Cake Stand

Or brownies, or pie, or...

One of the issues of Woodcraft magazine had a tutorial for woodturning an inside-out cake stand. At the time (this was last year), I still hadn't done that much turning, so it felt like a stretch for my skillset. Nonetheless, with descriptive instructions and pictures, I thought it was worth a try.

Here's the basic process:

1. Cut four pieces that will become the central pillar of the piece

2. Hot glue and tape them together into a block and mount it in the lathe

3. Turn the shape you'll want on the inside of the central pillar

4. Un-tape these pieces and turn each piece 180 degrees, so the contour is now facing the inside

5. Re-tape the pieces together and put it back into the lathe

6. Turn the shape you want on the outside

It's a fascinating method to me, and it does require some spatial reasoning (or trial and error!) to sort out how the contours will take shape when you turn it inside-out.

I used Black Walnut for the central pillar, and the top platter and base are Black Walnut and Cherry.

Full disclosure: I did not turn the top platter on the lathe. My approach had its own challenges (handheld router and jigs), but I didn't feel comfortable at that point turning something like that.

I enjoyed the project, and I'm happy with the end result. Now we can pile it up with goodies. Pro tip: if you want to make one for yourself, find a glass or plexi cake stand topper first, and then make the platter to fit, instead of trying to find one the right size after the work is done. Ask me how I know.