end grain

Re: end grain

Dick Hines

>End grain, bowl gouges and spindle gouges don't get along. You need a good scraper.

Re: end grain

Brad Vietje

>Jack,

If you are making end grain boxes, you'll do well to learn the back hollowing technique, and the appropriate use of scrapers.

For end grain bowls and vases, I'd suggest looking into hook and ring tools.

The inside of an end-grain bowl is best cut from the center outward, from the bottom of the bowl out and up toward the rim (note that this is exactly the reverse of side-grain bowls). If the bowl is a shallow one, like a plate or platter, this is pretty easy -- drill at center to the desired depth, the hollow out from the center.

For deeper forms, however, the handle of the tool would have to pass through the rim and sides of the bowl to keep the bevel rubbing. This is where hook tools and ring tools really shine. Basically, they are bevel-rubbing tools that cut end grain very efficiently. They work like a small section of a bowl gouge cutting edge and supporting bevel that can be used on pretty deep forms without the handle of the tool getting in the way.

There are a few different hook tools available, and various ring tools like the Termite. Other variations, like the Exocet and the ProForme tools allow the user to adjust the depth of cut for more control. I'd advise looking into all these options and see which suits your needs best. If you search the archives, you may find reviews of these tools by Lyn Mangiamelli.

Safe Spinning,

Brad Vietje

Thetford, VT

Re: end grain

Keith Tompkins

>Hi Jack, I agree with Brad concerning the ring tools....I use a hamlet ring tool which incorporates a depth limiting guard.

For small boxes and goblets, a detail gouge works like a charm....it can even be used to drill a starting hole, then as Brad mentioned, work from the hole outward to the rim. This is a method stuart Mortimer uses.

As unlikely as it sounds, an Ellsworth style bowl gouge is also pretty good at hollowing end grain. Held on its side, start a cut in the predrilled hole and work out toward the rim, using the very tipof the cutting edge. It can also be used to smooth out ridges held the same way, pulling the tool towards you.

Re: end grain

John Lucas

>Good description Keith. The bowl gouge is how I do my end grain hollowing using the technique you described. Sometimes I use a ring tool or hook tool depending on the shape of the piece. The only time I use a scraper on end grain is hollow turnings.

Re: end grain

Bob Hackett

>Turning Boxes by Richard Raffan(Taunton press)will show you how to deal with endgrain as will Mike O`donnel`s book on green woodturning(it`s out on loan so I don`t know the correct title or publisher).Andre Martel from Canada makes and demos an excellent hook tool which even works the best on plywood according to Steve Gleasner.You should be able to find info on Andre at the AAW site.

The absolute best way to learn this technique(or any other) quickly without alot of false starts is to(can you see it coming)join the local club.The AAW site has a list of all the local chapters and can steer you in the right direction.

The all time fall back position for anything turning related is to contact Albert LeCoff at the Woodturning Center in Philadelphia PA.You better be ready when you do because I have been overwhelmed by the info each time.If Albert doesn`t know it,he knows someone who does.Can`t say enough about this great gentleman.

Hope this has been of some help.

Mainely,Bob