Hollowing Sideways

[Randall Houghton]

I turn primarily southwestern pottery style hollow forms and at I have reached a point that I need to be able to reach further to the side of the vessel opening than my current hollowing tool is capable of reaching. I have been using a Woodcut hollowing that can reach approximately 3" in from the side of the opening. Opening size is in the range of 1-1.25" and I do not want to increase it as I like the look quite well. So I'm interested in hearing what you've got that might solve my little problem. Hollow form size is generally in the 8-10 range. Thanks for your help.
Regards
Randy:D

[Jim Burr]

Monster hollowing system...hands down!

[John Keeton]

I was just getting ready to say - that is why Randy makes the Monster system! But, Jim beat me to it. It can be done with hand held tools, but the torque on a 10" form is significant - you will take quite a beating doing it by hand.

[Roger Chandler]

I was able to hollow right to 1/8" thick on the side wall of my cherry southwest hollow form recently...........I could have gone farther, but that would have made the inside larger than the outside, and I thought it best to stop where I did.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?160638-Southwest-pottery-inspired-hollow-form&highlight=

Monster, hands down!

[Steve Schlumpf]

Randall - I also do primarily Southwestern pottery style of hollow forms - just something about the shape that I cannot get enough of! Anyway - I have both of the Monster systems and highly recommend checking out what Randy has to offer! http://monster-lathe-tools.com/cart.php?target=category&category_id=61

[Wally Dickerman]

I was just getting ready to say - that is why Randy makes the Monster system! But, Jim beat me to it. It can be done with hand held tools, but the torque on a 10" form is significant - you will take quite a beating doing it by hand.

Actually John, a properly set up arm brace hook tool gives no torque problems. I've been using the Stewart tool since 1987. It's all in how you use it. I've done some pretty wide HF's with little or no problem.

Not long ago I got Randy to make a left handed Monster for me. Haven't had a chance to give it much use but it'll likely replace the Stewart for most hollowing. I'll still use my small Stewart for very small pieces.

[Jeff Myroup]

I just ordered one today. Now the waiting game begins

[David E Keller]

Actually John, a properly set up arm brace hook tool gives no torque problems. I've been using the Stewart tool since 1987. It's all in how you use it. I've done some pretty wide HF's with little or no problem.

Not long ago I got Randy to make a left handed Monster for me. Haven't had a chance to give it much use but it'll likely replace the Stewart for most hollowing. I'll still use my small Stewart for very small pieces.

What's the difference in a 'left handed' version?

[Bernie Weishapl]

I agree with the monster system. I have both and will do anything you need.

[Randall Houghton]

Ok now I have questions for those of you using the Monster system. How small an opening can you hollow thru and still be able to reach 3-5" to the side? How long does it take for you to hollow a vessel that is 3x9" using the Monster system. Example of form attached.
Randy185632

[Wally Dickerman]

What's the difference in a 'left handed' version?

I'm a lefty so my hollowing tools have always been set up to cut on the right side of the vessel with the piece turning clockwise. Most lefty's who use tools are ambidextrous because it's a right handers world. I can do many things with tools with either hand but I prefer to use my Stewart hook tool with my left hand so I just continued with that with the Monster.

Because most of my students are right handed I teach and demonstrate for them while turning right handed

[John Keeton]

Ok now I have questions for those of you using the Monster system. How small an opening can you hollow thru and still be able to reach 3-5" to the side? How long does it take for you to hollow a vessel that is 3x9" using the Monster system. Example of form attached.
RandyRandy, with the full size Monster, the bar is 3/4". Because of clearance issues, I have a hard time keeping the hole less than 1 1/16" or so. I have not hollowed a 10" piece, so I don't know what effect that would have on the process. I have hollowed around 7", however, with the same hole. It takes me about an hour to hollow a 6" piece, which is closer to what I normally do.

[Randall Houghton]

John, thanks for the information that is exactly what I was looking for. Monster is a nice system but I find the price to be prohibitive so I guess I'll stick with what I'm using. There appears to be two camps forming in the hollowing community one using freehand methods and one using captive systems. I wonder if any of the big name pros like Ellsworth or Jordan are using captive systems?
Regards
Randy