hollowing systems

[byron constantine]

I have been researching different systems in the $300to$400 price range. What systems do some of you use what are the best
bang for the buck out there. I have a jet 1642 lathe. Thanks, Byron

[Kyle Iwamoto]

What are you looking at? Most of the systems I've looked are a bit more than your budget..... More importantly, what are you planning to do with the hollowing rig? Small, or large? That will get you better answers.

[Roger Chandler]

Unless you are planning to go really big, then the Monster Articulated Hollowing system is great. It will hollow to 10 inches deep and really takes the stress out of the process. If you want to go a lot bigger they have the captive system as well and you can get a bigger 1" boring bar that will fit the articulated as well, and go about 3" deeper.

http://monster-lathe-tools.com/cart.php?target=product&product_id=262&category_id=63

It may be a bit more than $400, but the quality and the performance will be worth it to you in the long run! They have the unit especially for the Jet 1642.

[John Keeton]

Kyle's comments are appropriate, but that said, I have both the Monster articulated and the captive systems - both are great. A quick Google advanced search produced these links that might be of interest -

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?74579-Which-Hollowing-System

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?194517-HELP-in-choosing-a-hollowing-system

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?177391-Which-type-of-hollowing-system-works-better

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?153607-Hollowing-systems-revisited

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?141069-Survey-Best-Hollowing-Tool-System

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?141069-Survey-Best-Hollowing-Tool-System

[Richard Madden]

You might also consider building your own. If you or a friend can weld, an articulated hollower could be done for around $100. Some searching here should show a few home built units.

[Peter Blair]

If you are not planning to hollow too deep Dave at Dway sells a really nice inexpensive unit that uses a spring instead of a laser.
I have a Kobra and one of Dave's and if I am doing something small and quick I always just grab the one I got from Dave.
He has a really good video on his site. Dway tools.

[James Combs]

I use the Monster Mini (http://monster-lathe-tools.com/cart.php?target=product&product_id=274&category_id=63). I bought it when I only had a Grizzly midi lathe but have since adapted it to my newer Jet 1642. It works great for me. The mod was just adding a longer and heavier tool bit holder section and a larger "under" the ways clamp plate. I think I have a pic of it on here someplace, I will see if I can find it and link to it. The section is now about 16" versus the original ~12" or so. I can get down to 7"-8" without any problem. Really haven't tried any deeper but might be able to get another inch or so with light cuts. The best part is that it is well under $400.

[John Keeton]

If you are not planning to hollow too deep Dave at Dway sells a really nice inexpensive unit that uses a spring instead of a laser.
I have a Kobra and one of Dave's and if I am doing something small and quick I always just grab the one I got from Dave.
He has a really good video on his site. Dway tools.Peter is right. I watched Dave at AAW do a hollow form start to finish in 30 minutes with his tool and the inside was like it had been sanded - keeping in mind, of course, that it was not his first!!:D Nonetheless, it was impressive.

[Jeffrey J Smith]

I've got Daves tool, and it is great - I especially like hollowing in reverse. That said, I've been researching systems lately as well for larger HF's, and have been drawn to Lyle Jamieson's captured tool. The entry cost of his basic system fits with Byron's budget. He also puts instructions on his website to build your own version.
Anyone been using it?

[Harry Robinette]

Byron
If your going to build one I put the plans for mine on here. They mite help you.Put homemade hollower in the search engine I believe it's the second one down NO welding needed. Oh ya it works rather will for me I believe it will go about8 to 10 inches.

[Dwight Rutherford]

Most of my turnings are hollow forms. Built a DIY system using the instructions on Lyle's site. It does everything I want. Cost me about $80-$90 for the captured set up. Did buy the three Jordan 3/4" boring bars. I can go down about 9"-12" with the 3/4 bars. Made a 1" boring bar that let's me go down to about 15" before vibration sets in.

[Richard Coers]

Looks just the same answers you got on Woodcentral! LOL

[Joe Meirhaeghe]

I've got Daves tool, and it is great - I especially like hollowing in reverse. That said, I've been researching systems lately as well for larger HF's, and have been drawn to Lyle Jamieson's captured tool. The entry cost of his basic system fits with Byron's budget. He also puts instructions on his website to build your own version.
Anyone been using it?
Jeffrey, if your looking for a heavy duty captured system check out Adavanced Lathe Tools hollowing system. It's available in different sizes. From mini lathe systems to heavy duty 1 1/4" diameter bars that can hollow 30 plus inches deep. I've been using them for years now and have hollowed several hundred vessels using them. There all hand made here in the USA
( Iowa) & built like a tank.

[Mike Cruz]

I've got the Monster articulated arm.