Hollowing

[FrankAtl]

I've been thinking of purchasing a hollowing system. I've been Googling and there are quite a few on the market. What would you guy's recommend?

Thank you for any help you can provide.

Frank

[Steve K]

Frank,
I suspect you'll get lots of different opinions on this question. I have pretty good experience with two systems and limited experience on a third.
The two systems I have the most experience with are the Carter hollow roller and the "elbo" tool sold now by Tim Yoder.
From my experience I would not consider the Carter system, IMO, it's unwieldy and expansion is limited to bars machined by Carter.
The Elbo tool is a breeze to set up and use and is a fairly inexpensive way to get started at around $250.00 The downside to the system is it's limited to about 10-12" depth of cut and it's not recommended to use a larger bar to increase capacity. Even so, for small to medium sized hollow forms it's really nice.
The other system I have limited experience with is a Home made Jamieson style hollower. In my mind, if you're looking for a captured bar system, that's about the best design out there.

[FrankAtl]

Thanks Steve! I'll take a look at the one by Tim Yoder.

Frank

[czarcastic]

As mentioned, there are a number on the market, some good, some not so good, and some that will convince you to continue to do it freehand.
Based on your location, you are in a very fortunate position of only being 45 minutes from the AAW National Symposium this weekend in Atlanta. You are guaranteed to find quite a number of systems on the trade show floor available for you to try and learn about. Even if you are not an AAW member, or signed up for the symposium, I understand the trade show is open to the public for something like a $10 entrance fee.
It would almost certainly be worth your time to make the trip down there Friday, Saturday or Sunday to take a look at multiple systems first hand and try them for yourself.

-Just a suggestion.

P.S. I have the Jamieson system. I still prefer free-hand unless I am hollowing extremely deep or extremely thin-walls.

<<edit to add link so Symposium info>> AAW National Symposium

[Arlin Eastman]

Frank

You will get a lot of different answers to who uses what, but for me and the others the Lyle Jamieson one works best for us and it is SOOOO easy with just one finger.

Like everything it has a learning curve but he shows how to use it in one of his DVDs which helps a lot.

Like I said it is so easy and can be used sitting in a wheel chair or standing up with just a finger to more it back and forth.

http://lylejamieson.com/

Here is his youtube video of Carl Jacobson is demoing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q28OFqFNkZU

Also here is Lyle Jamiesons Youtube vids

https://www.youtube.com/user/JamiesonLyle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnQIKCy2TXE


Also if you do go to Atlanta tell Lyle Hi for me. He has been to my house 3 times to help me and anther vet also

Arlin

[FrankAtl]

Thanks! I had actually missed this one. I'll be sure to go down and check it out. I'd rather see some of them in action before making a decision.

Frank

[Wipedout]

+1 on Lyles

Great system. Great guy

[FrankAtl]

Thanks Arlin!

Frank

[EightFingers]

I also have the Carter and your points are valid. You also have to watch the chips that can bind the roller part of the system. Have some compressed air ready and that takes care of it.
I have the Kelton also and have been using it it for 12+ years. It's a solid system that allows you to use other tools as well as their bars. It also goes straight over the center of the lathe ways. I've done 15" hollow forms with it.

[AnthonyYak]

There is this fool. Nice VFD by the way

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6e8QrO4GCE