Blank Size
9.2" × 5"
Board Ft
2.94
Cost
$29
Qty
1
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Inputs
Result
Bowl blank: 8" × 1.15 = 9.2" diameter, 4" × 1.25 = 5" depth. BF = (9.2 × 9.2 × 5) / 144 = 2.94 BF × $10/BF.
Inputs
Result
Spindle: 3" × 1.10 = 3.3" diameter, 10" × 1.20 = 12" length. BF = (3.3² × 12) / 144 = 0.91 × 2 × $6/BF.
A turning blank should be 10–25% larger than the finished piece in every dimension. Bowls need 15% larger diameter and 25% more depth for tenon and waste. Spindles need 10–15% extra length for drive and live center grip.
Maple and walnut are the most popular turning woods. Maple is light-colored with tight grain that takes finishes beautifully, while walnut offers rich dark tones and turns easily.
| Species | Hardness | Cost/BF | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Maple | Hard | $6 | Bowls, platters, utility |
| Black Walnut | Medium | $10 | Bowls, vases, art pieces |
| Cherry | Medium | $8 | Platters, spindles |
| Exotic | Hard–Very hard | $15–25 | Pens, small art pieces |
For a square blank: Board Feet = (Width × Width × Length) / 144, where all dimensions are in inches. For round blanks, use the square that circumscribes the circle.
Green (wet) wood is cheaper and easier to turn but must be rough-turned, dried for 6–12 months, then re-turned to final shape. Kiln-dried wood can be turned to final shape in one session.
Read our guide
Read our guide
Read our guide
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Last Updated: Mar 19, 2026
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