Munro hollowing tools and chuck jaws

[Aled Dafis]

Having (nearly) set up my new lathe, I'm now looking to buy a hollowing tool, to have a go at producing some hollow forms.

It seems that the Munro system is favoured by most at the moment, but my question is which one to go for? I've had a look at his website, but it's pretty poor, with very little info. Can anybody point me towards some more detailed information, or let me know the benefits/limitations of both Munro tools. What size forms can be made with each? What size openings can be worked etc.

Also, I need to buy a decent jaw set for my Axminster precision chuck and I think that the Type G jaws should do me for most small/medium hollow forms.

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Axminster-Type-G-Large-Gripper-Jaws-21946.htm

Any advice would be most welcome as usual.

Cheers

Aled

 

[wizer]

I'd say get the smaller one first Aled. It's much easier to handle and learn with. That said, both tools are very easy to use. I only bought the big one because that's all they had at the show where I bought it. I think you'll go a long way before you desire the bigger one.

 

[cornucopia]

the type g jaws do give incredible grip but faceplates will always be my first choice for strength and versatility when compared with a chuck- i would also reccomend to a beginner(i'm not sure if you are or not) down the hollow form route that faceplates are more learner friendly when a catch happens.

the mini munroe will go about 10" deep through a 5/8" hole
the bigger munroe (Unmodified) will go 12" deep (due to the shaft supplied being too short) and through a 7/8" hole
I had to modify my bigger munroe with the hamlet big brother shaft so mine will now go about 16" deep with an internal rest.

here's the old thread which explains it better

 

[leswoody]

i do know that the munro both small and large are going up in price from january 1st so might be worth making a decision sooner rather than later.

Regards

Les

 

[Aled Dafis]

Thanks for the advice guys, it looks like the smaller tool will do me fine. a 10" deep hollow form will be plenty big enough for me to get to grips with.

I usually turn smaller items (bowls, platters, milking stools etc.) mainly due to the limitations of my previous lathe. I did however turn a few hollow forms when I used to attend a turning night class, but that was around 4-5 years ago. I'll post a few pics when I get back from a wedding in Anglesey on Wednesday.

I have a 3" faceplate for the lathe, but this is probably a little small for hollow turning. Should I go for a 4" or 6"? I presume that the 3" could be modified into a mega drive centre by sharpening 3 bolts and installing them as drive pins, I've seen this done in a few magazines, and it looked like a good idea.

I'll probably still go for the "Type G jaws" as I turn quite a few milking stools as christening/wedding gifts for people, and the 4" recess is a nice area to burn (pyrograph) a message in.

Thanks also to Les for warning me about the price rise, I had pretty much made my mind up, but this has spurred me to finalise my decision. I'll get the kit ordered towards the end of the week, that'll give me some time to think what else I need from Axminster. :wink:

Cheers

Aled

 

[cornucopia]

the majority of my work is done on a 3" plate, obviously there's sense and reason but for 10" tall by 8" wide-A good quality faceplate (not thin cast) with good screws is fine, i use square drive sheet metal screws and use 9 2" screws in a 3" plate- another good hold screw is the serrated twin thread one's- but they wont last long.

 

[Aled Dafis]

Just a couple more questions if I may.

I thought I had decided on the smaller Munro hollower, but I'm now back to being a little uncertain. I don't really like making compromises, so do you think that I may, after a while, feel that I should have gone for the larger tool due to it's beefier build and (slightly) larger hollowing capacity? I can at times be a little heavy handed :roll: so would the larger tool suit me better?? (I suppose that I'd be the only one to answer that one:wink: )

Sorry for being a pain by asking all these questions, but there are no shops local to me that sell these tools, so popping down the road for a fondle is out of the question.

Also, where do you get the square drive sheetmetal screws from?

Cheers

Aled

 

[wizer]

I think it will be a long while before you desire the bigger tool Aled.

 

[Blister]

Just a couple more questions if I may.

I thought I had decided on the smaller Munro hollower, but I'm now back to being a little uncertain. I don't really like making compromises, so do you think that I may, after a while, feel that I should have gone for the larger tool due to it's beefier build and (slightly) larger hollowing capacity? I can at times be a little heavy handed :roll: so would the larger tool suit me better?? (I suppose that I'd be the only one to answer that one:wink: )

Sorry for being a pain by asking all these questions, but there are no shops local to me that sell these tools, so popping down the road for a fondle is out of the question.

Also, where do you get the square drive sheetmetal screws from?

Cheers

Aled

There is a saying :-

You can make little things with a big tool

but you cant make big things with a little tool

and as you have admitted sometimes you can be a bit heavy handed . I would go for the bigger one :wink:

Is the Lathe up and running yet ? not seen the photos yet

 

[Aled Dafis]

Thanks Allen. I could however make up a heavier/longer shaft for the mini Munro if I ever needed it. AARGGGHHHH! I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure!

The lathe is up, but unfortunately not running, as I'm waiting for my local fab shop to re-open next week for me to get hold of some suitable offcuts to raise the lathe to a suitable height. Pics will follow next week I promise.

Cheers

Aled

 

[cornucopia]

hello Aled
I get my sheet metal screws from melvyn firmager

I would advise you to stick with the smaller munroe for now- 10" tall capacity is pretty tall and more than enough for most forms- also the deeper you go the more experince/ technigue and a gentle touch is required.
you wont break the mini munroe (it is superbly made)and the smaller cutting tip will suit a heavier handed approach due to it being a smaller surface area.

I raerly use the bigger munroe and now wish i hadnt of bought it and for the odd occasion i need the extra depth just of used my old hamlet big brother which suited me fine for many years anyways.

 

[NickWelford]

There is a saying :-

You can make little things with a big tool

but you cant make big things with a little tool

and as you have admitted sometimes you can be a bit heavy handed . I would go for the bigger one :wink:

Is the Lathe up and running yet ? not seen the photos yet

I disagree. There are very few bigger items that you cannot do with the smaller Munro - the only limitation is a couple of inches of depth. It is a much more forgiving tool and better suited to a learner, imho.

You can't do small hollow forms very well with the larger Munro. And anyone learning hollow forms wouldn't start on a big one.......