steady rest is a must. Right after the blank is rounded and the cup is somewhat formed, I put the steady rest on (home made) and hollow the bowl. After finishing the inside of the bowl I put the cone on the live center and work on the rest. I work from the bowl down to the base,,,,,,,,,sanding and actually finishing it every 6" or so. After a while the stem is so floppy I just move the toolrest away and sandwich the skew between my thumb and fore finger and shave it down freehand.......it doesnt matter if ya warp it off center a little.................yur still only cutting whats in between the fingers...................ya gotta try it!!!!
