If I could buy one tool.... [Archive]

Skew ChiDAMN!!

23rd July 2009, 05:02 PM

Small? Well... for inside really small boxes I reckon you can't go past a 1/4" bowl gouge. However, a 3/8"er is better for more general purpose use. That's what I use for turning the outside of tops, for example. :)

You do need to be able to use them properly though, and they're not the easiest tool to work out by yourself.

The Proforme (http://www.shop.woodcut-tools.com/section.php?xSec=2) & "little hughie" (http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=85943) are both basically replacable tip scrapers.

A mini-proforme would be nice, but I don't think it exists yet. The little hughie is an Oland-style tool that Hughie made up and sold to a few of us. Fully recommended if Hughie still has some left over. :2tsup:

ElizaLeahy

23rd July 2009, 05:51 PM

OH! I just put a comment on that post. Thanks Skew - I had forgotten about Hughies tool.

You know, I could get into trouble saying things like that anywhere but here.

Skew ChiDAMN!!

23rd July 2009, 06:05 PM

The little hughie is good at hogging out inside small boxes quite quickly, and when slightly rolled over can be used for finishing cuts on the sides and bottom.

If you're making square bottomed boxes though, it won't get right into the corner.

Even so, it's good value for what it does. :)

OH! I just put a comment on that post. Thanks Skew - I had forgotten about Hughies tool.

You know, I could get into trouble saying things like that anywhere but here.

:seald:

Jim Carroll

23rd July 2009, 06:14 PM

Skew ChiDAMN!!

23rd July 2009, 06:22 PM

Thanks Jim. I stand corrected.

And I'd forgotten all about the Munro. :doh: Now, if only they'd scale the prices down to match the tools... :U

tea lady

23rd July 2009, 06:43 PM

What about this "mighty Midget" on ebay? $65. :shrug:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Mighty-Midget-Woodturning-Hollowing-Tool_W0QQitemZ110414743732QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Woodcrafts?hash=item19b53b48b4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A50

Don't you also need one of those Vernier Gauges? I bit boring I know but....... $60ish in Bunnings.

Skew ChiDAMN!!

23rd July 2009, 06:53 PM

What about this "mighty Midget" on ebay? $65. :shrug:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Mighty-Midget-Woodturning-Hollowing-Tool_W0QQitemZ110414743732QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Woodcrafts?hash=item19b53b48b4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A50

Isn't that for the proforme tip only? And the cobra handle for sale elsewhere? Pix can be misleading...

tea lady

23rd July 2009, 07:04 PM

Isn't that for the proforme tip only? And the cobra handle for sale elsewhere? Pix can be misleading... I'm not sure. I'm just sticking to the normal bowl gouge at the moment. Not launching into wacky hollowing tools. :doh::U

rsser

23rd July 2009, 07:06 PM

That's a kind of ring tool but with a cap. A predecessor of the Proforme.

Frank's got one (aka effgee).

tea lady

23rd July 2009, 07:08 PM

That's a kind of ring tool but with a cap. A predecessor of the Proforme.

Frank's got one (aka effgee).I think someone brought one to that first Turnfest " I went to at your place. Even I could use it, and I hadn't done ANY turning yet.:rolleyes:

Studley 2436

23rd July 2009, 07:10 PM

One tool this week. What about a bigger lathe? Could always use a bigger lathe. Does a bigger shed count as a tool? That is one thing everyone would love to have I reckon. I know I would. Vernier calipers (OK they get called verniers even when they use dials or digital output) are pretty useful. I picked up a Taiwanese dial caliper for $20 I think. It measures OK not as good as the Mitutoyo I got later on but that cost more like $200. At home turning wood though you might not notice the difference though.

If you have a lathe sandpaper and chisels the next thing that comes to mind is a bench grinder and a felt wheel might be really good too. knows about them I am sure.

Studley

Skew ChiDAMN!!

23rd July 2009, 07:12 PM

rsser

23rd July 2009, 07:13 PM

Frank brought his to 's TL. Maybe you're thinking of the Proforme.

The ring (actually 'loop') cutters are still made by Woodcut Frank reckoned IIRC.

Edit: Andy, the Proforme is J shaped; actually just a version of a hook tool with a cap.

tea lady

23rd July 2009, 07:15 PM

If you have a lathe sandpaper and chisels the next thing that comes to mind is a bench grinder and a felt wheel might be really good too. knows about them I am sure.

StudleyAcshully sandpaper IS a good suggestin. It surprising how much is used. How about a set of that colour coded, fabric backed stuff so you know which grade you've got just from looking.:cool:

Studley 2436

23rd July 2009, 08:19 PM

Did I say something clever?

Studley

Sawdust Maker

23rd July 2009, 08:29 PM

What's that Hughie?

Sorry, I meant to post the link :doh: thanks skew :2tsup:
it is essentially a Oland tool like here (http://aroundthewoods.com/oland.shtml)
do a google on oland tool and see what comes up
The lil hughie is well made and works well (well I'd like more time to actually use it:doh:)
I was impressed enough to get the bigger sizes when he got them made. Now I've just got to get more shed time :((

ElizaLeahy

23rd July 2009, 08:31 PM

I thought I specified, maybe I didn't. I meant one for hollowing out for the bowls and boxes.

Sandpaper - yeah, could do with some more of the higher grades. I already have the micromesh, but only use it on pens.

callipers - oops! Forgot about them! ;)

Bigger shed? Hell, I'd have to HAVE a shed first!

rsser

23rd July 2009, 09:04 PM

I thought I specified, maybe I didn't. I meant one for hollowing out for the bowls and boxes.

And your problem is .... ?

Jim Carroll

23rd July 2009, 09:10 PM

The mighty midget was the pre decessor of the pro forme.

They were a bit leathel in the wrong hands, too much gap between the cutter and the guard.

efgee88

23rd July 2009, 09:34 PM

Hi all,

I've been using the said swan neck hollowing tool (or cobra) with the older style "stirrup" cutter from proforme (which are still available by the way). I also ended up with the DAHT which is the forerunner to the current series of straight shaft proforme hollowing tools.

As a newbie to this game, I've found these tools really easy to use. I find that the swan neck (cobra) is only necessary in a few situations when you are hollowing under a rim. The straight shaft hollowers seem to go almost everywhere else though and seem easier to control.

I've been using the DAHT on end grain as well with great success. Mind you, I wasn't looking for a finishing cut, but you just don't get any catches with these tools. Just need to fine tune the cutting gap to suit the job (ie timber hardness grain etc)

One other thing I recommend if you are thinking of getting some hollowing tools - get a tool stirrup or make one - it just seems to work much better.

I made one up out of bits and pieces (see pics) - the stirrup is made from an old ratchet (socket) with the ratchet removed and the top cut off with a hacksaw. Also put a bit of nylon inside it for that easy glide!

So Eliza, don't be put off by these hollowing tools - even the older ones are good.

Other esteemed members of this forum will have a far more professional opinion than me - I'm just giving beginners point of view.

Cheers,

FrankG

efgee88

23rd July 2009, 09:44 PM

The mighty midget was the pre decessor of the pro forme.

They were a bit leathel in the wrong hands, too much gap between the cutter and the guard.

Jim,

Wouldn't that only be because it is more difficult to sight the lateral (offset) space between cutter and guard because of the greater vertical gap? The vertical gap on mine is about 1.5mm as compared to 0.5 - 1mm for the DAHT, which is adjustable on this tool.

FrankG

ElizaLeahy

23rd July 2009, 10:28 PM

I'm hoping that Hughie will reply with a possitive, then I'll just buy one of his. :)

Hopefully that will help with the end grain on the boxes!

the information here is - a little overwhelming! Too much choice!

Thanks everyone :)

tea lady

23rd July 2009, 10:49 PM

Hollowing endgrain boxes? I don't think you need to go to a "wacky hollowing tool". They are a bit more needed in deep hollowing. I was using a "long and strong detail gouge" on a little end grain bowl today with great success and no grief.:cool: :think: You might need to be shown how though. :rolleyes:

Skew ChiDAMN!!

23rd July 2009, 11:01 PM

:yes: A suitably small bowl gouge is all that's needed, but you need to know how to use it.

IMHO the next best option's a scraper... and the oland style tools are pretty much as strong & chatter free as a scraper can get.

All these "specialist" tools are expensive and fairly limited in what they can do - although they do their job's well. On the other hand, both the above tools are relatively cheap and general purpose in that they can be used for inside or outside of a bowl, spindle or whatever.

TTIT

23rd July 2009, 11:08 PM

Skew the mini Proform is the Pro Form Flex (http://cws.au.com/cgi/index.cgi/shopfront/view_product_details?category_id=1107146696&product_id=1107462274)i or the equivelent is the Munro Mini Tool (http://cws.au.com/cgi/index.cgi/shopfront/view_product_details?category_id=1107144956&product_id=1107452351)

The munro has a smaller head so able to get into a smaller hole in a hollow form.Are you saying the Proform Flexi is actually smaller than the normal Proform Jim???:? I just assumed it would be the same size cutter with a different mounting arrangement. If it is actually a smaller cutter, I'll put my order in tonight :cool:

issatree

23rd July 2009, 11:48 PM

Hi Eliza,
How about an unhandled P&N, 8mm. Bowl Gouge.
I do so much work with this tool it's not funny.
To sharpen it my way is to, hold it upside down, on a 45deg. angle, & the grind is 90deg. The edges are straight not curved.
I also take the "fat" off the sides, makes it better to use. That's my 2BW.
Regards,
issatree.

hughie

24th July 2009, 10:15 AM

[Qre you saying the Proform Flexi is actually smaller than the normal Proform Jim???:? I just assumed it would be the same size cutter with a different mounting arrangement. If it is actually a smaller cutter, I'll put my order in tonight :cool:[/QUOTE]

From memory Vern its just an earlier version of the Proform and the later version is an improvement. I gather it was prone to clogging more so than the proform, hence the cut away style of the proform
Probably better off with a mini Munro and TCT cutter maybe..

rsser

24th July 2009, 10:24 AM

robbiebgraham

24th July 2009, 11:26 AM

The Proforme Flexi is a mini and articulated version of the Proforme, so on a par with the mini Munro. It has a 1/2" shaft from memory.

http://www.shop.woodcut-tools.com/section.php?xSec=88&jssCart=00d57342be233973ec804bb0814fdae5

I purchased the mini Munro earlier this year and is a great tool and suggest if you have the money spare buy one, you wont regret it. It is easier to use that the large version because of the small cutter and is great for small to medium work.
I also have the larger Munro and the Woodcut Proforme tools and prefer using the mini Munro.
Robbie

TTIT

24th July 2009, 12:09 PM

I purchased the mini Munro earlier this year and is a great tool and suggest if you have the money spare buy one, you wont regret it. It is easier to use that the large version because of the small cutter and is great for small to medium work.
I also have the larger Munro and the Woodcut Proforme tools and prefer using the mini Munro.
RobbieSeeing we've well and truly hijacked Eliza's thread, we might as well go the whole hog! :B
I love using my Proforme on big and medium forms but it's too aggressive on small stuff which I do a lot of. As someone who has used both, what is it that you like better about the Mini Munro Robbie?????

robbiebgraham

24th July 2009, 01:21 PM

Seeing we've well and truly hijacked Eliza's thread, we might as well go the whole hog! :B
I love using my Proforme on big and medium forms but it's too aggressive on small stuff which I do a lot of. As someone who has used both, what is it that you like better about the Mini Munro Robbie?????
TTIT
Eliza did ask what tool to buy and it is great for small work.:?

I agree the Proforme is to aggressive on small work, I use it for roughing out big vessels. The mini because of its size is very gentle on the cut due to the small radius of the cutter. I turned a vessel yesterday that was 200mm diam and a bit over 200mm deep and it worked on that very well so it also will do larger work as well. If you get a chance to borrow one give it a go. You will be surprised how much waste wood you can remove by setting a more aggressive cut on the mini.:2tsup:
Robbie

TTIT

24th July 2009, 01:35 PM

TTIT
Eliza did ask what tool to buy and it is great for small work.:?

I agree the Proforme is to aggressive on small work, I use it for roughing out big vessels. The mini because of its size is very gentle on the cut due to the small radius of the cutter. I turned a vessel yesterday that was 200mm diam and a bit over 200mm deep and it worked on that very well so it also will do larger work as well. If you get a chance to borrow one give it a go. You will be surprised how much waste wood you can remove by setting a more aggressive cut on the mini.:2tsup:
RobbieThanks for that! :2tsup: Just to give me an idea of just how mini the mini is, what is the radius of the cutter??? I would love to compare it to the Proforme Flexi but can't find any dimensions for that one :no:

rsser

24th July 2009, 02:24 PM

Vern, it has a 5/16" OD cutter, 1/2" shaft.

robbiebgraham

24th July 2009, 02:34 PM

Thanks for that! :2tsup: Just to give me an idea of just how mini the mini is, what is the radius of the cutter??? I would love to compare it to the Proforme Flexi but can't find any dimensions for that one :no:
The cutter is just under 8mm Diam which is smaller than the Proforme tool. If my memory serves me well the Flexi is the same head as the old Proforme tool.:rolleyes:

Texian

24th July 2009, 03:02 PM

So Eliza, leaving out the spendy specialty tools, per a couple of earlier posts, you might be best served by a 1/4" or more likely 3/8" spindle gouge or bowl gouge with a "fingernail" or "swept back" grind. Granted that some technique is required for most efficient use, but easy enough to learn and you would have a versatile tool, useful for various kinds of work.

ElizaLeahy

24th July 2009, 03:39 PM

I'm getting a "little hughie" :)

But I might look at my collection of spindles and see if I can spare one and have a go at changing the grind.

TTIT

24th July 2009, 04:20 PM

Good to see Eliza has made a decision :2tsup: but this thread has got my tool envy all fired up again :C

Vern, it has a 5/16" OD cutter, 1/2" shaft.

The cutter is just under 8mm Diam which is smaller than the Proforme tool. If my memory serves me well the Flexi is the same head as the old Proforme tool.:rolleyes:Thanks guy's. At that size it should be a very controllable cut which leads me to one last question, can you cut across the bottom and up the side of a form in one sweep like the Proforme or would you need to change the orientation of the head for each section????

rsser

25th July 2009, 08:51 PM

Just tested the baby Rolly on a bowl with an inward curved rim Vern.

Good for prob about a quadrant of sweep before the tool rest needed moving.

It has a nicer cap design than Mark 2 of bigger brother. Current vers is Mark 3 I think which is on a par with the baby; doesn't suffer from the limitations of a narrowish sweet spot.

Did a lot of chipping out running across grain, but it's very dry Tas myrtle burl which I've found prone to that.

rsser

25th July 2009, 09:48 PM

CORRECTION ... not a quadrant, 45 degrees, maybe more.

robbiebgraham

25th July 2009, 10:11 PM

Good to see Eliza has made a decision :2tsup: but this thread has got my tool envy all fired up again :C

Thanks guy's. At that size it should be a very controllable cut which leads me to one last question, can you cut across the bottom and up the side of a form in one sweep like the Proforme or would you need to change the orientation of the head for each section????
It depends on the form. The piece I put on this forum (new piece) was done with out moving the cutting head and yes it is very controllable. If you need to move the head it's very quick anyway. Unlike the Rolly 2 this can cut right round the front of the cutter, which I found I had to move constantly.
Robbie

TTIT

25th July 2009, 11:05 PM

Sounds very impressive but I reckon I'll have to try one before I cough up that sort of money though. Maybe the next time I get down to Vic eh Ern ???:;:U

jefferson

25th July 2009, 11:16 PM

Please stop it you guys, I've bought enough tools! :D:D

And Ern, you still surpass me in terms of the forum tool sl*t. I hope anyway. :2tsup:

Skew ChiDAMN!!

25th July 2009, 11:20 PM

:2nd Settling for second, Jefferson? :U

jefferson

25th July 2009, 11:28 PM

:2nd Settling for second, Jefferson? :U

Geez, Andy, that's a bit harsh. I know a bloke that has 3 Stubbies :oo::oo:...... So I think I'm safe for a while. I'd be happy for 15th place. And you might have notice, I'd didn't order any tools via Ern from the States....

rsser

26th July 2009, 07:38 AM

Tool slut?? I resemble that :(( :wink: Every one of mine gets used (if only to stop others tipping over in the rack).

Vern you'd be welcome to borrow the baby Rolly anytime down here or I can post it up to you.

Just as a by the way I'm very impressed with the Munro shear scraper. It's a head that replaces the cutting head on the big Munro and provides a lot of flexibility in angling and curves. On the current work it was almost vertical to give the best result.

Edit: there's a mini scraper around now too. Click (http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Turning_Tools___Hollowing_Tools___Munro_Hollowing_Tools___Munro_Shear_Scraper_Head___munro_shear?partnerid=googlebase)

rodent

27th July 2009, 02:20 AM

Yes, I should've said Proforme-type tip I s'pose.

From memory I used a friend's one a while back, but got some nasty catches. Wasted a whole afternoon adjusting the cap, trying to get it right until we realised it so blunt that it had all the cutting properties of a tea-spoon. :B

I've yet to try one that was sharp...
It twaz mine skew and it was the old profrom tool with the shapards foot cutter . PS we didn't angle it right you lean the head to the left and it cuts just fine . Just did a hollowing out with JESS for her oil burner top in old redgum fence post . Dont worry im lining it as well as venting so it wont spontaniusly combust in use .:oo:

rsser

27th July 2009, 08:19 AM

Ditto with the baby Munro ... run at 45 degrees over the myrtle burl there was much less chipping out.

Skew ChiDAMN!!

27th July 2009, 10:19 AM

It twaz mine skew and it was the old profrom tool with the shapards foot cutter.

Nar mate, not yours. It was one of the Mighty Midgets I was thinking of. Someone in at Maroondah Woodturners brought one in; maybe Les? Or Bill West?

They asked if anyone knew how to use 'em as they couldn't get it working. Everybody in the club fiddled with it all night before someone thought to check that it actually had a cutting edge. :rolleyes:

ElizaLeahy

27th July 2009, 01:17 PM

Please stop it you guys, I've bought enough tools! :D:D

And Ern, you still surpass me in terms of the forum tool sl*t. I hope anyway. :2tsup:

If you have too many tools, I'm starting a home for tools... I'll PM you the details and you can send them on, where they will be loved and cherished for the rest of their lives.

hughie

27th July 2009, 01:46 PM

I
f you have too many tools, I'm starting a home for tools... I'll PM you the details and you can send them on, where they will be loved and cherished for the rest of their lives.
[/QUOTE]

:U

Mother Eliza's Home for Unwanted Tools

"none shall ever be turned away"

tea lady

27th July 2009, 02:33 PM

I

:U

Mother Eliza's Home for Unwanted Tools

"none shall ever be turned away"[/QUOTE] turns them away. Or is that grinds away? :think: And all the ones at the Knox Woodworkers are nearly turned away.:rolleyes: (Acshully if you do have spare tools there would be a good place to send em. The bowl gouges are particularly sad.:C One only has an inch of flute left.:doh:)