Japanese hook tool

[bodrighywood]

I have been trying to find  Japanese style hook tool for some time with no success. Michael Hosaluk makes one in thre states and there are pol lathe versions in this coungtry biut both are silly money I was quoted nearly #100 by a certain pole lathe turner. The scandinavuians use a similar ool as well. I use a ring tool a lot to hollow out my goblets and would like t try using a hook tool after seeing it used by japanese turners but not curious enough to fork out that sort of money. Does anyone know of a cheaper source or perhaps has the skill to make one? This is the sort of thing I am looking for.

Pete

[Bryan Milham]

Pete, I've no idea where you could buy one of these but have you considered having one forged. The ones the Japanese turner is using look hand forged.

I bought a Nic Westterman spoon carving blade for £35, you want something similar but stronger and with a longer handle, but are capable of sharpening it yourself. So more costly one way and cost savings the other.

Try asking him, or someone else who does forge work. You may need to provide a reasonable working drawing.

[otterbank]

Pete there are hooks for fitting in a holder on this site which is in German. https://www.drechslertreff.net/index.php?page=main They are on the banner that scrolls at the top of the home page. I think they were still quite expensive £50 odd .
Cheers
Michael

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

Pete why not make your own? Make a little forge, get some coke and a lump of metal from the scrap yard, an old leaf spring would do it I expect, heat it up and beat it out. I do it for some of the smaller tools that I make for myself for particular jobs. The tool shop in town sell small anvils and that is all you need.

[Paul Hannaby]

I think the Toolpost sell hook tools - or they used to.

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

Pete I will have a look for you at the seminar.

[bodrighywood]

I haven't done any metal work since school John something I do regret. Thanks for the offer of looking at the deminar. Had a look at Toolpost Paul and couldn't see any that were what I was looking for, swan necked tools and the ring tools that I already use nowt else that I could see.
The bgerman ones are expensive and would need a specialised handle by the look of it. Wouldn't think such a basic simple tool would  be so difficult to get hold of LOL.

Pete

[burywoodturners]

We had a demostrator by the name of Chris Perkins at the club recentlt. Chris does green woodworking and makes and sell tools. He sometimes works out of Bradfield wods. Send me a PM and I will giveyu his email
The tools I have seen look to be excellent.
Ron

[BrianH]

Hi Pete
You may be interested to hear about my friend 'Hooky':-

Umpteen years ago I watched a scandy-navy-n bloke doing magic things with a hook tool at an exhibition. I came straight home, sourced a piece of silver steel and forged my own version using a gas torch for heat and a lump hammer as an anvil (be careful not to let the 2 hammers collide or shrapnel will fly!!!!) and that's when the frustration started. I had no idea how I should grind the cutting edge and only had sketchy memories of how the tool should actually cut. Never did master it, I bit the bullet and lashed out on the first of many store-bought hollowing tools.
Hooky has hung forlornly ignored in a dark corner of the workshop ever since.
I'm out on the Norfolk coast if you want to visit, meet, study or discuss Hooky. I'd even consider swapping him for a charity donation if you can offer him a good home and still fancy continuing down my abandoned path after reading this. 
All the best
Brian

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

Pete I never saw one at the show, sorry.

[bodrighywood]

That's OK John thanks anyway. Sounds like you were pretty busy anyway. Got a coupleof leads to follow on.

Pete

[Wood spinner]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Professional-Wood-Carving-Hand-Chisels-Tools-2pcs-Set-Woodworking-Lathe-Gouges/153210608283?hash=item23ac105a9b:g:3IkAAOSwFCpbuzIO

Any good ?

[bodrighywood]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Professional-Wood-Carving-Hand-Chisels-Tools-2pcs-Set-Woodworking-Lathe-Gouges/153210608283?hash=item23ac105a9b:g:3IkAAOSwFCpbuzIO

Any good ?

Right sort of shape but these are spoon carving tools and not really strong enough for use on a lathe. Thanks for the thought though.

Pete

[John D Smith]

 Hi Pete,
             Try David Woodward he is a member of the AWGB he lives in the Isle of Wight he was a great friend of a very famous woodturner who sadly passed away he might have some ideas for you.

                                                    Regards John

[John Plater]

Hello Pete,
I saw Mike Hosaluk demo hook tools at the seminar. He had several different types. General consensus in the room was that the german made, Weidmann Cranked Hook Tools were very good. I got the impression that the end piece could be purchased for fitting into a bar which might already be had. Buying the whole lot looks like silly money. Asmund Vignes demoed ring tools to great effect. Stuff I might never use but stored (for the moment) in the memory bank.
A couple of years ago I did a pole lathe day with Sharif Adams down in Devon. He makes his own tools and gives lessons on tool making so that you might make your own.
ATB John