My version of an articulated hollowing rig

[Jon Prouty]

As much as I wanted to purchase a Monster Articulated rig, I just couldn't swing it right now financially. So... I made my own. I took elements from multiple versions, steel snake, Monster, Hollow Fast, other DIY versions, etc. I do not intend to take any credit for any innovation or any new ideas - this is just how I did mine.

Due to the number of pics, I'll upload in subsequent threads added views.

First - the nitty gritty:
Base Plate - .375" 8"x8" steel plate
Base Tube - 1.5" sq tube steel
Arms - 1.25" sq Al bar stock (7.5" main, and 4.5" end)
Arms - 1.25" x .25" Al bar stock (7.5" - 2x)
hardware - 1/2" bolts (overkill but that is what I do)
boring bar - 3/4" steel about 10" after cutting holders
cutter holders - slices off the boring bar (only bought one 12" section)
thrust bearings - McMaster Carr :
6 Each 5909K31 Cage Assembly for 1/2" Shaft Diameter, 15/16" OD Steel Thrust Needle-Roller Bearing
12 Each 5909K44 .032" Thick Washer for 1/2" Shaft Diameter Steel Thrust Needle-Roller Bearing
tool bits - Harbor Freight pack for $5

I figure about $60-70 total investment. I owe a buddy lunch for doing the welding so that is another 10 spot that I should probably add to my list.

Regarding the laser setup - I ordered the laser and battery box from DigiKey for about $15 and bought more material from the metal supply place for $3.25 to finish it up. I should have that done up in the next week or so and will post those pics later.

On to the pictures:
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[Jon Prouty]

I did the tool holder a slight bit different than I have seen before - here I offset the screw so that I could mount a 1/4" bit in a straight orientation and also rotated.

Last thing was the walnut piece to lock the base to the lathe... I used some extra t-track hardware I had from one of those Rockler packages (bolt and handle). I splurged for a t-nut that is pounded into the bottom of the walnut (could have done this less ghetto but I am cheap and used what I had).

Anyway, that is all - let me know what you think.

Jon

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[Jon Prouty]

Dumb idea I learned while working with aluminum: when drilling the hole for the boring bar - do not use a forstner bit (it works but is heck on the bit).

Jon

[Tim Thiebaut]

I think you did a very nice job on this! One of the best DIY jobs I have seen for these.

[Tony Wheeler]

nice job do you have part numbers for lazer and battery box

[John Hart]

geez...nicely done, Jon. I am so impressed.

[Roland Martin]

Very nice work Jon. I have nothing for hollowing tools and have been thinking of doing something like this. No hollowing tools really beats the heck out of this arthritic body.

[Baxter Smith]

Very nice work!

[Bill Bulloch]

Very impressive. You did a super job. I ordered the Monster, because I was affraid to try and tackle the job of making one myself. With the help of my Son-In-Law, who has a weilder, I did make a steady rest though. I had bought a 12" steady from Jeff and was going to order a 16" one, but my Son-In-Law convenced me that we could make one. We made two, a 16" for me and a 15" for a friend. We copied Jeff's right down to the paint. Thanks Jeff.

[John Altberg]

Very nicely done. Thanks for the detailed instructions and parts list, too. This thread goes into subscription for future reference!

[Rob Cunningham]

Nice looking hollower.

[Jon Prouty]

nice job do you have part numbers for lazer and battery box

Hi Tony,
Here are the part numbers that I orderd (based on someone else's post here on SMC that I cannot recall)

VLM-650-03- LPT-ND VLM-650-03-LPT LASER MODULE 650NM SBH-321ASND

SBH-321AS HOLDER BATT W/COVR 2AA ON/OFF SW

Jon

[Jon Prouty]

Thanks all for the nice words... I hope to give this rig a real good workout soon.

Jon

[Bernie Weishapl]

Really nice lookig unit and looks like it will do the job well.

[Bill Bolen]

Super rig. With all the talent displayed on the tooling I'm anxious to see what you turn with it.