Hollowing system

Ok! Here we go again! Please recommend a hollowing system for a newbie type person but that won’t limit me too much when I have some bit of experience. I don’t have a local mentor.

 

Get John Jordan tools and his video. You may step up to a captured bar system later but learning the basics of hollowing with his tools and techniques will.serve younwell no matter what direction you take later.

 

I am a big fan of the Simple Hollowing System from Harrison Specialties:

https://www.harrisonspecialties.com/simple-hollowing-system-with-laser-optional-tools/

But what will be best for you is going to be highly dependent on what you want to hollow.

 

I only know what I have and I haven't been using it very long - the DWay tool with outrigger and spring guide. It's simple, one piece really and very stable for me. I looked at several options and decided it was in my price range and wasn't sure how many I would do. I've done about 10 so far and I like it BUT, I have no comparison experience other than fighting with a carbide scraper to make mugs. I've found I can go a little over 6" before I have to watch for grabs at the bottom but that will get better I think with experience and changing the angle of the cutter more.

 

I have the Trent Bosch system in 3/4"...but if you want to go bigger, or deeper...The Clarke Hollowing Sytem is my pick. Heavy, incredible finish work and engineering. ( www.theokspindoctor.com )

 

First step would to be go out and purchase David Ellsworth's book on Woodturning.
In there, you can find out how to make your own tools if so inclined.
I am a believer in learning how to hollow without a captured system first. Just to learn how it works.
When you move up to a captured system......see if you can find a club near you and ask if you can try the various systems.
Hugh

 

This is really important. I have the Carter deep hollowing system, and it works well, but is heavy. Very heavy. Putting your hands on it is important. I chose the Carter system after using it at a demo booth at the AAW conference.

 

I'll vote for the Trent Bosch system. Been very happy with mine. very easy 60 second set up and folds up tight enough to put in a drawer.

 

I have the carter hollow roller but only because of availability. I wish I had the availability of stuff up here in alberta that you guys do down there.

I don't really like the one I have. It's movement is smooth going in and out but side to side isn't great and im stuck using carter bars etc because if the design.

 

what kind of lathe do you own?? If it is a full length bed say 36" or more then read my recommendation.

For a new person, you want teaching and support in a hollowing system. Although I don't own his system in full, I recommend the Jamison System for his support and your growth. After you view his videos or attend one of his sessions you will be ready to hollow. Since you are a new turner, he is always just a phone call away if you get stuck. Simple is beautiful, he has what you need in one system. Go to his website and if your curious call him for an inquiry. https://lylejamieson.com/

 

I started out many years ago with the original arm brace tools plus I used the termite tool (ring tool) and a Woodcut system. Then some where along the line I made extra heavy long handles for the ring toll head and the Woodcut head. I then made an articulated system that does the job but the captured systems and the arm brace handle are all slow and produce dust instead of shavings besides all of the set up time involved.

The steps I take to hollow out an endgrain hollow form are:

1. Bore a 3/4" hole to just short of max depth ( I use a gun drill that has the coolant hole thru and my holder also has a hole thru and a blow gun with air hose quick connect attached to clear the chips).
2. Enlarge the hole using a detail gouge in a back cutting fashion.
3. Continue to enlarge the opening using a standard termite tool.
4. Switch to the heavy handled Woodcut or ring tool when the reach is too far for the standard termite tool.
5. The Woodcut tool will fill the inside in a matter of seconds and require stopping to remove the chips but you have also made more progress in a very short time.
6. I have never purchased the curved Woodcut tool so I do go back to the armbrace tool as necessary.
7. This is the kind of shavings you get with the Woodcut.

 

Got to love the woodcut hollowing tools I use the woodcut flexi hollower and looking at getting the Phil Irons toolgate for better support while deep hollowing

 

Complete agreement on the Ellsworth book. It was the first that i bought...before I started turning!

 

As usual, a robust response! I will try to look into each of these options now that I have some guidance. Appreciate everyone!

 

Take a look at the Elbo Toll from Tim Yoder. Don't know if there is a lathe this can't be used on. I can use it on every lathe in my shop.

 

I agree with Bill I have the Elbo from Tim Yoder . This is a very reasonably priced system and you can add to it. It will use most boring bars available. Attaches to the tailstock so will fit any lathe.
https://wtwtim.com/elbo.htm

 

That toolgate looks like it would be good for leveraging the tool into the side of the opening. It is kind of disappointing that there does not seam to be a US source any more.

 

Go to https://trentboschtools.com/ watch a video of his system. That's what I bought after 30 years of turning and classes with Ellsworth, Bosch, and others.

 

I won't repeat my prior posts on the subject, but I'm extremely happy with the Trent Bosch system. (I'm using it with the John Jordan tools I already had).

Love the compact storage and the natural feel to the hollowing, much like using the tool freehand, except it doesn't periodically try to break my arm.