Does anyone use this tool? What is the most useful feature and is sharpening difficult?
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OneWay Termite Tool
- Thread starter William Rogers
- Start date
The termite is only to be used for end grain hollowing, ie inside a box or goblet. It is very easy to sharpen using the included jig and a router table. Be advised there is a learning curve to using the termite. Start the cut with the cutter vertical (hole running from 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock) then slowly rotate it clockwise until it starts to cut. It can be very grabby. Once you learn how to use it, it will leave a very clean cut in the bottom of a box. It is very similar to a hook tool.
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2004
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- Lakeland, Florida
- Website
- www.hockenberywoodturning.com
Termite is a ring tool excellent for endgrain hollowing with large openings boxes, vases, goblets, etc
The cutting edge can cut from the bottom center to the rim or from a pilot hole to the side wall
It can pick up the cut in the center so a pilot hole is not required.
Another big advantage is that both sides of the ring cut so when one side gets dull just flip it over to the sharp side. Working wet wood it can clog once in a while - just flip it over and cutting from the other side spits out the clog.
There is a learning curve as Vern said
The hook tool is an alternative as are Other tools like a spindle gouge, a #4 or #5 Hunter, or the Monroe hollower and others.
I sharpen mine with with the Stone it came with mounted in a die grinder from habor freight.
Put the stone in the ring, hit the paddle on the die grinder and release, when the noise stops it is sharp on that side. Repeat on the other side.
The cutting edge can cut from the bottom center to the rim or from a pilot hole to the side wall
It can pick up the cut in the center so a pilot hole is not required.
Another big advantage is that both sides of the ring cut so when one side gets dull just flip it over to the sharp side. Working wet wood it can clog once in a while - just flip it over and cutting from the other side spits out the clog.
There is a learning curve as Vern said
The hook tool is an alternative as are Other tools like a spindle gouge, a #4 or #5 Hunter, or the Monroe hollower and others.
I sharpen mine with with the Stone it came with mounted in a die grinder from habor freight.
Put the stone in the ring, hit the paddle on the die grinder and release, when the noise stops it is sharp on that side. Repeat on the other side.
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I use mine and really like it.
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2005
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- Dalworthington Gardens, TX
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- pbase.com
I have a Sorby ring tool which I believe is about the same thing. I sharpen the ring tool using a diamond cone that is designed for sharpening mortising chisels. I also use the diamond cone to sharpen my hook tool. I rarely use the Sorby ring tool. I use this hook tool now and then just to keep me humble. It's not a very forgiving tool.
At least in my shop, the Hunter tools have rendered the Termite obsolete. I used it a lot with end grain projects. The catches with it can be epic, have to pay attention.