Tool design question

[Jeff Horton]

I have the itch BAD to make some tools. I want to make a swan necked tool for doing insides with. I want to know if my thinking is correct.

If I bend the tool neck so that the cutting tip is (more or less) on the center line of the handle, shouldn't this eliminate most of the torque trying to twist the tool as opposed to just a bent arm tool that is off center line?

The mechanical designer in me says yes, but having never tried it I question myself.

[Dennis Peacock]

Sorby has a desgin like that but.....they grind the bottom side flat to help make the tool more stable.

You orta make you a Lyle Jamieson hollowing rig. Requires some 3/4" cold roll steel and a coupling. Then you use a 3/16" square cutter tip. He has ideas and plans on his web site. :D