Hollowing Tools

[Random Orbital Bob]

Morning All

Advice sought please.
I've been turning a while now but never tried hollow forms. I've done plenty of bowls but handled the insides with traditional fingernail grind gouges and the odd scraper. These are clearly no good for really deep hollowing and/or hollowing in end grain.

Having perused the plethora of hollowing tools I'm not entirely sure where to plunge in?

My initial thoughts are to toe dip with some simple vase designs. I have read about these disposable (or resharpenable) carbide insert tips....just dunno....what do people recommend as a first pass into this fascinating area of turning?

Help appreciated

 

[cambournepete]

How much do you want to spend?

I've got the Rolly Munro tools, but I had tried them before purchase.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Im not too fussed on cost as long as they really work well. Im happy investing in wood turning.....you know buy cheap buy twice etc so Im after quality. What was baulking me last time I was presented with an array of hollowing tools was knowing if the £80 design was better than the £120 design etc

Its knowledge thats letting me down.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

I should really join a local club...I'm still a bit of an island with my turning (a desert island at that

 

[cambournepete]

Im not too fussed on cost as long as they really work well. Im happy investing in wood turning.....you know buy cheap buy twice etc so Im after quality. What was baulking me last time I was presented with an array of hollowing tools was knowing if the £80 design was better than the £120 design etc

Its knowledge thats letting me down.

Trouble is, having found one I like, I haven't bought another.
I'd did have a BCT for a while, but didn't get on with it.
Ideally you should try them before you buy. Id love to say "buy this", its great, but you might not get on with it...

 

[Noggsy]

+1 for join (or at least go along to) a club. I got to try 7-8 different systems before buying. FWIW, I ended up with the Big Brother system as that's one which suited me. For me, it's got a lot to do with the handle as well as the tip, so it really is worth trying a few first. I also liked the Crown Revolution, which has a clog-free tip.

 

[paulm]

You're welcome to pop over to Basingstoke at the weekend if you like and have a go with a Rolly Munro, and I think I have some "pick" type hollowers too somewhere

Cheers, Paul

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Thanks guys thats really helpful...also to Paulm....I hadn't spotted you were near me...great, I might just take you up on that. Let me check the schedule cos its half term for our kids this weekend (starting). But you're all absolutely right...I need to try before I buy...particularly because hollowing tools are just a bit too expensive to plunge in with a mistake.

So Paul...your invite may well be the perfect solution.

I'll pm you my contact details

Thanks again all

 

[paulm]

Look forwards to seeing you at the weekend Bob, will give me an excuse to spend some time in the workshop rather than on gardening duties :lol:

Cheers, Paul

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

I know the feeling mate

 

[Robbo3]

There is also Mark Hancock, a forum member & professional who specialises in hollow forms & he seems to have most manufacturers hollowing tools.

Either go for lessons or catch him at an exhibition & I beleive he is quite ameniable to letting you have a go.

Seems like his website is a bit out of date!
- http://www.markhancock.co.uk/

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Thanks Robbo....am I imagining it or is the density of turners in the South East much lower than either the North, South West or Wales (this based on simply observing activity on this forum)?

 

[YewTube]

Thanks Robbo....am I imagining it or is the density of turners in the South East much lower than either the North, South West or Wales (this based on simply observing activity on this forum)?

Bob,

There are 50 of us on your doorstep at http://www.berkshirewoodturners.org.uk/.

Visitors are welcome. PM me if you are interested.

Bill

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Well b.u.g.g.e.r me!! Shows how well connected I am then

I'll pm you right now...many thanks

 

[Mark Hancock]

There is also Mark Hancock, a forum member & professional who specialises in hollow forms & he seems to have most manufacturers hollowing tools.

Either go for lessons or catch him at an exhibition & I beleive he is quite ameniable to letting you have a go.

Seems like his website is a bit out of date!
- http://www.markhancock.co.uk/

Robbo

Thank you for the recommendation.

Been meaning to sort out my web site for a while - just one of those jobs that keeps being put off :roll:

On hollowing tools as Pete says do try before you buy. There are many out there and they each have their pros and cons when considering price, design, construction, use etc. I come across so many turners that have bought purely on price and have then regretted it later. I can't say it enough - try before you buy.

Fell free to get in touch if you wish and I can talk you through some of the considerations.

Mark