arm braces

Just don't get a bad catch! Besides, it's fun to be lifted 3' off the floor. ;-)

No, actually they're not bad. You have a fair amount of leverage w/them so the damage is more to the wood than you...

...Kevin

Reyd Dorakeen wrote: (clip) brace that goes on your arm, wouldn't this be quite dangerous if you get a bad catch? ^^^^^^^^^^^ I have never used one myself, but I do recall that when captive boring tools appeared on the scene, a number of turners commented that they would no longer have to worry about having their arms wrenched vigorously.

I think that the main reason we didn't hear about the problem much is that beginners seldom attempt difficult hollowing. By the time a turner gets to that level, catches are not as common and not as bad.

Or possibley they soaked the wood with LLD and the cutting was smoother and less prone to a catch :)

The other comment I have heard from somone who uses one is that it gives him adequate leverage to stop his 3hp motor without

Wrenched arms are the result of using the tool beyond its limits. Guys I know who have been beaten up by their hollowing tools, whether Stewart or Ellsworth type, have without exception been taking overly aggressive cuts or reaching too deep with the tool or both. My experience with the Stewart tool is that the cutting tip should be no more than 1/4 inch. The teardrop tip is for final smoothing, nothing more. And with the 1/4 inch tip you are limited to about 8 inches over the toolrest. If you want to go deeper, you need a longer bar. I have a 15 inch extension for the Stewart tool that I got from Packards. I don't think they sell them anymore, but I would guess you can get one from Dennis Stewart or have one made. With the extension I am comfortable hollowing to 12 inches deep. Beyond that, you need a bigger tool yet. I like the Stewart tool and use it extensively. Don't push ANY of your tools beyond their limits and they will serve you well.

-mike paulson, fort collins, co

I know a turner who has a machine shop make him long boring bars for a Stewart type armbrace. Dale Robbins. These are 1" and 1.5" in diameter. He uses them for deep large hollowings. He says the extra mass of the large diameter bars reduce or eliminate any catches. Instead of a sudden shock when the tip catches, its just a mild thump.