Coring Systems

"Alan Van Art" wrote: (clip) I'd like to hear some comments about the Bowlsaver's use on underpowered lathes. Can I expect it to work well with my Jet, (clip) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I bought the Bowlsaver when I had a Jet 1236 lathe, and it worked quite well. I later up-graded to the small McNaughton system, and I was also able to make it work, but it was marginal. I made a few very small nested bowls with it. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ .(clip) Is it just one size tool (for a single size core), or is it a complete set like the McNaughton System? ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The Bowlsaver uses two cutters, one for small bowls, and the other for bowls up to 12". The one you are not using is reversed in its clamp. On a lathe with a 12" swing, you would not be able to make use of the wide range of McNaughton blades. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ (clip)which size tool post does my lathe have? ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ You have a 1" toolpost.

McNaughton system (med. size) is more versatile, but there are a couple of wrinkles...

power - can be done with some care on a 1 hp machine; see the posts from the ingenious guy on this list, apologies - name forgotten - who worked out a kind of pulsing system

clearance between top of banjo and lathe centre - some lathes don't have enough, so contact the McNaughton importer/dealer and check

Ern

Hello Ern,

That chap would be me... :-) Several years ago I published an article on using the Kelton Centre Saver and then later published my technique for using the Kelton on low power lathes. I refer to the technique as "Fluid Pulsed" to indicate the smooth, fluid pulses of the blade to accommodate for low power motors. I developed the technique because I was frequently asked to demonstrate use of the Kelton Centre Saver, on small 1HP lathes (My studio lathe features a 3HP motor).

If anyone would like a copy of the original article, as well as the low power technique, please send me an email. I will have a new and updated article in the English "Woodturning" magazine in the next few months that profiles my long-term test results and techniques for using the Kelton Centre Saver, The Oneway Easy Core and the Woodcut Bowl Saver systems.

The article will include my latest techniques for squeezing the most out of these tools, with large and small lathe motors. I will also show some nifty modifications you can make you really make these puppies sing... Take care and all the best to you and yours!

"Steven D. Russell" wrote: (clip) I will also show some nifty modifications you can make you really make these puppies sing...(clip) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Would you be kind enough to post a note here when that article appears, so we can watch for it? Thanks.

Check out the following where you will see some positive comments about coring on low powered lathes:

Check out the following where you will see some positive comments about coring on low powered lathes:

there is a new mike mahoney video on using the McNaughton system

I should get mine if a couple days. It is supposed to be really good

Alan Van Art wrote:

Woodcut bowlsaver: In reply to he recent post. Our bowlsaver will work extreemly well on lathes from 1/2 hp upwards. The two main benifits are 1) The bowlsaver attaches to the tailstock as well as the tool post, thus dividing the force between the two.

2) The Bowlsaver works from a pivot point (as does the Oneway) which enables the user to accurately determine the point of entry and depth the cutter enters the wood. This is essential for maximum use of the wood. We use only two blades which remove bowls 3"- 12" from a 16" blank, simply by moving the point of entry anywhere accross the bowl face. Depth of cut is achieved simply by moving the unit closer to or away from the bowl blank. Our Woodcut bowlsaver is the most efficient unit for coring from a bowl blank and two Kiwi professionals have cored more then 1000 bowls in the last 18 months using the one set of blades.

If you dont believe me I have some photos Our system comes with an instructional video and is idealy suited to the Jet or any lathe. The tool post is threaded in and you simply upgrade the post when changing lathes. I am available for feedback

Hello Leo,

No problem, I will post a message when the article is available. Take care and all the best to you and yours!