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deep deep hollowing tools info requested

Jeff Jilg

Jeff Jilg

Joined
Apr 9, 2004
Messages
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Location
Austin, TX
Website
www.woodturner.org
The standard set of tools available allow you go around 18" deep. At that depth, those tools are stretching it. I just did an 18" deep vase and it took way too long because of the vibration and general lack of support. (The vase is a roughout from a 85 pound Cedar Elm log, I'll post a pic when it's done in a year).

So I'd like to consider 30"-36" systems. I know people have gone that deep because I've seen some at the 2004 Orlando Symposium. Maybe the system will be homemade, but some ideas would be great. Does anyone have either:
- links to existing products which support this
- pics or plans of systems of their own, or their friend's system

The objective is to get:
- hollowing bar
- bar support for a "captive system"
- steady rest that will take a large piece
(so the spindle doesn't get bent)

I spent a bunch of time looking on the internet, and like I stated above most of the "deep" hollowing systems max out at 18". My homemade steadyrest is fine, but it was not built to handle stuff over 50 pounds. Maybe this will give me a chance to further explore my novice welding skills. Thanks in advance for any help.

signed,
...Thinking Real Big :cool2:
 
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I have been somewhat successful at up to 24". I have a nichols 4 wheel steadyrest that will go to about 18" diameter.

I use a homemade captive system using 1.5" round 1/4" wall tubing and 1" barstock. All of the boring bars are 1" barstock that have the ends milled halfway down so the swiveling head bolts directly to them.

The issue becomes length and vibration. At the depth you are talking about, you will need a floor mounted system because you won't have enough bed length. The 24" limitation I have is because my 2436 with the 16" bed extension isn't long enough for anything more.

When I get home, I will try to post some pics.
 
bigg

Check out the Oklahoma spin doctor..I just received the hollowing bar system and it's well made and will certainly match up to anything my stubby can do.It's 1 1/4 in by 48 with a unique capturing system and it allows the use of any current hollowing bars such as stewart fully enclosed within the 1 1/4 bar..Rick
 
Hi Jeff,
Read through the various demonstrators on the AAW resource list. I seem to recall one of the guys taught classes on hollowing up to 4'+ deep.

Dietrich
 
After finding several references to large hollowing bars I decided to build my own. I appreciate the postings and references here. I'm currently distracted with some home renovations including replacing the deck. I do plan to build the system within 2 months, and when that happens I'll probably publish it as a tip here. Or I might submit to the AW Journal since this could give ideas to a lot of people.
 
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