How do you turn hollow forms?

[woodfarmer]

I have a little idea in mind and need to turn a hollow globe inside a piece of wood. Bit like a bowl with a small opening. how to do it and what shaped tool will allow access to the sides?

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

you need a tool which goes by various names but the most common is swan or gooseneck scraper. Its got a kinked stem in the steel to allow the tip to get access under the rim through the very small hole. If it's a very deep hollow you will need some form of deep hollowing tool ie one with a substantial handle and thick stem to withstand the vibration when the tip is that far over the toolrest. Personally I bought the Robert Sorby kit which allows different tips. They're not cheap though I warn you now. Toolpost in Didcot do a brand called Hamlet which are a good but cheaper make with much the same kit as Rolly Munro and Robert Sorby.

 

[Spindle]

Hi

You'll need tooling similar this:

The 854 attachment allows you to measure wall thickness and the 853 vessel depth - both useful when hollowing with limited access.

Regards Mick

 

[Vic Perrin]

Or this

https://www.lylejamieson.com/cart/full/ ... e%2072.jpg

 

[woodfarmer]

Thanks guys. need to have bit of a think.....

 

[Dalboy]

For my last competition piece

And also for turning this

I used a mixture of THIS and THIS

They can be done with just one of them it does not matter which it is just that I have one set up with a cutter and the other a scraper saves time changing the tips

 

[KimG]

If you have access to some basic metals and some taps and dies you can get away with something a lot cheaper, I bought a Hamlet straight stem 5/8" , some carbide cutters from ebay (USA) and made some carriers from 6mm thick mild steel, by adding an extra carrier I was able to form an extension that allows me to reach back just as well as a swan neck but at a greatly reduced cost.

Having said that, I would, if money were no object ( it certainly is atm!) still buy a swan neck as I think you probably get a bit better control, but I am guessing at that as I do not own one.

I did turn the Green Sphere with this setup though and that was only about 4" in diameter