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Bowl Blank tool

C

Chuck Wood

Joined
Aug 18, 2005
Messages
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Location
New Mexcio
Hi All,

Has anyone had any experience with the Kel McNaughton System for bowl blanks? And if so, what are your thoughts, opinions and pointers? Seems a bit pricey but the idea of saving wood appeals to me. Wondered if the is a different way to perform the same function by using standard (or close to) turning tools? Thankx.
 
Title

Chuck Wood said:
Hi All,

Has anyone had any experience with the Kel McNaughton System for bowl blanks? And if so, what are your thoughts, opinions and pointers? Seems a bit pricey but the idea of saving wood appeals to me. Wondered if the is a different way to perform the same function by using standard (or close to) turning tools? Thankx.
Click to expand...

Chuck, you led me astray with your title. I was expecting something about chainsaws or bandsawing. I guess you mean bowl "coring" where you use the curved knife to remove the center(s) of a bowl to get more than one piece out of a blank.

I have and use the McNaughton combo set (large and medium knives) and like it very much. Well worth the price in saved wood. There are others out there as well (Oneway is one). You'd do well to find someone in your area that uses them and try to get an inperson demo or attempt as there is a learning curve to all of them. If you're going to the Symposium in Louisville, it's a pretty safe bet that Mahoney will be demonstrating it at the Craft Supplies Booth in the vendor area.

m
 
I find that in addition to saving wood, it is actually quicker to core than to remove the inside of the bowl through conventional means. Plus if I blow up the bigger bowl, at least I have a few more chances to have something productive from the effort 🙂
 
Good product

I have the mid size and small.....unless you have a huge lathe I wouldn't bother with the large size....(that's my two cents). I've shared this before, I had a problem with some tooling and usage even after the video (which I highly recommend you get). After an email Kel McNaughton called me at work provided some good advise. I'd like to meet the man. His knows his product. In fact my next purchase may be his hollowing system. Anyone interested enough to go to that much trouble has my business.
 
I tried the McKnaughton system at a class under supervision. It worked well but it scared me. I am sure with some practice, and I believe this tool requires practice, I could be comfortable with it. I just bought a used Wood Cut system, collected some huge Silver Maple blanks last night so maybe next week I can had more to the discussion.

Frank
 
4mikee said:
I've shared this before, I had a problem with some tooling and usage even after the video (which I highly recommend you get).
Click to expand...

Mike: When you say 'tooling' do you mean the 1" diameter tool rest shaft? I know my tool rest holder is smaller than that. I might have to do some machining or is there some type of adapter?
The video sounds like a good start.

Frank: Whadaya mean it scared you?? 😱
 
Fear

Chuck
You are basicaly straping the cutter to your arm and jabing it into the spinning wood. With the tool post there is support but first try it is not as smooth as a gouge on a normal toolrest. I just can't get over not being able to run away. Granted I couldn't out run a flying bowl blank so definately an irrational fobia but it is mine.
Frank
 
Say What!

Frank Kobilsek said:
Chuck
You are basicaly straping the cutter to your arm and jabing it into the spinning wood. With the tool post there is support but first try it is not as smooth as a gouge on a normal toolrest. I just can't get over not being able to run away. Granted I couldn't out run a flying bowl blank so definately an irrational fobia but it is mine.
Frank
Click to expand...

Frank, what coring tool are you talking about? Perhaps the Stewart Slicer with the arm brace?

The McNaughton set works with a big handle and the knife locked in a tool gate, and can be used with 2 fingers and an open palm. Can drop and run at any time.

Something's not translating here.

m
 
I should probably shut up on this one. But the McNaughton unit I tried had an arm brace. I just didn't feel comfortable at all with the thing.

I do see how the McNaughton system is much more flexible than the fixed shape mounted units like One way and Woodcut so there are pros and cons.

Please don't let me scare anyone else. Just my two cents worth.

Frank
 
I have the Kel system now but have not used it much yet. I purchased it used from a friend who switched to the Oneway. Her reasoning for this was that she did not feel she needed the flexability of cut but that speed was a big deal. The "crank in, crank out" aspect of the Oneway was what she was seeking.

If you want pure ease and quickness, The Oneway and Bowlsavers might be what you want. If you want flexability in your cut radius and a coring system, the McNaughton would be the one.

Dietrich
 
Getting closer

Thanks to everyone for the input. My wife always gives me the green light only after I get the input from this forum. Only 2 questions remain:

1. Mike, you mentioned a video. Having trouble finding this.

2. My tool rest holder is less than 1" diameter (Jet Mini). The McNaughton system, I believe uses 1". Does anybody know of an adaptor or will machining be required? 😕
 
Chuck,

I didn't catch your mention of the kind of lathe you have, but you should be prepared to have some problems with a mini stalling in a cut. You will need to take very light cuts and back out to clear the kerf often. Of course this could be a set-up for buying a bigger lathe! 😀

As far as the video, it's done by Mike Mahony, and most of the tool vendors carry it. Here's a link to one:
http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/cgi-bin/shopper?preadd=action&key=341-0010

Last, tell whoever you buy the set from what lathe you have. They have a number of posts and will supply the correct one to fit your lathe. When you get a bigger lathe, you will be able to get a new tool post to have the set fit.

Good Luck
 
Last edited:
Chuck Wood said:
My tool rest holder is less than 1" diameter (Jet Mini). The McNaughton system, I believe uses 1". Does anybody know of an adaptor or will machining be required? 😕
Click to expand...

The McNaughtin won't work on a Jet mini or any lathe with a smaller than a 12" swing.
 
Ron Sardo said:
The McNaughtin won't work on a Jet mini or any lathe with a smaller than a 12" swing.
Click to expand...

One might be able to machine a post that would allow them to use small set on a mini. However, I agree it's a bad idea because it does put a lot of torque on the lathe, and I agree with the previous post a mini might not have the power.

I have stalled the belt on my powermatic when I got a catch with the coring system (some olive wood was starting to move because it had been under stress). If one does a proper job chucking as Mike Mahoney describes, the belt stalling is all that should happen. 😉
 
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