Is there a consensus on the best hollowing tool system- I find several systems from vendors I buys from, but I’d like to make an informed decision- thanks
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Hollowing tools
- Thread starter Jim Nelson
- Start date
Of course there’s a consensus on the best, just as there is for the best lathe, the best chucks, the best gouges and steels. 
Sorry Jim, but I couldn’t help it.
And I can’t actually help too much on your specific question as I made my own, but I’m sure the rest of the gang will chime in. Good luck!
Sorry Jim, but I couldn’t help it.
And I can’t actually help too much on your specific question as I made my own, but I’m sure the rest of the gang will chime in. Good luck!
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There are lots of choices and they all do some jobs well.
Check with local clubs.
I like the Jamieson system with the Trent Bosch bars and the Bosch visualizer.
This tread is a pretty good discussion
www.aawforum.org
Check with local clubs.
I like the Jamieson system with the Trent Bosch bars and the Bosch visualizer.
This tread is a pretty good discussion
Yet another hollowing system question
Jamieson, Bosch, or Elbo? Or is there something else that’s better? I know there are a lot of threads but is there one thread that compares the pros and cons of the top hollowing systems? Or is there new information? I’m looking to hollow up to 12 inches, later to add laser or camera...
Dave Landers
Beta Tester
No. That is, there is no consensus.
Nor is there actually really any "best". Some are better for some tasks and/or some ways of working, and/or some types of forms.
There is certainly a system that is best for the way I work... but I have to admit that the way I work is likely strongly influenced by the system I use.
Lots of folks have bought several. Considering the investment and how personal preference and fit play such a crucial role in deciding, I'd recommend test driving some systems before buying. Local club members may have some, classes may have several to try, vendors bring gear to symposia. Lots of ways to try before you buy.
What type did you make, do you have any pictures you’d like to share?Of course there’s a consensus on the best, just as there is for the best lathe, the best chucks, the best gouges and steels.
Sorry Jim, but I couldn’t help it.
And I can’t actually help too much on your specific question as I made my own, but I’m sure the rest of the gang will chime in. Good luck!
Lots of options, if you can get your hands on some different systems through a club that would be good. Lyle Jamieson has a good simple setup. I have the Clark system and it is very stout, perhaps one of the best for deep hollowing but a little cumbersome. I recently got a Trent Bosch rig which is what I use most for moderate size work, very quick to set up and well designed and made.
This reminds me of the motorcycle forums and questions about motor oil or tires. 
I’m sorry Bill, but I don’t have any pics available at the moment. I’ll try to take some this weekend for you. In a nutshell, it’s an articulated arm version that clamps to the ways along with the tailstock via a Jacob’s chuck. On the business end, it has a simple ferrule with set screws to use standard hollowing tools - I use John Jordan. I’ve also installed both a laser and camera / monitor to assist with getting the final wall thickness just right.What type did you make, do you have any pictures you’d like to share?
No single answer to your question. For what I do, the Simple Hollowing System hs been great.
Hockenbery, I’m wondering, do you have the Jamieson system with the 3/4 inch hollowing bar? How deep can you get with it? I have the Bosch system with nearly everything that goes with it but I’d like to be able to hollow up to 18-20 inches. Thanks!
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I use the 3/4” Bosch bars in my Jamieson handle and some ancient Stewart bars with my teardrop scrapers.
I don’t have the 3/4 Jamieson bar and it won’t do as much as the Bosch straight and bent tools.
The Bosch bent tool can reach into wider hollow forms where the Jamieson tool can’t reach.
I have a 1.5” bar the was made for me by CA Savoy with a 3/4” end to fit the Jamieson handle.
I use it for bigger forms. I haven’t done many deep forms my deepest was 18”.
A bar that thick will go 20” easy.
Jamieson has a jumbo bar 1 1/8” thick bar 20” long his web site says it’s good for 17” deep.
You might be able to get a bit deeper because the cutter assembly adds an inch or so to the length.
Jamieson has a giant hollowing system. With a 1.5” square bar that will go 20” deep easily.
I have made some small HF and want to make more. I have been looking a the Hunter tool carbide but find the web page confusing. Is there a chart listing each tool and what it does and what it looks like?
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Of course there’s a consensus on the best, just as there is for the best lathe, the best chucks, the best gouges and steels.
Sorry Jim, but I couldn’t help it.
The one I have is the best.
Broadly speaking they seem to make two main types. One with the cupped cutter mounted flat and others with the cutter mounted at a downward angle. Mounted flat the cutters can be quite aggressive if presented straight to the work. If you rotate the tool it takes a lighter cut. At least this is my experience with home made versions. I also made my own version of the Hercules and it’s quite docile in comparison. It proved to be very useful when I used it to hollow out a Ten Pin Bowling ball! I regard it as a carbide version of a bowl gouge. Not impossible I suspect, but quite difficult to get a catch with a tool like this.
For hollowing I’d go with a tool with the cutter flat on the shaft. These are some of many I’ve made for myself and club members. They work extremely well.
