Elbo hollowing system or Monster?

[Roger Chandler]

Hi all,

Do we have folks on this forum that have used the Elbo system for hollowing, and maybe the Monster, and can compare the two?

If not, maybe there are some who can give information.......the positives and the negatives of the respective system you have.......I would like to get a good hollowing rig, and I am drawn to the articulating types, but I am also open to information on a captured system like the Jameson.....[I watched Lyle do a demo at our symposium] but would like to know how they compare to one another as far as one being superior, if that might be the case or not.

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[Mark Mandell]

Hi all,

Do we have folks on this forum that have used the Elbo system for hollowing, and maybe the Monster, and can compare the two?

If not, maybe there are some who can give information.......the positives and the negatives of the respective system you have.......I would like to get a good hollowing rig, and I am drawn to the articulating types, but I am also open to information on a captured system like the Jameson.....[I watched Lyle do a demo at our symposium] but would like to know how they compare to one another as far as one being superior, if that might be the case or not.

Thanks in advance for your input!

Roger,

I looked at the ELBO at an AAW Symposium. It's designed to mount on the tailstock quill, and my impression was that it's best suited to small lathe work.

The Monster is a different articulation working on a shaft points in a scissors kind of mode. I had built my own Sudol [Jamieson] captured system clone, but did not like the fingerwork. I therefore went with what I think is the far superior system, that being the Kobra, designed and made by Al Crandall and Jerry Arnold in Indiana. At about $900 for the full rig, it's the most expensive out there, but well worth it. If you'd like contact information, PM me.

Kobra Demo Videos at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwcx-T6UnZ0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B8HG5tLM04&feature=related

 

[craterdog]

Hollowing System

I can't offer any comparative data but I have the Jamieson system and am very pleased with it. It's the complete system with the laser and the heavy duty boring bar. I've had it for about 4 years and use it a lot. I'd like to get the carbide cutter for it but I can't get past the $60 + price. I use it for hollow forms that are generally between 6" and 12" deep. If you're planning to make a lot of deep hollow forms, a heavier system would probably eliminate more vibration and be easier to use.
Tim Carter

 

[Charlie Knighton]

i use the elbo tool system, it is good for 6 to 8 inches hollowing, can go to 10 inches, but nowhere to put your hands that deep, it does require an opening of 1 1/4 or larger hole to hollow from

i have not used the monster

 

[George Guadiane]

I have space issues, so the Jameson type of unit isn't for me.
I have the monster and, while I haven't used the elbo, I'm absolutely delighted with my system.

 

[Roger Chandler]

i use the elbo tool system, it is good for 6 to 8 inches hollowing, can go to 10 inches, but nowhere to put your hands that deep, it does require an opening of 1 1/4 or larger hole to hollow from

i have not used the monster

Thanks for the info Charlie...........I am taking all information into consideration, hoping to get the best bang for the buck. I appreciate your response. Thanks also to the other posters who have given information...........I appreciate it.

Hopefully, others with this unit will chime in, so I can get a lot of perspectives on this comparison, or at least a review of the owners.

 

[waltben]

I don't have it, but Vicmarc makes one very similar to the Elbo. The video of it being used with their oval turning chuck shows it on one of their large lathes.

 

[Don Geiger]

Elbo, Monster & Kobra

In my opinion there is no comparison between the Elbo Tool and the Monster or the Kobra. The Monster and Kobra ar much more robust than the Elbo.

I have two of the Kobra systems and they are absolutely wonderful!

If you are considering a captured rest system: the one offered by Bill Rubenstein, at Stubby Lathes, is a really nice system and is more robust than the Jamieson. Bill's system has a really unique laser system. I've tried to get him to sell it to me separately, but the last three times I checked with him, he would only sell it with the hollowing system. I have four hollowing systems and just don't need another.


Don Geiger

 

[Vaughn]

Add another vote for the Monster systems. I prefer their form factor over any of the others, and the quality can't be beat.

 

[Norm Smith]

I have the Elbo and am disappointed in it. I no longer try to use it. In my opinion there are much better rigs out there. I built my own captive system.
Norm

 

[robert davis]

jameison

lyle jameison has complete instructions on his site. ibuilt mine about ten years ago and see no need for anything else.

 

[robo hippy]

I do know that the Elbow had some problems when they first came out. I have the Monster. The biggest difference between the Monster and the Kobra is the size of the knuckle joints in the arms. The Kobra is a lot more Robust (double meaning intended). The joints add some flex to the systems. For roughing cuts, I don't like going more than 6 inches deep with the Monster. It starts to chatter a bit if you go deeper. For finish cuts, it is okay to maybe 8 inches, but not much beyond that. The Kobra looks like you could go deeper with it.

robo hippy

 

[Mark Mandell]

The Kobra looks like you could go deeper with it.

Kobra with the 1" bar will go to at least 20" depending on the cutter being used.

 

[Jerry A Arnold]

I just finished a special bar( 1 1/2 dia. ) for a man which is capable of hollowing 25 in. deep with the Kobra.

 

[Charlie Knighton]

i am happy with the elbo tool, it is not designed to go deeper than 6 to 8 inches, it is robust, believe me i can tear something up, i have not used any other systems ..... my hf size wize are designed to fit on end table or sofa table behind a sofa or table......i believe Stan Townsend was the first to offer the articulated arm and the first to say one could do hollow forms from a less robust lathe the only place one can really try out multipe hf system is at the national symposium vendor area..... not sure about any of the schools, it has not been taught at local artisan center/but i have not seen any classes for hf....safety/use of 6 different systems