Thanks to those who have discussed this in the past, and especially to Darrell Feltmate, who has some instructions on his website,
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This is a sweet tool. I've tried it on endgrain, and it even cuts a halfway decent cove on a spindle. From what little I've done, it seems nearly impossible to make it catch, and I've tried. The cutter reminds me of the one that came with the duplicator on my first lathe, a Craftman monotube circa 1979. From what I can remember, since I tossed the duplicator shortly thereafter. I made mine from 5/8 drill rod, and got the 1/4 HSS inserts from Wholesale Tool,
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which has a store nearby. They are less than a buck apeice for the
2-1/2 inch, and they have longer lengths. I use a Kelton handle I previously had, and it makes a nice, hefty, solid tool.
Has anyone tried one of these by boring sideways through the rod, or at an angle, for hollowing? That would seem like a nice project.
Thanks again for those who've shared in the past.
tt