Shopsmith Forums

Please post it here. We all love learning these solutions. Besides it helps Shopsmith develop new products. Jim

Interesting little invention. One question though. Since I nor a lot of others here in the forum didn't get to see the demo at the woodturning meeting (not from that area) we probably missed out on a lot of instruction.

The main queston I need an answer to is how do you control the cut? I see no handle or other means of being able to move the cutter. Do you hold the bar? Is there a handle or other control feature not shown in the photo?

Do you know how deep of a hollowing it can make?

Does he recommend the use of a lathe steady rest made for hollow forms? Most jig makers do.

The photo looks like the jig is being used to make a deep bowl/vessel, and not a genuine hollow form. That might be because he wants to show what the cutter looks like while being used. Most hollow forms have a small opening in the top and the jig is used to hollow out the inside. Can you do this with this jig? The bar looks straight when most hollowing chisels/jigs have a bend in the bar. This is so you can cut the curve inside the form.

From what I can see in the photo it looks like it might be a bit hard to control compared to some other hollowing jigs I have seen. Can you fill us in on this very important issue on its use?

I'm not trying to say anything negative or that the jig isn't useful. I would just like to know these things before I consider purchasing one. Those of you who saw the jig in action hopefully can answer some of these questions.

Thanks.

Woodburner,

The demo helped make its operation very clear. I looked at the site (http://www.elbotool.com) a day or two prior to going and didn't see the usefulness of the tool. Within minutes of seeing it working it was obvious that this is a worthwhile product. Do take a look at the video on his site, though, as it might help make sense; there is another video at http://youtube.com/watch?v=TcuUzgbr6hs.

To control the cut, you use your hand to hold the bar at the tool rest as a pivot point. Your right hand is used to push the bar (the bar is the handle).

I believe Stan said the max depth is around 14", much further than that and the bar starts vibrating/chattering.

Control appeared easy -- 2 or 3 people, including very novice spindle turners, picked up and each did a bit hands-on. Stan demoed doing single handed (while lecturing that you should always keep two hands on ;^).

He did not use a steady rest on the piece he started turning (ran out of time to complete), relying only on the 4-jaw chuck after the outside was shaped. However, I'd say that a steady rest would be nice at least when doing the front but could get in the way of the optional laser when doing the bottom (depending on wheel placement).

Yes, you can do hollow forms; as you said, the picture is probably for clarification. See his site for his gallery; he also brought a few other items including a couple true hollow forms. He will sometimes use various other tools in adapters to make specialized cutters, such as allen wrench sharpened on one end for small HFs. I imagine that you'd have to adjust the cutter a few times to get the right reach especially while you're doing the top of a narrow holed opening, but once you get a ways in, you shouldn't have much adjustment.

The laser guide bar now solidly attaches compared to the magnetic base in several pictures. Also, several photos show the square bar; however, the round bar might be a bit more user friendly (any small opening I did would greatly grow with the square bar ;^).

I'll probably order sometime next week. Will post some photos and comments here when I get it hooked up to the SS and turn something that's not too embarrassing to show.

Hope this all helps.

Roy

Folks, I wrote to Stan (the inventor) and asked him what he would recommend. Here's his reply:

"Nick I have built a step collar to fit the tail stock of the Mark V that fits in the place of the #2 morse taper collar that allows the Elbotool to clamp onto it and function very well. It does require slightly longer bolts in the Elbotool clamp but does work well. I priced it at $15.00 and $3.00 for the extra bolts. Stan Townsend 918-519-0900"

With all good wishes,

Thanks for the information Roy. I will check out the website and get a look at the video with the tool in operation. I'll get back to you on whether I will be purchasing one or not. If I do, maybe we can share comments and ideas on its use.