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Maximum length for end grain box

John Torchick

John Torchick

Joined
Jan 24, 2010
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Cleveland, Tennessee
I'm in the process of turning an end grain box but a bit leery of the overall length of the blank which is 2-5/8 not including the tenon; diameter is about 2-1/4 inches. Lathe is a 12x16 if that is anything related to this. I could part it into two blanks and go from there. BTW, I tried hollowing with a spindle gouge as per a noted turner on YouTube...not good. Tried a square end tool...very slow. Did not try a round nose tool, BTW. Your recommendations are most welcome as always.
 
I'm not understanding what your concern is with the blank. 2 5/8 x 2 1/4 should be fine for a box.

There are several options for hollowing a box. I use whatever (usually bowl gouge) to remove material, and then a straight scraper down the side for the final finish.
 
Thanks, Kent. Watched to make sure it didn't break from the tenon.
Watched a YT video by John Lucas, using the Hunter Viceroy #1. Got one. Plus he drilled a hole as a starter for the Viceroy. Back to the shop tomorrow.
 
Using a 1/2" spindle gouge is how I hollow boxes up to about 5" deep. Push the nose straight in then tilt the flute to about 10:30 and cut from the center to the left.
Lately I've been techingvwith the Hunter viceroy. Its very easy for new turners to use and pretty darn fast for me to hollow. I drill a hole in the centervto the depth and then push abd pull like using a scraper. It leaves a finish close to as good as the 1/2" spindle gouge. I always finish cut the inside with the Hunter badger. It leaves a finish that barely needs sanding
 
Length is only a concern if you get near the maximum length of your bed, including the length of whatever is on the spindle and in the quill. DEPTH is an issue. Like John L, I can go up to about 5" deep with my usual tools (1/2" spindle, 3/4" 89 degree ended scraper, Hunter Badger). Deeper than that and I turn to hollowing tools, which I don't really like. John T, why don't you come over for a play date and we can do a couple together?
 
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