Basic Hollowing Techniques

Written By Michael Mocho

The challenges involved with turning enclosed vessel forms with small opening are many, because you can’t see the tip of the tool, and the cutting action happens a significant distance from the support of the tool rest. It takes time to develop the tool handling skills, and the dangers of big catches are very real. Tool shape and size are critical, and there are many poorly designed hollowing tools on the market, so it is easy to be confused about the cutting dynamics in relation to grain direction.

This demonstration is intended to help you understand the forces involved so you can learn how to work safely and effectively. We will review both free-hand and captured tool systems, as well as many strategies for determining wall thickness, and how to avoid most common problems associated with turning hollow forms. A short history of the development of contemporary hollowing tools and techniques will be included.

Michael Mocho

Michael Mocho is a full-time furnituremaker and turner with over 50 years of experience. He attempted his first hollow forms back in the 70’s, and has benefitted from learning the techniques directly from many of the best turners in the world, including David Ellsworth, Ray Key, Dell Stubbs, John Jordan, Clay Foster, Alain Mailland, and Francois Escoulen. He has been teaching woodturning for over 40 years for over 100 chapters of the American Association of Woodturners, regional and national turning symposia, the Fine Woodworking program at SFCC, and many of the top craft schools across the US and Canada.

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