Hollowing a Vase

Thanks for the how-to. I don’t get to do much turning, so when I have the chance I’ve mostly done spindle work. I’ve been thinking about turning some bowls or something, but not sure where to start. Maybe this will get me going.

The base looks okay to me, and the color is funky and fun. Way to go!

Thanks again.

-- http://www.north40custom.com -- http://north40studios.etsy.com --

Joe, this is very cool! Thanks for all the pictures. They’re great, and helpful in seeing your process. I’m just starting to make some turnings (beyond pens) with the lathe I acquired this fall. One day, I’d like to try hollow turning, but still have a huge amount of basics to learn.

Thanks again.

-- Martin, Kansas

Great job with lots of info, I was wondering why you wouldn’t drill out a large majority with say a forstner bit or similiar? before using a hollowing tool. Or is this a dumb question? I haven’t turned wood on a lathe since high school days.

-- Dan Wiggins

I love your documentation. It’s so neat to see how a block of wood becomes an art object. I may have to venture into turning. The lathe we have has not been used much and we have a couple of tons of maple to use up. If you would like a log, come on over.

-- "They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." ~ Edgar Allan Poe

It’s always fun to see the process as well as the finished work. Thanks for taking the time to share.

-- Thos. Angle

Thanks, Joe!

Very nicely done Joe, now I have your secrets, mmmmhhhaaa.! Don’t worry, your still the man. You need a bandsaw to take those square edges off your block before you put it on your lathe. Saves a lot on the old lathe. You know after looking again, I do like that bottom on the piece. It does give it lift. What do you care huh? You could put a twig up there and it would look good. lol Just kiddin pal

-- Mike. mwurm13@yahoo.com

I’m learning here Trifern.

Thanks a lot.

-- masrol, kuala lumpur, MY.

This is a nice tutorial, especially for those of us who are lathe deprived and to whom turning is still a mystery. :)

I appreciate the time and effort that you put into this. I know that stopping and starting in the middle of a project gets tedious and the break makes it difficult to maintain your concentration.

Thanks for the post.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

Great blog Joe. Thanks for sharing.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

So do you primarily use the curved or the straight hollowing tool for most of the hollowing. Thanks, this was very informative.

rikkor, it depends on the shape. I used the straight hollowing tool about 80% of the time on this piece. I only use the curved tool where I can’t reach it with the straight tool. One thing to remember about the curved tool; even though it is curved, the tip is in a straight line with the shaft. This is helpful trying to figure out where the tool tip is when you can’t see it.

-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.

Hey Joe
I guess I answered my own question and found this blog .Since I’m only a turner of legs for furniture I’m still wondering what kind of tool is used in the tight opening for small vessels. It seems I saw on one project someone say they sharpened a allen wrench to turn inside small spaces. I feel like I have visited a fine gallery when I look at your projects page.

Jim

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop, custom furniture maker, woodworking school, heirloomwoodshop.com

Hi I follow the same thing ,only I use a 1-1/2”forsner bit all the way to the bottom so I dont have to hollow more than needed

-- peruturner,lima peru

I see said the blind man. L.O.L. I was wondering how you hollowed it out, thanks for all the detail. I don’t have a lathe and never really gave it much thought about trying my hand at it since the last time was in wood shop in the 7th grade, dissaster so never tried again went down other roads but after seeing your work and how beautiful they turn out and it looks like it MIGHT be fun, L.O.L. I just might start putting some coins back to get a lathe, if I do I’ll blame you to the ol lady and say it’s your fault L.O.L. Thanks again for taking the time to explain

Excellent piece of documentation. I agree with Peruturner though as to the use of a forstner…it will save you all the blow out time as the forstners are self cleaning (you will still have to blow out at the end so that you can get your hollowing tool inside).

Did you make your own hollowing tool or did you purchase one? I have been using the one I learned to make from watching the David Ellsworth videos on tools and sharpening. I also have a hollower from John Jordan that works great for hollowing the smaller vessels.

Love that finish too…thats my weakness when it comes to turning….I need to pay more attention to the finish and learn some good techniques there.

-- Woodworking.....My small slice of heaven!