? Ring orHook tool

Re: ? Ring orHook tool

Brad Vietje

>Frank,

I have a few hook and ring tools of different makes and models... each is different, and has its strengths and weaknesses.

I think you can get more pertinent advice if you let us know what sort of turning task you have for these tools, or what sort of problem you're trying to solve.

By and large, this type of tool is most often used to get a clean, bevel supported, gouge-like cut on end grain, or to remove end grain rapidly. Some ring tools, like the Exocet and the Proforme (a half ring, I suppose), have an adjustable cover/chip guard that acts to limit the depth of cut -- these tools can sometimes be used on side grain, too.

Hook tools are probably the most cost-effective, and many people have successfully made their own (I have not tried this). Depending on your needs, they can make a nice addition to your tool collection.

Safe Spinning,

Brad Vietje

Thetford, VT

Re: ? Ring orHook tool

John Lucas

>Frank

I have both. I have the oneway termite and a homemade hook tool. I like the termite for dry woods and the hook tool for wet. The termite is a fairly small ring tool and clogs easily with heavy cuts in green wood. The hook tool doesn't clog. Your mileage may vary.

Re: ? Ring orHook tool

Hawaii Turner

>Frank,

I have both. I like the Termite ring tool for fine finishing deep end grain vessels. I usually prefer the largest size as it is least prone to clog. I use it on both dry and wet turnings.

I have a pair of Alain? Martel hook tools that I use when I remember, and they cut pretty well in removing large amounts of wood. They have a little of a learning curve, as I found that it can have a mind of its own.

I recently bought a Rolly Monro tool when he demoed for our club. When I did the hands in, I used his personal tool and the chips went flying over my shoulder and didn't clog. When I got mine, it clogged badly and I did a little "porting and polishing" of the top guide and it helped a little. I am not happy with and quit using that tool, for now.

When I hollow out most endgrain work, my favorite tool is patterned after the Soren Berger "VIking Tool". Now, if you want to remove a lot of endgrain wood quickly, with no clogging and a fairly good finish, IMO that is the best tool. I use it in several bars/handles against a pivot (firmager) pin. I follow with the "Termite" to finish. Attached is a covered Milo wood vessel about 3 3/8" X 7 1/2"

Aloha, Doug

Re: ? Ring orHook tool *LINK*

Pascal Oudet

>Frank, the Termite can be a good and cheap solution, as you can buy only the ring, and make your own shaft for it.

As Doug says, Andr� Martel's hook tool is not the easiest tool to use, but it's very efficient in end grain/green wood. probably not the most versatile tool though.

If you need to choose one, I would recommend the Termite, which is easier to use.

Doug, I'm surprised about your experience with the Munro. I've never experienced bad clogging problems, unless the wood was really punky, or the cutter blunt (the 1st thing to check). I haven't changed anything to the top guide, just adjusted it. it is really my tool of choice for hollowing.

Frank, you can read some articles I wrote about these tools on my website (left column menu: Termite, Kelton, Munro and Proforme).

Pascal


http://www.lavieenbois.com/tournage/frame_tour_eng.htm

Re: ? Ring orHook tool

Hawaii Turner

>Pascal, I read your review of the Monro tool and added a thin washer under the base of the guide to increase the chip gap, and it worked. I just happened to find an end grain Magnolia bowl in a pile that I am finish turning so had the chance to try it again.Thank you very much. Now, if you could only have a vision as to where I stored(lost) the pouch of extra bits.

Aloha, Doug