Basic hollowing tool

[Alex Cam]

Here's another tool question: I've seen a few conversation on it before, but I'm looking for some recomendations for a basic hollowing tool. I'd like to start doing some HFs and learn the 'old fashioned' way before I decide to buy a captured rig.

[Mike Vickery]

A straight boring bar is very easy to make I have made several in different sizes http://aroundthewoods.com/oland.shtml. I have next to no metal working experience so I have trouble drilling holes at an angle. http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=127&PMITEM=378-4008 Enco has double ended boring bars that will hold a bit at a 45 or a 90 for under 9 bucks. Since the end of the bit is not in line with the bar you may have trouble with torque using it by hand. I tried to make my own bent one once and was unable to get the bend though I know other have done it.

[Jim Becker]

The basic Sorby multi-tip tools are available straight and curved.

[Mark Pruitt]

I recomment the Sorby "Multi-tip hollowing tool" as a starter tool. It has a fairly easy learning curve and will get you started well. The Sorby Hollowmaster (or Midi Hollowmaster) is an OK tool but I find it much easier to accidentally punch through a vessel's wall with it.

[Darrell Feltmate]

Mike is referring to my site there. If you look at the arm brace at http://aroundthewoods.com/brace.shtml it will really help with torque on the 45 tool.

[Roy Griggs]

Here is one of the tools that I use for hollowing; it requires drilling to depth with a chuck and bit first but they are cheap and real easy to make.....
62337
Originally made for hollowing Christmas balls thru a 3/4" dia hole they work fairly well for shallow hollow forms. I need to buy some loooong allen wrenches and make some for deeper work.
roy

[Steve Harder]

Roy - can you pass along a little more information on the grind you've used on your 'allen' borers?

[Roy Griggs]

Steve,
This is how I did it....pretty much copying my flat 3/8" scraper. If you work slow you can do it without ruining the temper in the allen wrench.62338
roy

[Alex Cam]

Thanks for the information. I'll let you know what I get, and hopefully some pictures of what I do with it!