Box hollowing fun

[Denco]

Hey, All.

I just got my nova midi chuck and it's really working well. I've begun to start turning boxes. It seems to go well except for one thing: Hollowing out the boxes. I've been watching the Richard Raffan videos to see the proper technique, but I'm still having a really hard time hollowing my boxes. It looks like Raffan is using a gouge. (not sure which one, 1/2" I think). I've got my tools nice an sharp, but the gouges keep catching on the end grain really badly. I ended up just using a forstner bit.

I've tried on cherry wood and also zebrawood. Again, the chisles are sharp, I'm trying to come in just off center (tried coming in from the side as well...don't ask). Just keep catching with the gouges. Richard Raffan has his box hollowed out in about 7 seconds.

I realize it's hard to analyze without seeing me fumble around, but any ideas what I could be doing wrong? I'm sure it's some kind of rookie mistake somewhere.

Thanks is advance for any and all input. As usual, it's really appreciated. --Den

[Mort]

Ride the bevel. Typically when the gouge enters the cut riding the bevel can not be done. In that case the bevel should be presented to the wood as you want it to ride. Said another way the train needs a track to run on, if the track is not there you must make one. Making light cuts will also help. Inside to outside or outside to inside is a whatever works deal IMO.
My mentor uses nothing but forstner bits to hollow boxes. Lots easier than fooling around cut that end grain. Course can always buy another tool.

[mudder]

Raffan is a master turner, he has had years of practice. Watch him closely and you'll see he really only very rough hollows with the gouge, and then switches to scrapers to do the rest. I have not been able to hollow like Raffan can, my method is rather unorthodox. I drill my depth hole and hollow from the inside out. In other words, I start at the center and work to the outside. Many will tell you that this is wrong but Raffan himself said that there is no wrong way to use a tool if it produces the desired effect.


Mudder

[kwgeorge]

Raffan uses what he calls a “Back Hollowing Technique” and this is very hard to master. He only uses this to hog out the bulk of material and then changes to scrapers. If I were you I would not try and learn that on good wood but maybe some wet wood you find lying around somewhere. A forstner bit can be a good way to remove a lot of material quickly but there is a down side to that. You have to be very careful using a forstner bit as the heat produced can be a project killer. When I use one it will be at least ¼” smaller than the opening I intend on making. I then finish removing the wood with a side ground scraper or a box scraper.

[Denco]

Thanks, All, for the advice. It was very helpful.--Den