80degree hollowing tools

By Maurie's description, this tool is like a Packard mini hollowing tool with a 1/4" thick square bar. I suspect that the offset portion is about 1" long. Assuming this is the case, I LOVE this tool and use it on almost every hollow form I make - small or large. I use it on large vessels to get right under the rim near the mouth.

First of all, a torque-arresting feature is not practical on this tool. The shaft is too short. For my turning, I find that a firm grip is all that is required. The suggestion to keep back of the bent section applies to swan neck tools. That is not the case here.

When using any scraper inside a vessel or a bowl, the most important thing is to cut at or just above the center line. If the tool starts to dig in, it will go into clear space as the tool tip drops down. If you are cutting below the center line, the inside radius is getting smaller so a dig-in is accentuated as the tool tip drops down.

For most of my hollowing, I find that I like the tool to be slanted down hill very slightly (3 to 5 degree). This means that, in order to keep the cutting tip above the center line, the tool rest must raised up.

Finally, as in any hollowing activity, you need to clear the chips often. When the chips build up in the cavity, they start to grab the tool tip. For small vessels, I use a small plastic tube or a drinking straw to blow out the chips - DON"T INHALE!

Joe Fleming - San diego =================================================