Hi folks, I am new to this site and thought I'd ask for some advice. I am new to turning and have a Jet 1014VS that I am working with, I love the lathe since I am mostly interested in turning small objects such as twig pots, candle holders, boxes, etc. The tools I am using are hand-me-downs from my dad and they are probably the cheapest Chinese made tools he could find, they are working so-so for turning so far but need sharpening on a very regular basis with the woods I am using.
Due to financial restrictions I am currently using some hickory and oak limbs that came down in the Oklahoma ice storm of 2007. I have had good luck with the wood so far, I even have some nice spalted wood to work with eventually. And with the recent tornado that passed over my house on Monday I should have more wood...I needed more wood but sure didn't want it delivered like that!!!
I am needing some hollowing tools and am considering making my own since I don't see how anyone can ask up to and over $100 for a hollowing tool, I don't care if it has a carbide cutter or not it is ridiculous. I am thinking carbide will be best for me since the hickory is like a rock but my question is this...for initial and finish hollowing would it be best to get the flat (like the Easy Wood Tools) or "cupped" (like the Hunter) bits to make my own tools?
I have found a possible source for some carbide inserts, CarbideDepot.com, and they have some flat and some "cupped". I am wanting to make a set of 1/4" and 3/8" tools, straight and "swan neck" for the different shapes I will be turning. Any help on the hollowing bits will be greatly appreciated.
Due to financial restrictions I am currently using some hickory and oak limbs that came down in the Oklahoma ice storm of 2007. I have had good luck with the wood so far, I even have some nice spalted wood to work with eventually. And with the recent tornado that passed over my house on Monday I should have more wood...I needed more wood but sure didn't want it delivered like that!!!
I am needing some hollowing tools and am considering making my own since I don't see how anyone can ask up to and over $100 for a hollowing tool, I don't care if it has a carbide cutter or not it is ridiculous. I am thinking carbide will be best for me since the hickory is like a rock but my question is this...for initial and finish hollowing would it be best to get the flat (like the Easy Wood Tools) or "cupped" (like the Hunter) bits to make my own tools?
I have found a possible source for some carbide inserts, CarbideDepot.com, and they have some flat and some "cupped". I am wanting to make a set of 1/4" and 3/8" tools, straight and "swan neck" for the different shapes I will be turning. Any help on the hollowing bits will be greatly appreciated.