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Masa is an experienced Japanese carver and woodworker from Portland now, but with an Ainu heritage from his roots in Sapporo (Hokkaido), Japan. 

This carving workshop is limited to current members of the Guild of Oregon Woodworkers because of facility policy and the use of power tools.

You will be provided with a sizable block of Walnut or another hardwood to create a unique bowl.  The wood may be green or dry depending on our luck shopping.  Masa likes to work with green wood because it is easier to work.  It also presents challenges with cracking while it dries, but he will show various ways to handle these, along with the finishing steps.

For the first part of making a bowl, Masa will demonstrate his process and coach you through the various steps.  The bowl pattern is drawn and the center drilled out with a Forstner bit close to the final depth with a corded power drill, which can be a strenuous process.  This provides the relief for hand carving the bowl's insides.

Bring your own tools, but some in the club's tool library are available so please check with Larry Wade rather than buying any before you know what you need.   You will need a mallet and a few wide gouges in the 1" range (3/4 to 1 1/4).  For initial bowl removing you will use a #7, 8,  or 9.  For final bowl shaping, you will need a shallower gouge like a #3 with a sweep to match the inside bowl profile.  

The second part of bowl making is creating the sides and bottom.  You will design your own outside shape - square or angled, round or tapered, with or without legs.  Typically this involves using a table saw or other power tools.  If you are not certified, a shop attendant or someone who is will assist you.  Carving or texturing can be done on the outside as well.

GOOW members must have completed the INTRO TO GUILD SAFETY class.

Check out the Guild Scholarship Program to see if you qualify.

Review Shop Safety and Covid Information.

• GOOW members, have your COVID vaccination on file in the shop computer. If not, email it to carol.boyd@guildoforegonwoodworkers.org within 3 days of the class or bring it with you.  
• At the time of the class, you must confirm that you are in good health, not living with anyone who is ill, and have not been exposed to anyone with COVID in the last 14 days

Class Cancellation Policy

The class coordinator is Tom Rich, tom@tomrich.me, 503-941-6570.