George,

At last the info on tools. I have four for hollowing but really use two mainly.

The top two are an Exocet and a Woodcut (proforme?), both of these cut beautifully when set up correctly and both feature a shielded cutter. They where bought in the 90's and have had very very little use but hopefully more use now !! I cannot reliably get either to cut well, it seems to be a combination of tool rest height, cutting dead on the centreline and the exact angle you hold the tool relative to the wood. I have been tempted on occasion to throw them in the bin with a very loud swearing session to boot !! it is NOT the tools fault but mine. I intend to turn a couple of open bowls with them so I can see better what works and what doesnt and then transfer this knowledge to hollow forms.

Next is a Sorby multi-tip scraper, again from the 90's, this is a great tool and it leaves a very good finish on the right timbers, particularly when used with a light touch. Equally it can be used aggressively to remove wood quickly. The moveable tip on this is great as you can use it straight ahead or cranked over to the side to undercut areas. The tool shank is flat on one side for scraping, it also has a cutter for sheer scraping using the rounded side of the shank. VERY useful, wouldnt like to be with out this one !

The fourth tool is homemade from scrap 3/8th" steel bar. I drilled the end at a 45 degree angle, then glued in the end of a 6mm drill and shaped it on the grinder. This is also VERY useful, especially for undercutting rims etc and cuts really well and controllably. For a tool that cost about $4 including the handle it is superb, I will make a straight one soon ! Given the choice I would go for a thicker bar section to help reduce vibration BUT this does restrict how small an opening that you can hollow through especially on a shape like the above. Also I would round over the corners of the bar so they dont cut when rubbing against the entry hole.

tools 001.JPGtools 002.JPG


George, hope this answers your question ! PM if you want and pop over for a beer..
Regards,
Cam