After reading a lot of posts here and elsewhere, I just ordered the large negative rake bowl scraper with 16" handle from D-Way Tools in Washington. Jimmy and Cindy Clewes are a real nice couple; he answered all my questions, and they seem to get rave reviews. I got the 16" handle, as I seem to have more confidence and better success with heavy, stable tools (like my beloved Alan Lacer Uber Skew), at least while I'm learning and gaining confidence. I know that is a lot of steel to put into a bowl, so I definitely plan to ease my way into it. Turning on my Laguna 12/16 with the 1hp motor forces me to take light cuts anyway, so it may all work out. I also got a Robust curved tool rest so that I can get in closer, and not chatter my way into a catch. I figure if I want some smaller tools of his, I can just order the tool and put into the existing handle with the 5/8" receiver (I think-still figuring out how his system works).
I've watched about every video on hollowing bowls (which still scares me), and I hope this scraper will be a game-changer for me. I am interested to see how much hollowing I can do with it. After watching RoboHippy's videos, he even uses scrapers to hollow bowls if I'm correct, and they leave a finish on par with a razor-sharp skew.
Though I'm learning a lot here, I still have trouble with the bowl gouge inside the bowl, but often cheat with the round carbide cutter., which gives me good results unless I let it get dull and get too far over the rest. I also have some round tool rests on the way so I can get in closer, and not chatter my way into a catch!
Thanks in advance for any input or advice. Although I've been turning spindles since last summer (pens, duck calls, shaving brushes, pizza cutters, etc.), bowls are a whole 'nother ball game, but I'm enjoying the learning curve. Aaron
I've watched about every video on hollowing bowls (which still scares me), and I hope this scraper will be a game-changer for me. I am interested to see how much hollowing I can do with it. After watching RoboHippy's videos, he even uses scrapers to hollow bowls if I'm correct, and they leave a finish on par with a razor-sharp skew.
Though I'm learning a lot here, I still have trouble with the bowl gouge inside the bowl, but often cheat with the round carbide cutter., which gives me good results unless I let it get dull and get too far over the rest. I also have some round tool rests on the way so I can get in closer, and not chatter my way into a catch!
Thanks in advance for any input or advice. Although I've been turning spindles since last summer (pens, duck calls, shaving brushes, pizza cutters, etc.), bowls are a whole 'nother ball game, but I'm enjoying the learning curve. Aaron