Gary Rance RPT

Hollow Forms

March 15th 2006

Reviewed by Andrew Griffiths

Spindle gouge control

Gary Rance started with a pomander using a banksia nut body with yew finials top and bottom. A 3in long piece of banksia was roughed down, a spigot formed at one end and the core removed with a forstner bit. The outside was shaped with a skew chisel then the BCT hollowing removed the inside, following the external profile. The finials were turned between centres using a skew and spindle gouge to create beads and sweeping curves.

Gary said that he found it better to think of the curve he was trying to produce and take a positive, flowing cut, rather than small sequential ones; this technique is less likely to result in dig-ins.

The lower finial is a friction fit, the upper is loose to allow removal for refilling with spices. A hole through the stub takes the cord to hang the finished product. A spray lacquer gave a pleasing finish.

For repeat work, Gary described production fingers — mechanical devices set at intervals along the length of the work. They are adjusted to be in contact with the wood so that when the correct diameter is reached for each finger, it drops down with a click. Final item was an onlay lidded box from yew and Corian. Gary mentioned his new DVD once or twice (!) during the evening. He described its contents and, running at three hours, he said it was great for insomniacs!


*Superglue - The Woodturners 'best friend'*		*SNOW? 'no' just fine Corian shavings*

*Lid with Corian onlay*		*Gary's Videos - Click on picture for more details*