Installation of the Elbo Tool

The Elbo Hollowing Tool allows precision cutting of inside hollow forms or bowls. Many choices of cutting tools are available. Use the ¼” x ¼” cutting tool for rough and semi-finish cutting and then use the round 1” diameter tool to smooth and level the surface.

Attach a fold of sandpaper to the end of the tool to smooth hard to reach inside surfaces. The Elbo Hollowing Tool is very friendly to your ¾” diameter swan-necked tools that you may already own. Simply use the 3” bar and and install the swan tool.

In every case the tool support is adjusted to support the cutting edge in the center of the work. The basic assembly has several adjustment features to allow reaching those difficult to reach areas.

If you would like to print a hardcopy of these instructions, you can dowload a .pdf of them here.

Hardcopy Instructions (~475KB)

Keep your cutting edges sharp and have fun! ........Stan Townsend

Step 1

You will need about 24” between the woodand the quill of the lathe.

*If your lathe bed is too short there is a mini-lathe extension available.

 

Step 2

You should set the tool rest about 18" from the quill and set it perpendicular to the bed of the lathe for the tool to rest on when installing.

 

Step 3

Set the height of the tool rest about 1” below the center point of the spindle.

 

Step 4

Pick up the folded tool and adjust the clamp to evenly fit on the quill that has been extended about 1”.

 

Step 5

Put clamp over the quill about 1” and snug up the two bolts evenly.

 

Step 6

Rotate the tool until it is level then tighten screws snugly with allen wrench.

 

Step 7

Check horizontal tool setting by looking at the tool rest.

 

Step 8

While holding the tool horizontal tighten the quill lock.

 

Step 9

Adjust the tool very closely to the center line of the rotating wood by moving the tool rest up or down.

 

Step 10

Grasp the long bar with both hands and put the cutting edge of the tool into the wood carefully and proceed to remove wood.

 

Step 11

The tool rest should be as close as possible to the wood to provide support but still have the bottom edge of the tool on the tool rest.

 

Step 12

The tail stock can be adjusted nearer or farther from the wood to allow easy travel of the tool.

 

General Instructions for Use:

Mount your piece between centers and round it to a cylinder. Turn a tenon that will fit your 4-jaw chuck on one end. Then shape the outside to your liking. Remount the piece into your 4-jaw chuck and face off the end so it is square and smooth. Drill a 3/8” or 1/2” hole into the center of the piece to the depth you want. Then set up the Elbo Tool according to the instructions above. Work the cutting tip from the center hole toward
you—center to left. Take small cuts and hollow the inside of your piece to the depth of the center hole—using the laser system to achieve a uniform wall thickness. Sand and finish your piece.

Hollow Forms:
Hollow forms will require a hollowing tool to be attached to the Elbo Tool. The Elbo Tool accepts 3/4" or 1/2" (with adapter) hollowing bars.

 

If you would like to print a hardcopy of these instructions, you can dowload a .pdf of them here.

Hardcopy Instructions (~475KB)

 

*The mini-lathe extension is available on the website and will fit virtually any lathe.