I am looking to use the jet lathe to make some small vases.
1: can we use the jet lathes to cut small bowls?
2: What bowl gouges and bowl support are good to buy preferably on amazon… or at one stop shop?
specifically for the jet lathe.
What’s your definition of “small”?
1 Like
@mblatz … that’s actually not a joke. It influences the choice of tools. 
Yep…I understood completely; it is important. Still…
1 Like
The diameter was 7.5 in length was 14
unit where made out of cedar and epoxy resin. Outside was cut foster bit applied? kind of…
The exterior looks great, from what I can see.
You should not have much of an issue hollowing out top of vase above the neck so that it follows the outer profile and is a constant thickness. (I assume a certain level of expertise…)
But it will be a serious challenge to do the same below the neck. Hollowing out larger bowls/vessels/vases that have unique contours or access needs is difficult, often impossible, using just a standard tool rest and bowl gouge. The advanced way to accomplish what you are trying to do is with a hollowing system, such as ones sold by Lyle Jameson (see the four top entries in grid):
https://lylejamieson.com/product-category/catalog/
DMS Woodshop had one of these at some point, but it may have been donated and reclaimed…or not. It may still be around collecting dust? Even with that rig, it looks to me that the geometry of your current piece means you will not be able to fully hollow out the area below the neck. So you may just want to leave the hole made by Forstner bit as is, or try and hollow out what ever is easily accessible further in, but that will become really risky for this particular piece as you inevitably try and “push the envelope.”
DMS Woodshop does have a Steady Rest (by which I mean at some point in time all the components were there and in good working order; I’ve no idea if the same is true now). That contraption can provide some help/support, although I don’t think you’ll need it for above the neck, just a sharp tool and good technique.
Also, no need to limit yourself to the smaller Jet lathe, IMO. In fact, the two jigs in question may not actually be able to be mounted to them.
Best of luck…
We no longer have a steady rest. That was part of the large Oneway lathe that was recently taken back by the owner. Hope to someday get another large lathe and a steady rest and maybe even a hollowing jig, maybe when we move into the new lathe room and people see how cool woodturning is.
Nice piece BTW, @ceramicCAP.
I made a hollowing rig. Cost about $75 in metal. Commercial ones are $500 to $1000. It’s not hard to do. It fits a Jet but could be fitted to other lathes. It works on vases up to 15" tall on a Jet 1221. It’s put together with bolts - I was going to use, make adjustments then weld - but it’s solid enough that I didn’t need to weld it.
2 Likes
Pretty impressive!