This post consitutes my first review of a tool. Let me first be clear in stating that my review is my honest opinion of the product, I am in no way being compensated for this post by the tool maker or any other entity.

Within my first week of turning I [...]]]>

Elbo Hollowing Tool

This post consitutes my first review of a tool. Let me first be clear in stating that my review is my honest opinion of the product, I am in no way being compensated for this post by the tool maker or any other entity.

Within my first week of turning I had tried my first hollow form but it was only about 4″ tall due to tool limitations.

Several months later I invested in a Sorby HollowMaster which continues to find use but can be a real body beater depending on the application. Only with experience comes skill but you will pay a price in sore muscles and occasional catches that will quickly end the project at hand. For fairly shallow turnings it works great but once you get more than a few inches deep you lose significant leverage due to the large overhang of the tool rest.

Other hollowing options I had considered included the arm brace type like the Don Pencil, or Dennis Stewart arm brace systems. While I could see the potenial improvement in leverage these tools could still leave me fighting against the wood. In the end I just saw these tools as a variation of what I already had at 3 to 4 times the price.

Then I considered the capture systems like Lyle Jamieson Boring Bar. Just looking at his body sculptures make you want his product! You can’t help but imagine making something just as beautiful if you had one of his tools. I especially liked the added feature of the laser guide. Without a laser guide you are left with the need to routinely shutting off the lathe to measure wall thickness.

Lyle Jameison Hollowing Tool

After saving up and getting ready for the big plunge I ran across the Elbo Tool. Upon first sight this approach seemed so much simpler and logical than the captured hollowing approach. A quick trip to Highland Hardware and I was ready for business.

Installation could only be easier if Elbo were to include a quick release mechanism. The overall package however is quit efficient and easy to use.

In about two minutes the tool was set up for use. You simply remove the live center from your tailstock securing about one inch of the quill outside the tailstock. Firmly attach the Elbo tool to the tailstock using two bolts and your are almost done.

The cutter tool is supported by your tool rest. Position the tool rest as close to your piece as possible. The move the tailstock into a good position. Too far back and you may not be able to get a good angle for cutting the inside of the piece, but not so close that the cutter cannot be fully removed.

All that is necessary is to guide the tool with a light touch. The cutter, once set will never come out of ideal position. I simply cannot see how hollowing could be any easier.

The only complaint is with the laser attachment. As you see in their stock photo above the laser is being held with a magnetic base on a square extension bar that did not come with my purchase. The clamp pictured below is what I obtained and when attached does not allow the laser to extend as far as the cutter with the 14″ cutter arm I purchased. I simply made use of  an extension from a magnetic base dial indicator I had previously purchased from Grizzy Tools some years ago.

Overall the tool works very well. There is little effort on my part necessary during the hollowing process and set-up and tear down could not be much easier. I am very pleased with the purchase and would recommend it if you are looking for a hollowing system.