Hollowing system question

[Rob Gabel]

I am looking to get into some hollow form turning and have narrowed it down to either the Jamieson or the Bosch system. I have a Record Power Envoy (no bed extension) lathe with the outrigger accessory. When looking at videos it appears that the Bosch system is used more from the end of the lathe to control the tool, which is not possible in my shop layout. Since my lathe has the pivoting headstock I am wondering if anyone has used it with the head stock rotated and an out rigger setup?

I do have a question into Lyle on how far his system may extend past the end of my lathe as that may be an issue as well.

 

[Darryn Achall]

I only use the Bosch stabilizer from the end of my lathe. The system replaces the tool rest in your regular banjo. If you can rotate your headstock and get a tool rest in the right position, I don't see any reason why you couldn't get the Bosch stabilizer in position as well

 

[Tim Dunbar]

I can highly recommend Lyle's system Ive had it for a few years now and its my most used hollowing rig

 

[Darryl Fective]

I only use the Bosch stabilizer from the end of my lathe. The system replaces the tool rest in your regular banjo. If you can rotate your headstock and get a tool rest in the right position, I don't see any reason why you couldn't get the Bosch stabilizer in position as well

I would think a banjo mounted system probably offers more flexibility for use with a pivoting headstock.

 

[Bill Blasic]

I would seriously look into an articulating hollowing system that stays inside the confines of the bed. The articulation gives very easy movement and your tool rest takes the down force. Only two right now that I would myself buy are #1 the Simple Hollowing System or #2 the Bosch Hollowing Stabilizer.

 

[Mark Jundanian]

I would seriously look into an articulating hollowing system that stays inside the confines of the bed. The articulation gives very easy movement and your tool rest takes the down force. Only two right now that I would myself buy are #1 the Simple Hollowing System or #2 the Bosch Hollowing Stabilizer.

There is also the Elbo2 and one from Woodturners Wonders.
I routinely use my Simple Hollowing System with the headstock pivoted.
But I suggest calling Trent Bosch to discuss whether his system could be satisfactorily used in the outrigger. And please share his response.

 

[Gord Cameron]

Since my lathe has the pivoting headstock I am wondering if anyone has used it with the head stock rotated and an out rigger setup?

Rob, I can provide two answers to your question.

First, I have a rotating head / outrigger system (Vicmarc VL240) and can use the Bosch hollowing system with the outrigger and the headstock rotated.

But perhaps more importantly, the Bosch system is relatively (or completely) unique in that it you can use it mounted on your normal banjo (i.e. the banjo on the bed ways, no outrigger) with your headstock rotated. This is because, unlike other articulated systems that have their own mount on the bed ways, and thus will not work when the headstock is rotated, the Bosch system is mounted in the tool post of the banjo, and the tool post can be positioned in front of a rotated headstock. Of course, this is limited by the length of your banjo and the depth of the hollow form. If you exceed those limits with the Bosch system mounted on the bed ways and banjo, you can use your outrigger. One limitation here is that, in any of these rotated headstock configurations, you cannot use an encircling steady rest.

 

[Ricc Havens]

I have owned both systems. I prefer the Bosch as it's more compact to use and also store when not in use. I do NOT turn from the end of the lathe. I turn and use it from the side of the lathe as I don't have the room to turn from the end. It has not caused any issues for the small to medium size hollow forms (up to 15") that I do. Yes, I do have to sometimes lean over the lathe to beter control the larger 1" hollowing tools. But it has worked fine for me.