in illustration). Another method (not illustrated here) would be to turn an actual foot using the rest of the stock past the plug assuming the choked-up grain still matches or is insignificantly figured.
• Turn neck and drill neck hole.
• Finish outside and bottom of vase.
• Turn a decorative neck plug (cap) if desired.