My first hollow form and a HF tool question.

[Alex Ku]

Here is my first hollow form bowl.
It was somewhat a struggle to make since I don't have any bent shaft hollowing tool.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gzA6aeqk3VE/TI-YmgpJUvI/AAAAAAAABx0/fX1ujuMdxWE/s640/P1010933.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gzA6aeqk3VE/TI-ZEh1qRLI/AAAAAAAABx0/2Ub5t9SZqCo/s800/P1010944.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gzA6aeqk3VE/TI-ZEjkjZ8I/AAAAAAAABx0/Nw5EH4mkXs4/s800/P1010943.JPG

I want to make a couple of HF tools. Before I proceed I wanted to ask If anyone has some recommendations or a good link on DIY hollowing tools.

BTW All my carbide tools are DIY and I like them very much. Each one cost me only about $15-$20 ($7 carbide cutter + $10 for 1/2" square stainless bar)
If anyone is interested I can post pictures.

 

[Matthew Clarke]

Hi Alex,

That is one very nice looking hollow form. I wish that my first tries looked as good. As for DIY hollowing tools, I would recommend making a set of Ellsworth hollowing tools. I have attended classes with David and he recommended that we make our own tools. I did, and frequently go back to them when turning a a hollow form now. I find them to be very versatile and have a reasonable learning curve. They were easy to make and very low cost. Just be sure to purchase the tips that are HSS and 10% cobalt. You can get them from Enco.

Matt

 

[john lucas]

Ditto what he said. I also make my own tools. Mine look more like John Jordan's but his and Ellsworth's are similar. I use 3/16 HSS steel bits in the end of mine. ON the smaller diameter tools you can bend them yourself. when it gets up to 5/8" or larger you either need a heavy duty tool or some heat.
Bent tools should be designed so the cutter is inline with the straight shaft of the tool. You use these with the tool rest on the straight part. This reduces the twisting forces.
Of course you can simply buy them from John Jordan right here.
www.stubbylathe.com

 

[KellyDunn]

Alex, a very sweet form you made. And not having bent tools you did good. however, the rule for a hollow form is the opening is much smaller than what you have. So I suggest this is an enclosed bowl form. A very sweet one at that. And the guys gave you good advise. Making your own tools is very easy. You should have plenty of folks in the bay area you could go to their shops and try out what they have?Just an idea. And a quick lesson may happen also.

 

[MichaelMouse]

Sort of a Navaho pottery/basket (Zuni, etc.) influence. Without splitting definitions, it looks nice. Makes a pretty centerpiece starter, too.

With that size opening you can still work with your fingernailed gouge or other straight-handled tools. To get smaller in the middle and farther to the side, you need some bent tools. If you don't D handle them like Jamiesons, you'll appreciate the help of a rest with a pivot pin to rest against, like the metal spinners. Helps keep things from kicking where you don't want them to. Sometimes you just can't control the angles adequately with a simple overhand grip. Another home-made "tool."

 

[Hugh]

Alex,
I believe you have an active woodturning club just to the south of you in Los Altos. And another in San Ramon in the East Bay. I believe they both meet once a month. I know someone in the clubs has made hollowing tools and would be happy to show you their work, if not try using their tools. Also you may want to check out David Ellsworth's book out - it shows and tells you how David makes his tools. Easy stuff.

Short story - The first time I saw David Ellsworth at the Davis, CA symposium, I was looking at his tools leaning against the wall after the demo. David turned around and said he would sell me a set for $60 but then told me how to make them myself (drill rod, tool bit, CA glue). I have been making my own hollowing tools ever since.😀😀😀

Hugh