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Ci3-h5 Easy Hollower
Thursday 17 November 2011
Martin Wood looks at this dedicated new hollowing tool from Easy Wood Tools and finds it to be well made and a delight to handle, once you have mastered it
My first impressions were that this was a well-made, strong tool that would tackle anything. The unit I received came with a stepped handle, but you can also buy the blade separately. The blade has a large flat section which leads to a shaped form end which is designed to reach into hollow forms to undercut the body section safely. The tip - made from TCT - is quite small at just over 10mm (3/8in) diameter, and is also replaceable.
In use
I mounted the blank on the lathe, opened up the centre section then used the tool to undercut the hollow form.
I followed the directions, kept the flat section on the toolrest and found that the tool cut very well indeed. Don't force the tool; the cutter removes a lot of wood very quickly and when an area is blunt, undo the screw and turn the cutter around a bit to expose a fresh edge.
I used the tool with various overhangs of the cutting edge past the toolrest and found that at its farthest reach, it could have done with a bigger handle to resist the lifting during the cut - so you can tuck it under your arm - but at no time did I encounter blade vibration.
The blade-only option may be better for those who are likely to utilise the full capacity of the tool.
Like all tools, it takes a little getting used to but it cuts well and does exactly what it says it should. But take care; if you drop a disc in the wood shavings then you have lost it for good.
Verdict
Overall, the Easy Hollower is well made and a delight to use, but it does take time to get used to it. However, once you have mastered the tool, I don't think it will be too far from your lathe.
