2021-03-31 TOOL: Custom Hollowing Tool from EndMill

[@norbertploetz7496]

Have been using my own end mill for the last 12 years. Fitted to a 1" sq steel rod 36" long and with the added handle is 48 " in total length. Can easily hollow 18'' deep vessels.The bit is adjustable to the cutting angle ,.It is supported by a twin flat bars toolguide(sandwhiched) so it is easily controlled. The bar is held in cutting alignment between those two bars and with two tool supports . It cuts better than anything else . Will not use anything else anymore at all.

[@woodturning7843]

Thanks for sharing

[@mch000]

The bit used on the end is a 3/8" double-sided 2-fluted ball end mill (I get these on Amazon for less than $7). The tool steel is simple 5/8" round bar steel. The bar steel was drilled out to accommodate the bar end mill, then drilled/tapped for the securing grub screw. Then you make your own handle for it. The end mill will self-drill, if pushed straight into the center of the piece.

[@woodturning7843]

Matt, thanks for the detail information about the actual endmill, the steel bar and details.

[@kevat9kcreations]

As a newbie. I heard the commentary say normal rolled steel. If you get a catch, would it bend? Could you use a good quality, short, drill bit as the cutter (e.g Dormer)?

[@mch000]

@@kevat9kcreations, As I've had this and used it for years, I don't actually remember what kind of steel this is. You could use any steel you wish. I have had a few catches with it, but they've been minimal ad I've never come close to bending this tool. Drill stock is a great choice. The reason you use a 2-flute ball end mill is because of the angle and cut and bevel of the flutes. It is naturally angled give you a clean shearing cut as you ride the bevel. You could use anything you wish, I suppose (I'm not an expert on cutters), try it, see what happens. Worse thing that would happen is that it wouldn't work, that it wouldn't cut well, and might catch. Do it on waste wood, something you don't care about if the bit doesn't work.

[@kevat9kcreations]

@@mch000 Thanks. I'll have to give it a go. I've made tools when doing bushcraft and knife making, but always heat treated the metal. I have seen several tools including carbides made but have been wary in case it bends without heat treatment as you can bend 12mm by hand with a lot of effort), 10mm (3/8) I can bend easily by hand I'll have to give it ago

[@mch000]

@@kevat9kcreations - the round bar is 3/4" (19mm) diameter round bar (I think it was tool steel). The insert is a 2-flute ball end mill, 3/8" (9.5mm) diameter, double ended. This ball end mill is HSS, I believe (drill stock, at least). Good luck!