small vessel hollowing

[dtaylor15]

Just starting to do some small vessel hollowing, but I am using a 1/2 rd nose scraper and it don't get inside the vessel well, doing mostly work in the 3 to 4 inch diatmeter, is there a good tool to get as a beginner that will work for me, yet won't cost me a lot of money?...I know there are some hollowing systems out there, but don't want to spend that kind of money... have seen a few hollowing tools, but not sure about what to get due to the size?..any help?..thanks..Dennis

[Sonny Edmonds]

Dennis,
Did you see the hollowing tool that Dick made for himself?
Being very new to turning myself, I understand your lament. But I don't think there is any clear cut answer.
Bill has one of those termite hollowing tools, and he says he doesn't use it.
What I have used is a long heavy bowl gouge and scrapers with some to a great deal of success.
But really, technique and really sharp edges are the most help.
Some woods are just plain a PITA to get to work well.
Keep fooling with it and you'll find a method that works really well for you. It takes time and practice. :)

:D

Sonny Edmonds
"Precision Firewood Specialist"
http://home.earthlink.net/~sonnypie/
God Bless America !

[volleyheads]

I would say to get these to start with. You make your own handles but each is only $38. A little/lot of practice and you can make almost any hollow form you wish.

[http://www.craftusa.com/images/066-0100.jpg]
[http://www.craftusa.com/images/066-0150.jpg]
Best Regards,

Bill

"If it is worth doing, it's worth overdoing"

[SteveF]

Lately most of my turning has been lidded boxes of various shapes and sizes. I have two hollowing tools that I recently aquired that I find quite useful. Neither is nearly as expensive as a complete hollowing system but, of course, are a bit more limited in their applications.

I bought a Sorby 851H Medium Hollowing tool that was on sale at a local vendor. Wonderful tool that allows me to hollow under the rim of a vessel that does not have straight walls. It is no more expensive than a scraper tool but does require a bit of practise to avoid catches.

For my birthday a couple of weeks ago I bought myself a Oneway Termite that makes really quick work of any end-grain hollowing. It, too, requires some practice but I find it does not catch as easily as the Sorby tool.

Depending on your application I would recommend either of these tools.

Steve

[volleyheads]

Termite tool and hollowing non-end grain is a bad day at the shop. Not that I have ever done that, but I heard about it from a friend, yeah that's it, a friend. :)

Best Regards,

Bill

"If it is worth doing, it's worth overdoing"

[SteveF]

Yea, the Termite is really only good for end-grain hollowing. I do cross grain hollowing with a bowl gouge and/or a scraper.

Steve