Can I use a router to shape the outside of a router bowl?

I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Routing is used to make all sorts of shapes!

-- A woman's work is never done-but power tools help!

Absolutely not. A router on the outside will instantly set the bowl afire and melt the router. It’s as volatile as dinamite. I lost three fingers and eleven toes trying it. That’s why they call that process the “wooden widow maker”. I think it’s banned in 53 states.

-- It's the best woodworking show since the invention of wood... New episodes Wednesdays at: http://www.stumpynubs.com

I would recommend that you use a band saw to get close to the line and finish it with a router. Taking a big bite with the router just doesn’t work well.

-- Rich, Cedar Rapids, IA - I'm a woodworker. I don't create beauty, I reveal it.

Have you watched this: http://thewoodwhisperer.com/halloween-router-bowl/

-- I came, I was conquered, I was born again. ἵνα ὦσιν ἓν

I’ve done it and it will work just take small bites.

-- Roy L, Arizona

The thicher the wood the more possibilities for disaster. If you use a router “richgreer” has a good approch. I think I would cut with a bandsaw then power sand.

-- Never board, always knotty, lots of growth rings

Thanks for the replies. I should have mentioned that I plan on using the bandsaw to get close to the line. Because I do not have a good spindle sander and my drill press doesn’t work well. I was thinking the router would leave a smoother edge and reduce the amount of sanding.

-- Rule # 1 - Don't mix yer blood and sawdust!

As long as you get close with the bandsaw, I’d tend to agree with Rich that you should be just fine. You can always do a bit of hand sanding to fix any problem areas, but they should be pretty minor as long as you’re using the proper speed on the router, a sharp bit, and the proper feed rate and direction, especially if you’ve got the stability of a router table setup, versus trying to freehand it.

-- Jonathan, Denver, CO "Constructive criticism is welcome and valued as it gives me new perspectives and helps me to advance as a woodworker."