Hollowing tools

[johnny.t.]

I'm thinking of splashing out on a horrifically overpriced munro hollowing tool and would just like to know if its worth the pennies? How versatile is it? is there something better?
At the moment I mostly use a gouge on its side for hollowing out forms and finish them with a Sorby swan neck jobbie( an rs230 I think) I also have the sorby rs200kt and find both tools highly irritating to use, hence my considering the Munro.

Your thoughts and experiences would be really helpful

Cheers JT

 

[wizer]

you need to find someone local who's got one to try. Or a show? Club?

 

[johnny.t.]

you need to find someone local who's got one to try. Or a show? Club?

I don't even know anyone local to me who turns :lol: :lol:

I'm happy to take peoples recommendations as I'm sure many must own or have used one of these, I know you've got one wizer!
I've looked on youtube but the video there is the usual very green wood with ribbons flying which doesn't always reflect the real world. Just want oppinions really

 

[wizer]

Well I think you know my feelings about it. I have the big one and it's a simple joy to use. So easy to get it to cut. George suggested that the small one is all you need and I think I'd agree. The only reason I bought the big one is because that's all they had at the show. Personally, I think you must assume that this tool is right you you. It's just whether you can justify the cost against how much hollowing you want to do. As you are selling your wares, I'd say it's a no brainer. It's your choice. From what I have read before and since I bought it, no one has ever been unahappy with it.

 

[big soft moose]

I don't even know anyone local to me who turns :lol: :lol:

from the AWGB website

KINGS LYNN WOODTURNERS
Secretary: Gerald Lusher, North Norfolk
Telephone: 01553 763275
EMail:
Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month Time: 7.30 p.m.
Venue: Clenchwarton Village Hall

NORFOLK WOODTURNERS SOCIETY
Secretary: Bernard Rose, Norfolk.
Telephone: 01603 436990
Email: [email protected]
Meetings: 3rd Thursday in the month starting at 7.30 p.m
Venue: Beetley Village Hall, Nr, Dereham, Norfolk

NORWICH WOODTURNERS
Secretary: Roger Groom, Norfolk
Telephone: 01603 423336
Email: [email protected]
Meetings: First Friday of month 1900-2200 hrs.
Venue: The Senior citizens Club, Recreation Ground, Sprowston, NORWICH. NR7 8EW

BROADLANDS WOODTURNERS
Secretary: Dick Porter, Norfolk
Telephone: 01493 748877
E-mail: [email protected]
Meetings: Second Monday in the month. Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Martham Village Hall, White Street Martham, Norfolk

WAVENEY & DISTRICT WOODTURNERS
Secretary: Ronnie Summons, North Suffolk.
Telephone: 01502 584347
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.waveneywoodturners.co.uk/
Meetings: 2nd Thursday of each Month Time 7.30pm
Venue: Mutford Community Centre, Mill Rd, Mutford

I dont know where you are in norfolk but one (or more) of these clubs must be within striking distance

 

[Bodrighy]

I've used the Minroe and as Tom says it's a dream for hollowing or bowls. The only thing that comes near IMHO is the Woodcut one from Phil Irons which is almost as good. Much better than the big brother and other ones as far as I am concerned.

Pete

 

[wizer]

I just couldn't get on with my woodcut one. Maybe it was blunt

 

[Bodrighy]

I just couldn't get on with my woodcut one. Maybe it was blunt

Was it the old or the new verision? Old one tends to clog, new one is a lot beter.

Pete

 

[Neil Dyball]

FWIW I also bit the bullet and treated myself to the larger Munro tool having seen it demo'd by a pro who visited our club - and had a brief "hands on" session.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it but, like all things, it's down to the individual's preferences so I'd definitely try and have a go before parting with hard cash.

Cheers,

Neil.

 

[cornucopia]

the small will do vessels upto about 8" deep and the big as standared runs out of useable tool shaft at 11" deep (see one of my previous threads about that)

both tools cannot reach all area's in all shape'd forms and neither tool will allow you to go through small holes because of the bulky head cutter shape- but if you can get it in- it is a joy and very simple to use.

 

[duncanh]

I have the large Munro and like it but find that it has some drawbacks. Like George says, it's sometimes difficult to reach all the areas that I want to hollow out (though I guess you could stick to shapes that were ok). I've made myself some extension pieces which reach further round and more configurable.
I find that it doesn't cut well across the base of a form because the cutter shield sometimes gets in the way, and it's particularly difficult to remove material close to the centre. Can't remember where I saw the suggestion, but I've slightly ground back the forward edge of the shield and this helps.

The cutter usually works well but I've found that it clogs a little on some dry timbers. Dragging the cutter along a soft-ish wooden block usually clears it (by forcing shavings through the shield).

One thing I like about the Munro is the ease of sharpening the cutters - just fix onto a supplied stem and hold against a grinding wheel. They seem to stay sharp for ages anyway so I don't often need to sharpen.


A much cheaper way to get into hollowing is by making your own toothpick style tools. Isn't that all David Ellesworth uses?

 

[jpt]

HI Johnny

I have both sizes and they are great on both green and dry wood and I have no hesitation in recomending them.

If you fancy a trip to Peterborough to try them out give me a shout I am around most days.

john

 

[Paul.J]

As good as the Munro tool is,i also have the large version, i now prefer to use the Lyle Jamieson hollowing rig.
I find it a lot easier to use and with a lot less effort.I can stand more upright using the rig which is better for me back.
Only downside is that you will have to import from him direct.
If you can make your own tools it might be worth getting David Elsworths' book on Woodturning where he shows and explains how he makes his own hollowing tools.Plus a load of other good stuff

 

[johnny.t.]

Thanks chaps, can I ask what size hole the cutter will fit through? and when you say it can't reach everywhere are you refering to wide flat top forms? I mostly make 'hot air balloon' type shapes.

John, thanks for the offer to come for a go but getting away even for a few hours is impossible at the moment

JT

 

[wizer]

5/8 I think

 

[johnny.t.]

Thanks Wizer I've read that they can hollow through an inch wide hole so thats good 8)

 

[cornucopia]

i've measured both of the munroe's today

the smallest that the mini tool could work through would be 3/4"
the smallest that the main munroe tool would be 7/8"

these are the very smallest but imo you would have to be a very experinced turner to go through these size hole's with these tools- and you would definatley need a foot switch or bump bar.

 

[johnny.t.]

Thanks George All I need to do now is decide which one, big or small.... :-k

JT

 

[Bodrighy]

What's a bump bar George?

pete

 

[cornucopia]

like on some of the vicmarc's pete(they tend to run down the full length of the side)- where you can bump it of with your hip allowing you to keep both hands on the tool until the lathe stops