It’s been fifteen years since I built my log bowl horse, and it’s still serving well and regularly in my workshop. I mentioned it in this article, but the focus there is more on building the more portable version from lumber. The log version is so organic that I’ve not said much about specific dimensions, but after hearing from a couple folks that plan on making log versions of their own, I made the sketch above with some general reference dimensions of mine. Of course, not much is specifically important and there would be many ways of achieving results that work as well or better, so use what you have available.
The first thing I did when I built mine was bore the 2 1/2″ holes for the legs with a T-handle auger. Once the legs were driven in, I flipped it over and had nothing more than a log on legs. Then I moved on to shaping the log.
Many things could work as a pivot pin. Mine is a shaft from an old broken tubing cutter.
Certainly don’t let not having one keep you from carving bowls. This is not a necessity, but I’m not giving mine up. It’s the closest thing I’ll ever have to a Harley.
David Fisher, Carving Explorations 
A lovely machine to go exploring those magnificent bowls on David – just take it steady when you’re cornering 😀
I made my lumber one using your plans and though not in the same class as this log one of yours – it’s taken me on some interesting journeys.
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Thanks Michael. Glad to hear the lumber version is serving you well. It’s much easier to make, adjust, adapt, and move. It just doesn’t respond the same when I make “vroom vroom” noises.
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Dave, I don’t think you have to worry about giving yours up…it looks like it would take 4 linebackers just to pick it up. I love my bowl horse…it was fun to build (using Dave’s excellent plans) and works like a charm.
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Lucky for me, Chris, linebackers are a dime a dozen around here. Glad to hear your horse is a winner too.
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love it
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Hi Dave, when are you writing a illustrated bowl carving book? Your drawing as well as your block prints are amazing!
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Thank you Nate. I do need to pick my feet up and get moving on some things. I’ll keep you posted.
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Hey Dave,
This is the inspiration I need to get this done and checked off of my to do list. Holding things in place is my nemesis. Looking forward to seeing you in Ohio in November!
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More on that soon, Tim. Looking forward to seeing you as well.
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David thank you so very much, now at last I can build one. I will no longer need to clamp the work between my knees they will be very grateful at 61.
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Pingback: Catching up with the Bowl Horse | David Fisher, Carving Explorations
Hello David,
I’ve placed an order since we last talked about the bent gouges for a Pfeil 20mm 8L and 16mm 5L.. in my country they take quite a lot to arrive, about 3-4 months but it is alright as two of them already have passed. Anyway, I also got an adze, a much needed axe and all the other tools you recommended in the FineWoodworking article, a draw knife as well. I already did some “bowls” I am happy with, albeit not that deep as the straight gouges can’t go that deep as you well know but I am a bit stuck to this choice till the Pfeil ones arrive. Anyway, I am happy to be on the right track and that is because of you so thank you very much indeed! It is much appreciated and I hope that one day I can return the favor!
I wanted to ask you, if I plan to make mostly round bowls, would a bowl horse still help me? With my limited experience, I reckon using a draw knife on a round bowl in that position might be a bit hard to do? Of course, I might be well wrong with this. I am also thinking about fixing it to a table and using something like a flat chisel like the double bevel one you recommended in the FineWoodworking article of big size, like a 40mm, to have a similar draw knife effect or it isn’t really the same?
Thank you very much, Paul
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Hi Paul,
Yes, the bowl horse is useful for round bowls. The way the jaws are designed allows them to grip round bowls as well. After hewing the exterior, you can continue to shape the outer curves with drawknife and spokeshave at the horse. That said, you could also do that with a wide chisel at the workbench, as you mentioned. If you space two pegs in your bench, the round bowl will register against them and you can rotate the bowl to new areas. The chisel and the drawknife will leave similar looking surfaces. Just a matter of preference. You can get the job done many ways.
Glad to hear your tools have been arriving. Best wishes for your carving.
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Hello David,
Thank you so so much with everything, much obliged. I hope some day I might return the favor. Let me know if you ever come to Romania! Thank you so much!
Best wishes to you and your close ones,
Paul
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