Woodturning - Spindle gouge techniques

[Hmerkle]

I enjoy watching Richard Raffan. It seems I always learn something or see something I want to try.
I the video below he "Turns a bowl with a spindle gouge"
But what is REALLY interesting is he shows a push cut and a pull cut and some tool technique that is really helpful.

 

[HITCH-]

I didn't watch the video but it looks like a shallow bowl. It's my understanding that spindle gouges do not have the correct heft /tang length to be extended safely over the toolrest into the bottom of a bowl.

 

[Mike Davis]

I didn't watch the video but it looks like a shallow bowl. It's my understanding that spindle gouges do not have the correct heft /tang length to be extended safely over the toolrest into the bottom of a bowl.

You really shouldn’t extend any tool deeply over the tool test.

 

[HITCH-]

Agreed, no tool should be extended beyond the support of the toolrest.

 

[Mike Davis]

That being said…
The technique Mr. Raffin displays exerts much less pressure on the tool due to the shearing cut being used.

If the bevel were up as some turners try to use it then the force would be multiplied and directed much more in a downward direction and the tool could bend or break.

I have two tools for medium deep (4-6 inches) hollowing. Both are 3/4 inch diameter or better. I use them to rough out the bowl (I always turn dry wood) then follow up with a proper bowl gouge.

 

[Hmerkle]

You really shouldn’t extend any tool deeply over the tool test.

Do you mean when he is hollowing the bowl?

 

[Mike Davis]

Do you mean when he is hollowing the bowl?

yes, but really any time.

 

[Hmerkle]

yes, but really any time.

I guess I want to see how you hollow a bowl or a hollow form without extending over the tool rest the depth of what ever you are turning???

 

[pop-pop]

I guess I want to see how you hollow a bowl or a hollow form without extending over the tool rest the depth of what ever you are turning???

Use a curved tool rest.

 

[Raymond]

Yes, curved tool rests are your best friend when hollow turning. Here's one from Lee Valley.

“S” Curve Bowl Supports for Modular Tool Rest System - Lee Valley Tools

www.leevalley.com

 

[HITCH-]

Here is a good Pic of a curved rest inside a bowl. They can be used on the outside to follow the shape of the bowl as well.
For hollowing there are all sorts of options to make the work safer, such as articulating arms, captive tool rests, arm braces, super long tool handles etc. You will also see square shaft hollowing tools which are designed to stay flat on the toolrest.

 

[Mike Davis]

Yes, curved tool rests are your best friend when hollow turning. Here's one from Lee Valley.

“S” Curve Bowl Supports for Modular Tool Rest System - Lee Valley Tools

www.leevalley.com

I keep looking but all I can find are little bitty ones.

 

[Raymond]

I keep looking but all I can find are little bitty ones.

Mike, the one I used from Lee Valley is just an example. I know Teknatool makes larger ones and Rockler has some that are 9 inches long and longer if I recall correctly.

 

[Mike Davis]

I need 1.490 diameter x 6 inch long plus the screw for the cross piece.

1.25 is the largest diameter they sell.

 

[Oka]

Mike Could try this as a fix -mic the diameter you got and then look at using tubing to sleeve it larger. I had to do this recently and ended just shy by .002-003 which was fine. Run the tubing over the shaft with epoxy. Easy fix

I need 1.490 diameter x 6 inch long plus the screw for the cross piece.

1.25 is the largest diameter they sell.

 

[Mike Davis]

Mike Could try this as a fix -mic the diameter you got and then look at using tubing to sleeve it larger. I had to do this recently and ended just shy by .002-003 which was fine. Run the tubing over the shaft with epoxy. Easy fix

Yeah they want to sell me a custom sleeve for $59.95.

 

[Hmerkle]

I keep looking but all I can find are little bitty ones.

I turned a 8" deep vessel on a Jet mini or midi lathe and never thought I lost tool control...
I see when you have an "open form" (bowl, platter etc.) it is feasible, but working off the tool rest and understanding / learning tool control is great for when you need to hollow a deep vessel where you can't use a curved rest...

 

[Oka]

LOL I bought a piece for my tools rests, worked like a charm. Was out about 8-9 buck, However, now I still have about 2 ft left over.......
what to do with the left over piece

Yeah they want to sell me a custom sleeve for $59.95.

 

[HITCH-]

I need 1.490 diameter x 6 inch long plus the screw for the cross piece.

1.25 is the largest diameter they sell.

Do you need a 1.5" diameter tool post or 1.5" diameter tool rest? If it's the post what other toolrests do you currently have that fit your banjo?

 

[Mike Davis]

Do you need a 1.5" diameter tool post or 1.5" diameter tool rest? If it's the post what other toolrests do you currently have that fit your banjo?

My banjo has a 1 1/2 hole for the post. The post has to be .010 under 1 1/2 to fit. My tool rest is solid steel 1 x 1 1/2 x 12 inches welded to the post. I looked at buying a new banjo but I think it was over $300.