Hollow Forms

Hollow Forms are wood turned pieces where the inside is removed. Part of the definition is that the opening of the vessel is very small, often requiring blind access to the inside with your tools.

Specialized tools and techniques are required to be able to core the inside of the wood through such a small hole and to not damage the rim or go through the side of the vessel.

Many of the shapes resemble forms that you would see in pottery or other jar shapes. And of course, your imagination works here too!

		Two Piece Hollow Form by Brian MacAvoy and Gordon Langer
In this photo tutorial, Brian McEvoy shows us how he makes a two-piece hollow form. It looks a lot like a "space ship" and is a very nice form. By making his hollow form with two pieces, Brian avoids the need for specialized tools and having a hollowing tool that overhangs the tool rest by many inches. So, in general this method may be considered safer and at least, easier for beginners. People will turning experience in platters, plates or bowls should have the majority of skills to make this type of hollow form.

		Making a Basket Weave Bowl by Paul Fennell
In this tutorial, Paul explains the layout and process to create his signature basket weave vessels. Paul explains how to make both a straight and diagonal basket weave. So, if you've every wondered, "How did he do that?", well here's the secret!!

		Turning a pedestal to hold your bowl or hollow form by Neal Addy
In this photo tutorial, Neal shows us how to create a pedestal to hold your bowls and hollow forms off the table surface creating a new form of artwork! Neal does a great job of explaining how he holds his spindle on the lathe which is one of the more important aspects of being successful with this project. Then he shows us how he turns the spindle including his method to attach it to his hollow form.

		Making a hollow sphere by Keith Larrett
In this photo tutorial, Keith shows us how he turns a hollow sphere. Now it's one thing to turn a sphere but turning a hollow sphere is a completely different task! He does a wonderful job of showing what it takes to accomplish this task and provides excellent pictures to explain the process. Using Keith's instructions, you should be able to tackle this job and end up with a beautiful result!

		Turning a HUGE Vase by Brian MacIvoy
Brian is into "BIG"!! In this project, he starts with a 600 lb. birch log and turns it into a 60" tall, 1/16 wall thickness vase. Yes, it's an amazing thing to see!! This project is not for the faint of heart!! Each time I see it, I'm in awe!!

	Start to Finsh - Cherry Burl Vessel by Peter Asselyn
In this photo tutorial, Peter mounts one coarse looking burl with branches and all on his lathe. He shows how he turns it to shape and then shows a couple of shots of his captured hollowing tool. He ultimately hollows it all out and shows us how he jamb chucks it to finish the bottom. He ebonizes the burl as the final step.

		Hollow Forms the Easy Way by Lyle Jamieson
This 90 minute video covers the set up and use techniques for both the Jamieson boring bar system and the Jamieson laser measuring system. Fred Holder, the owner and publisher of More Woodturning, the newspaper for turners did an in-depth review of the video in the March-April 2003 issue. He summed up the review by saying: "For people trying to perfect their techniques for turning hollow vessels this video is excellent. The details that Lyle shows in this video will help you no matter what boring bar system you are using. It is one of the best videos I have ever watched...and the best step by step instructions on turning hollow forms that I have ever seen in a video or in a personal demonstration."

	Making a Hollow Form by Joe Traynham
In this photo tutorial, you can see all the steps required to make a hollow vessel. It covers mounting the wood on the lathe, the process of hollowing out the vessels and the finishing process.

	Turning Hollow Vessels by Howard Lewin
In this fine project, Howard shows how he approaches the task of hollow turning. He shows the different types of tools that can be used and how they are used inside the vessel. He then walks you through the process giving a great overview.

		A lesson with Chris Stott: Natural Edges and Hollow Forms by Chris Stott
Create end grain bowls from branches while retaining the bark as a rim. Chris also demonstrates the advantages of rough turning bowls and explains how to remount them when dry and warped. Full information on relevent tools and equipment.

Turning Hollow Vessels by Bill Haskell
This project is a list of steps to take in turning a vase. The real value in this project is the image of the homemade turning tools at the bottom of the page. If you're interested in making your own hand held hollow tools, check it out.

	Turning Southwest Hollow Forms by Al Hockenbery
In this project, Al explains how he makes hollow forms. He shows a couple of photo's of the key steps along the way!

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