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 normal 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.

 

[Ted Pelfrey]

I know this is a hollowing rig question but I would suggest learning to hollow by hand as well. Having said that I both systems. I only use them when I need a precise wall thickness throughout. I prefer the Bosch and I hollow from end of bed.

 

[Rob Gabel]

I know this is a hollowing rig question but I would suggest learning to hollow by hand as well. Having said that I both systems. I only use them when I need a precise wall thickness throughout. I prefer the Bosch and I hollow from end of bed.

I did get a set of Nicolt micro hollowers for doing some small items by hand. I also have some EasyWoods hollowers that I have used for some Closed top bowls and vases (would not consider these "true" hollow forms). Those experiences showed that for me, a hollowing rig is the way to go for me.

 

[Ted Pelfrey]

I did get a set of Nicolt micro hollowers for doing some small items by hand. I also have some EasyWoods hollowers that I have used for some Closed top bowls and vases (would not consider these "true" hollow forms). Those experiences showed that for me, a hollowing rig is the way to go for me.

So if you invest in the Bosch system the tools can be used in the stabilizer or free hand.

 

[Roger Wiegand]

Using the Bosch system I hollow from the end for larger projects, but don't bother sliding the head down for small things. Works perfectly well with the headstock in the "normal" position. Still can't get over how clever the camera system is for perfect wall thickness. (I goth the camera/laser holder from Trent but home brewed the rest of the camera and screen setup.) Like the near instant setup; just pop the hollowing arm in the toolrest holder so there's no impediment to using it for quick things. Wouldn't want to have to find a place to store one of the giant hollowing rigs.

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

I use the Bosch stabilizer. It attaches to the banjo. However, Bosch needs to support your lathe. So the first question is whether you can use the Bosch system on your lathe.

I rotate the headstock about 45 degrees for hollowing.

 

[Paul Lajoie]

Do yourself a favor and at least check out the Elbo 2 system. I have one and am very happy with its performance. I’ve gone 10” deep with no problem. Easy to switch to a camera system. Mine was under $100. Also fits in a drawer of my tool cart. Good luck

 

[Webb Willmott]

Do yourself a favor and at least check out the Elbo 2 system. I have one and am very happy with its performance. I’ve gone 10” deep with no problem. Easy to switch to a camera system. Mine was under $100. Also fits in a drawer of my tool cart. Good luck

I did and it was $500+.

 

[Ted Pelfrey]

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.

Someone in your club has these systems, ask around to go try both before you decide.

 

[Darryn Achall]

So if you invest in the Bosch system the tools can be used in the stabilizer or free hand.

I use my hollowing tools, both HSS cutters and carbide cup cutters in handles and in the stabilizer. I have Hunter tools, Bosch tools, Jamieson tools, and home brewed tools. With the proper adapter they all work together.

 

[William Almy Jr]

I have used the Jamison, Jordan, and Dway. The Jordon and Dway are good for about 6 maybe 7 inched the Jamison depending on the bar you get a good bit deeper though not a huge fan of the jamison, though I did setup a camera on it. Friends in the club really like the Bosch setup

 

[Paul Lajoie]

Every system mentioned here are all over $500.

 

[Kirk Amidon]

I had a couple weeks to give the Bosch system a workout, and then tried the Jamieson system. Ended up with the Jamieson system for a couple of reasons. Biggest thing to me was changing cutters and/or bars. Only one set screw on Lyle's set up while the Bosch required two (maybe 3?) and the handle had to come off as well. Also, I find it easier to change bar sizes with the Jamieson system, as all that is required is a quick adjustment of the tool rest. There is no need to move the headstock with Jamieson system, while the Bosch worked better for me with the headstock at the end of the ways. No appreciable difference with depth or quality of cuts, using similar bars and cutters. I only went 8" deep with the Bosch, but have gone deeper with the Jamieson.

The biggest negative IMO for the Jamieson style, is storage when it is not being used.

All that said, either system works well, and both take a lot of the risk and tension out of hollowing as compared to doing it by hand.

As pointed out above, all of these are at least $500+/- new. Finding one second hand via your local club is certainly worth looking into.

 

[Chelsea Wagner]

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.

I have one ultra large Carter captive bar system love it. I have the Carter roller system fine for small stuff. I have the simple wood articulating arm system on route I would go with that over the Bosch. I would go the Jameson over an articulating system if you have the room. My captive bar is the largest I could find. Super stable can hollow 36 inches deep. The Easy Wood has a tool rest that extends into the hollow that helps enormously. But limited to about 9 to 12 max depth. I also have a custom hollower for super deep hollows. It has a flat bar that is four feet sits on a custom rest and the tools handles are five feet long. Still takes up a lot of space to use them. I have a larger shop in the works.

 

[James Blaine]

The only system I have used is the Bosch Stabilizer 3/4" version and it is a fantastic system and is very well made with high quality components. When I was investigating the different systems, I did reach out to Trent Bosch, and he was extremely helpful and is a wealth of knowledge on the subject. In addition, as many others have already said the Bosch system stores easily when not in use. Good luck in your search and happy hollowing.

 

[Dave Hulett]

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.

I have a Nova DVR-XP that has a pivoting headstock and yes I have used it with the Bosch Stabilizer many times. The first indent for pivoting on my Nova is to 22.5 degrees and The stabilizer works just as it does with the headstock in the normal place. I am actually using an 3//4" 18" long Jamieson bar with Hunter carbide cutters. I like that Trent's system drops into the banjo allowing it to work with any lathe. I also like the size as I can fold it up and fit it into a drawer out of site when not in use. The Jamieson system I think is better for real deep hollowing but I've never needed or wanted that capability. My largest hollowing's have been around 8-9" diameter.

 

[Darryl Fective]

Every system mentioned here are all over $500.

I've seen some decent DIY versions of each style. There's not that much to it and you could just buy the cutter holder/bar and make the rest of an articulated arm or captured bar style.