woodcut PRO-FORME HOLLOWER User manual

PRO - FORME
HOLLOWER
U S E R G U I D E
P r o - F o r m e U s e r S u p p o r t V i d e o
a v a i l a b l e a t w w w . w o o d c u t - t o o l s . c o m
i n t h e U s e r G u i d e s T a b .

PRODUCT BACKGROUND
T h e W o o d c u t P r o - F o r m e h a s b e e n s p e c i f i c a l l y d e s i g n e d a s a
h o l l o w i n g t o o l , a l t h o u g h i t i s c a p a b l e o f c u t t i n g b o t h i n t e r n a l l y &
e x t e r n a l l y . T h i s p r o d u c t i s c a p a b l e o f c u t t i n g i n c r o s s g r a i n
s i t u a t i o n s w h e r e d e e p h o l l o w i n g i s r e q u i r e d & w h e r e b o w l g o u g e s
w i l l n o t m a k e a c c e p t a b l e p r o g r e s s .
W O O D C U T - T O O L S . C O M  | # W O O D C U T T O O L S
BOX CONTENTS
1
1. Pro-Master 20" handle
2. Straight Pro-Shaft
3. Slightly bent Pro-Shaft
4. Bent head Pro-Shaft
5. Allen keys
6. Pro-Spanner
2
3
4 5
MOUNTING THE BLANK
1. Your blank must be secure as it will not be supported by a tail stock during
hollowing. Use a well designed chuck or screw securely to a face plate.
2. Shape the exterior of the piece. Leave plenty of bulk around the anticipated
opening point to give strength during hollowing.
3. Leave room at the foot of the work piece for a) screws, b) parting off, c) material
in the foot of the finished work.
4. True the entry point on the face of the hollow form. Drill a pilot hole of at least
100mm deep & 12mm in diameter, drill in increments to ensure the hole stays true
to axis.
ABOUT WOODCUT TOOLS
E s t a b l i s h e d i n 1 9 9 0 , W o o d c u t T o o l s i s a f a m i l y o w n e d m a n u f a c t u r e r
o f i n n o v a t i v e , h i g h q u a l i t y t o o l s f o r w o o d t u r n e r s b a s e d i n H a w k e s
B a y , N e w Z e a l a n d .
A t t e n t i o n t o d e t a i l , h a r d w o r k a n d a n a b s o l u t e c o m m i t m e n t t o q u a l i t y
a r e t h e h a l l m a r k s o f o u r b u s i n e s s . O u r p r o d u c t s a r e d e s i g n e d b y
t u r n e r s f o r t u r n e r s . D r i v e n b y t r a d i t i o n w h i l e p u s h i n g t h e b o u n d a r i e s
w i t h i n n o v a t i v e p r o d u c t s .
T o v i e w o u r c o m p l e t e p r o d u c t r a n g e p l e a s e v i s i t w o o d c u t - t o o l s . c o m
6
* Note contents will vary depending on
starter, intermediate or advanced kit
purchased.

W O O D C U T - T O O L S . C O M  | # W O O D C U T T O O L S
2. If the walls of the project
are expected to be less than 1Omm
thick it is worth leaving a ridge or rim of
some bulk around the entry aperture to
retain strength. This will reduce chatter
and minimize stress cracking in the
work piece.
3. Develop and thin the areas nearest
the tool rest first and continue that
development on down to the base.
Remove or refine bulky reinforcement
after hollowing.
4. The tail stock may be used to aid this
process.
5. A small rotation of the tool body left
or right may be needed to achieve the
best cutting angle, rub the bevel and
gauge on the bore travelling forward.
Again rotation of the tool body left or
right will find the cutting angle,
continue the hollowing sequence as in
diagram.
.
THE HOLLOWING PROCESS
A serie s of cuts in se quenc e
No te: D rill down in st ages whe n
ho llowi ng de eper vesse ls
1. Using a combination of radius and
plunge cuts, hollow the work in
increments, continue to go deeper
with a firm forward pressure onto the
wood.
MOUNTING THE BLANK
5. Lift the tool rest to 10mm below the axis of
the work piece. When first using the Pro-Forme
set cutter gap at 0.5mm maximum or use at the
factory setting. Hold the tool in a horizontal
plane (the tip, tool rest and handle at the same
level), (see diagram) with the depth gauge
uppermost.
6. Before beginning a hollow form it is worth
working out the tools ability to cut the shoulder
angle relative to the work pieces entry aperture.
The Pro-Forme bent or slightly bent head may
be employed once the initial opening has been
established.

THE HOLLOWING PROCESS
W O O D C U T - T O O L S . C O M  | # W O O D C U T T O O L S
A d j u s t t h e g a u g e t o e n a b l e t h e c o r r e c t a m o u n t o f c u t t e r t o s h o w ,
t h i s w i l l v a r y f r o m a s o f t w o o d t o a h a r d w o o d i . e . s o f t o r g r e e n
w o o d s w i l l h a v e m o r e c u t t e r e x p o s e d ( s a y u p t o a 1 m m o r 3 / 6 4 ” ) a s
o p p o s e d t o h a r d d r y w o o d s ( s a y 0 . 5 m m 1 / 3 2 ” ) . O f c o u r s e w o o d w i l l
v a r y i n s o m a n y w a y s t h a t t h e r e i s n o s u b s t i t u t e f o r e x p e r i e n c e .
T h e s t a i n l e s s s t e e l s e t s c r e w h a s a 7 m m A / F h e a d a n d w i l l a c c e p t a
s o c k e t o r r i n g s p a n n e r o f t h a t s i z e . T o a d j u s t s i m p l y l o o s e n t h e s e t
s c r e w , t h e n h o l d t h e t o o l o v e r a w h i t e p i e c e o f p a p e r , l o o k d o w n
d i r e c t l y f r o m a b o v e a n d m o v e t h e g a u g e b a c k o r f o r w a r d s u n t i l t h e
r e q u i r e d c u t i s a c h i e v e d . T h e n t i g h t e n f i r m l y .
W o o d c u t T o o l s r e c o m m e n d s p r a c t i c e u s i n g g r e e n b r a n c h w o o d .
M a n y f a m o u s w o o d t u r n e r s t u r n a l l t h e i r a w a r d w i n n i n g h o l l o w f o r m s
f r o m g r e e n w o o d , s e a s o n i t c a r e f u l l y a n d t h e n r e t u r n w h e n d r y t o
f i n i s h . P r o v i d i n g i t i s e v e n l y t u r n e d , y o u w i l l b e s u r p r i s e d h o w i t
w i l l d r y c r a c k f r e e , a n d s o m e i n t e r e s t i n g a f f e c t s w i l l o c c u r .
T h e P r o - F o r m e w i l l a l s o h o l l o w f a c e g r a i n t i m b e r . G e n e r a l l y , i f i t s
u n s a f e t o r e a c h w i t h a c o n v e n t i o n a l g o u g e t h e n t h e W o o d c u t
h o l l o w i n g t o o l s w i l l a l m o s t a l w a y s c o m p l e t e t h e f o r m .
A drilling tool can be produced from a chisel
handle with a long series drill bit in the end where
the tool would be. Simply hold the tool in your
hands level and push into the end grain. Now you
can cut to the centre without experiencing a lump
at the bottom of the hollow form. Roll the tool
anti-clockwise until the gauge is rubbing on the
wood, then with the gauge firmly against the
vessel wall roll the tool back until the required cut
is achieved. You will see the different thickness of
shavings appear as you experiment. Do not use
the tool tentatively. Keep a firm cut at all times.
Wo od cu t To ol s re co mm en ds t ha t yo u st ar t b y h o l l ow in g op en n ec k ve ss el s
un ti l yo u be co me c om fo rt ab le w it h th e fe e l o f t he P ro -F or me t oo l. An o pe n
ve ss el w il l en ab le y ou t o se e wh at t he t o o l i s do in g an d le ar n ho w to h ol d th e
to ol . If y ou a re a tt em pt in g a de ep er v e s s e l , dr il l a 12 mm ( 1/ 2” ) ho le d ow n
th ro ug h th e ce nt re f ir st .

TROUBLESHOOTING
W O O D C U T - T O O L S . C O M  | # W O O D C U T T O O L S
MAINTENANCE
Not cutting
- Check sharpness of the cutter
- Increase cutter exposure
- Check for clogging between gauge
and cutter
- Check tool angle.
Woodcut Tools recomme n d s
keeping a firm cut at all times
to smooth out the bumps .
a ) U s i n g t h e s p a n n e r p r o v i d e d , l o o s e n t h e s e t s c r e w h o l d i n g t h e
d e p t h g a u g e s o t h a t i t w i l l s l i d e o n t h e c u t t e r m o u n t i n g . T i g h t e n
t h e s c r e w s w h e n t h e g a u g e i s b e t w e e n 0 . 5 m i n - 1 . 0 m m b e h i n d t h e
c u t t e r e d g e .
b ) T h e d e p t h g a u g e c a n b e p o s i t i o n e d c e n t r a l l y o r o n e i t h e r t h e
l e f t o r r i g h t s i d e o f t h e c u t t e r . T o e n a b l e c u t t i n g o n t h e e n t i r e
b l a d e , p o s i t i o n t h e d e p t h g a u g e c e n t r a l l y , t h e e d g e s h o u l d b e
v i s i b l e a l o n g t h e e n t i r e g a u g e e d g e .
Ho llowi ng is made
up of t wo ba sic
cu ts: t he pl unge
cu t as seen in
Fi g.1. and t he
ar cing cut a s
il lustr ated in Fi g. 2.
Fi g 2.
Fi g 1.
Clogging of cutter and gauge
- Check cutter for sharpness
- Slow the lathe
- Dry the wood
- Clear shavings with compressed air,
a reversed vacuum cleaner or a
stick.
Cutting at tip only
- Check gauge position
- Remove a small amount of material
from the left & right sides of the
gauge
Cuts on side of cutter only
- Check sharpness of the cutter
- Twist tool anti clockwise onto gauge
and back again, until desired cut is
obtained.
- Check gauge shape. If the tip of the
cutter is not being exposed while its
sides are, remove a little gauge
material at tip, using the diamond
hone with the cutter withdrawn.
Cuts too heavily or digs in
- Close or reduce cutter exposure.

SHARPENING
W O O D C U T - T O O L S . C O M  | # W O O D C U T T O O L S
S h a r p e n t h e P r o - F o r m e P o w e r h e a d u s i n g t h e W o o d c u t D i a m o n d
H o n e i n a c i r c u l a r m o t i o n . H o n e t h e o u t e r f a c e o f t h e c u t t e r ,
e n s u r i n g t h a t b o t h t h e f a c e o f t h e c u t t e r a n d t h e f a c e o f t h e
d i a m o n d h o n e r e m a i n f l a t a g a i n s t e a c h o t h e r . H o n i n g t h e h e e l o f t h e
c u t t e r w i l l n o t s h a r p e n i t a n d h o n i n g j u s t t h e e d g e w i l l c h a n g e t h e
b e v e l a n d c a u s e t h e c u t t e r t o r u b r a t h e r t h a n s l i c e t h e f i b r e s
c l e a n l y . E n s u r e t h e d i a m o n d h o n e i s w e t f o r o p t i m a l u s e .
Sh arpen ing t he Pr o-For me
Po werhe ad wi th an Eze
La p dia mond lap s tone
Important:
Secure the tool while not in use, protecting the cutter from impact and
abrasive material. Clean the cutter and gauge with warm soapy water and
remove any wet timber and apply a light oil to the cutter area, gauge and tool
body. Wipe off excess.
On the tool body’s underside, apply a little candle wax. This will help the tool
slide over the tool rest.
When the cutter is worn out, remove the cutter holder from the tool body.
Replacement cutters & gauge are available from your local Woodcut Tools
distributor. Periodically remove cutter holder, clean, grease and replace.
The cutter depth has been set by Woodcut Tools to approximately 0.5mm of
cutter showing beyond the safety gauge. Familiarize yourself with this
measurement before starting your first cut.
When using the tool it is important to raise the tool rest up until the top of the
cutter is at center height, when the tool is level (or horizontal) this will allow
the cutter to cut right to the center without bevel bounce.

ADJUSTING THE GAUGE
W O O D C U T - T O O L S . C O M  | # W O O D C U T T O O L S
1 . I f t h e t o o l i s c u t t i n g t o o h e a v i l y , r e d u c e t h e c u t t e r g a p . I f t h e t o o l
i s c u t t i n g t o o s l o w l y , i n c r e a s e t h e c u t t e r g a p b y s m a l l i n c r e m e n t s
u n t i l t h e c u t s p e e d i s s a t i s f a c t o r y .
2 . T h e c u t t e r i s a t r u n c a t e d t r i a n g u l a r s h a p e g i v i n g t h r e e m a i n
c u t t i n g a r e a s . T h e l e f t a n d r i g h t - h a n d s i d e s a r e s e g m e n t s o f a l a r g e r
r a d i u s t h a n t h e t i p a n d a r e s u i t a b l e f o r c u t t i n g a c r o s s l a t e r a l
g r a i n . T h e t i p , w i t h i t s s m a l l r a d i u s , i s d e s i g n e d t o l o a d t h e t o o l l e s s
w h i l e c u t t i n g t h r o u g h e n d g r a i n . T h e o p e n s i d e o f t h e h o o k i s t o
v e n t s h a v i n g s . T h e p l u n g e c u t i s u s e d i n l o n g n a r r o w b o r e s a n d
w a l l s p a r a l l e l t o t h e w o r k s a x i s . U s i n g t h e t i p e n d a n d o n e s i d e o f
t h e c u t t e r p u s h a s h o u l d e r o f m a t e r i a l a h e a d t h e t o o l .
3 . C u t t i n g m a y c o n t i n u e w i t h t h e r e t r i e v a l m o v e m e n t a s w e l l . T h e
r a d i u s c u t u s e s m a i n l y t h e t i p r a d i u s a n d i s u s e d w h i l e f o r m i n g t h e
i n t e r n a l b a s e s u r f a c e o f t h e w o r k . T h e t o o l p i v o t s o n t h e r e s t w i t h
l i t t l e f o r w a r d o r r e v e r s e m o v e m e n t w h i l e t h e t i p i s m o v e d f r o m
c e n t r e t o p e r i p h e r y a n d b a c k a g a i n . A l t h o u g h t h e p l u n g e c u t a n d
t h e r a d i u s c u t a r e d i s t i n c t m o v e m e n t s , g e n e r a l l y t h e t o o l o p e r a t o r
w i l l f i n d , i f t h e y u s e t h e m i n c o m b i n a t i o n , t h e e d g e w i l l w e a r m o r e
e v e n l y .
I n s u f f i c i e n t C u t t e r
E x c e s s C u t t e r
U n e v e n C u t t e r
C o r r e c t C u t t e r

ADJUSTING THE GAUGE
W O O D C U T - T O O L S . C O M  | # W O O D C U T T O O L S
4 . A d j u s t t h e g a u g e w i t h t h e e c c e n t r i c s c r e w a d j u s t e r l o c a t e d a t t h e
r e a r o f t h e b r a s s g a u g e c u t l i m i t e r .
5 . T o a d j u s t t h e g a u g e t o t h e c e n t r e o f t h e c u t t e r s i m p l y t u r n t h e
s c r e w o n e w a y o r t h e o t h e r u n t i l t h e d e s i r e d r e s u l t i s a c h i e v e d . U s e
t h e s m a l l e r a l l e n k e y p r o v i d e d . A s m a l l a d j u s t i n g s p a n n e r t o u n d o
t h e h e x s e t s c r e w i s i n c l u d e d . I f y o u f i n d i t a l i t t l e s h o r t s i m p l y f i t a
f i l e h a n d l e t o i t ( t h e y c a n b e p u r c h a s e d f r o m y o u r l o c a l h a r d w a r e
s t o r e ) .
6 . A d j u s t t h e g a u g e t o e n a b l e t h e c o r r e c t a m o u n t o f c u t t e r t o s h o w ,
t h i s w i l l v a r y f r o m a s o f t w o o d t o a h a r d w o o d i . e . s o f t o r g r e e n
w o o d s w i l l h a v e m o r e c u t t e r e x p o s e d ( s a y u p t o a 1 m m o r 3 / 6 4 ” ) a s
o p p o s e d t o h a r d d r y w o o d s ( s a y 0 . 5 m m 1 / 3 2 ” ) .
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Woodcut have designed the Irons tool
gate pictured here to not only keep the
tool at the correct height but to also
support the tool shaft while cutting
and leave your hands free to control
the handle.
Irons Tool Gate
Pro-Scraper Heads
The Pro-Scraper head includes two
cutters and fits into all Woodcut Pro
shafts. These additional cutters are a
must for that extra smooth finish.

W O O D C U T - T O O L S . C O M  | # W O O D C U T T O O L S
USER SUPPORT
Subscribe to our Woodcut Tools
YouTube channel, Facebook
and Instgram pages, to stay up
to date with our latest product
videos.
Please find the Pro-Forme Flexi User Support Video
at www.woodcut-tools.com in the User Guides Tab.
#woodcutproformehollowingtools

STARTER PROJECT 
W O O D C U T - T O O L S . C O M  | # W O O D C U T T O O L S
H o l l o w i n g
1 . S e t t h e l a t h e a t a m i d - r a n g e s p e e d ( d e p e n d i n g o n t y p e o f l a t h e ,
p u l l e y s e t c . )
2 . P r e s e n t c u t t e r t o e n d g r a i n o f t i m b e r . A p p l y f o r w a r d p r e s s u r e t o
t h e l e f t o f c e n t r e , a n d w i t h s w e e p i n g m o t i o n s f r o m l e f t t o r i g h t e a s e
f o r w a r d t o r e m o v e t h e b u l k o f t h e i n t e r i o r m a t e r i a l .
3 . A f t e r r e m o v i n g 7 5 % o f m a t e r i a l f r o m t h e i n s i d e , c h e c k t h e d e p t h ,
s t a r t i n g f r o m t h e t o p l i p o f t h e g o b l e t c u t f o r w a r d a n d d o w n i n a
s w e e p i n g m o t i o n a r o u n d t o t h e c e n t r e ( t h i s i s c a l l e d p l u n g e c u t t i n g ) .
A s y o u c u t d o w n t h e s i d e , a t w i s t i n g m o t i o n o f t h e w r i s t s w i l l g a i n
y o u b e t t e r c o n t r o l i n r e l a t i o n t o t h e a m o u n t o f t i m b e r r e m o v e d . W h e n
y o u h a v e s h a p e d t h e i n s i d e , p r o c e e d t o s h a p e t h e o u t s i d e w i t h a
W o o d c u t B o w l G o u g e .
- A TURNED GOBLE T
Materials
Woodcut Tools recommends using a
clean cutting medium density wood
between 75mm(3”) to 100mm (4”)
square and approximately 160mm
(6.5”) long.
Mounting
Mount the wood between centres
and face of the tail stock end so that
it is slightly undercut, to enable the
faceplate to sit flat and square to the
end grain. Fit the face plate in the
centre of the undercut end and
screw down tight with 4 pozi-drive
screws approx 15mm into the wood.
If using a chuck ensure that the face
of the jaws sit square or flat against
the end of the block.
Positioning
Tool rest height and position (refer
to diagram below). Take particular
note as this is an important part of the
setting up, to get the best and safest
use from the tool.

W O O D C U T - T O O L S . C O M  | # W O O D C U T T O O L S
Forms produced by Phil Irons using the P ro-Forme Hollowing Tools

GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
W O O D C U T - T O O L S . C O M  | # W O O D C U T T O O L S
Woodcut Tools recommends these guidelines to ensure your safety.
1. Please read this user guide before operating this product.. Ensure you are familiar with the product's application and limitations plus the specific
hazards peculiar to it.
2. Wear safety glasses. A full face mask is recommended. . Safety glasses (must comply with ANSI STANDARD Z87.1 USA) Everyday eye glasses
usually are only impact resistant; they are not safety glasses. Also use face or dust mask if cutting operation is dusty.
3. Wear appropriate clothing. Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets or other jewellery, which may get caught in moving parts.
Non-slip footwear is recommended. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
4. Use ear protectors. Use earmuffs for extended period of operation. Use muffs rated to 103 DBA LEQ (8 hr).
5. Do not operate in a high risk environment.. Don’t use power tools in damp or wet locations, or expose them to rain. Keep work area well lighted.
6. Ensure the work area is clean. Cluttered areas and benches invite accidents. Build up of sawdust is a fire hazard.
7. Keep children and visitors away. All children, infirm and visitors should be kept a safe distance from work area.
8. Ensure the workshop is childproof with locks, master switches, or by removing starter keys.
9. Ground all tools. If the tool is equipped with a three-prong plug, it should be plugged into a three hole electrical receptacle. If an adapter is used to
accommodate a two-prong receptacle, the adapter lug must be attached to a known ground. Never remove the third prong.
10. Ensure the tool is disconnected from the power supply while the motor is being mounted, connected or reconnected.
11. Disconnect tools from wall socket before servicing and when changing accessories such as blades, bits, cutters and fuses.
12. Prevent accidental starting . Make sure switch is in the Off position before plugging in power cord.
13. Never leave machine running unattended. Do not leave tool unless it is turned off and has come to a complete stop.
14. Keep guards in place and in working order.
15. Use the correct tool. Do not use a tool or attachment to do a job for which it was not designed.
16. Use recommended accessories. The use of improper accessories may cause hazards.
17. Don't force the tool. It will do the job better and be safer at the rate for which it was designed.
18. Maintain tools in optimum condition. Keep tools sharp and clean for best and safest performance. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing
accessories.
19. Avoid standing on the tool. Serious injury could occur if the tool is tipped or if the cutting tool is accidentally contacted.
20. Remove adjusting keys and wrenches. Form a habit of checking to see that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from tool before turning it
on.
21. Don't over reach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
22. Direction of feed. Feed work into a blade or cutter against the direction of rotation or the blade or cutter only.
23. Attention to work. Concentrate on your work. If you become tired or frustrated, leave it for awhile and rest.
24. Secure work. Use clamps or a vice to hold work when practical. It’s safer than using your hand and frees both hands to operate tool.
25. Check for damaged parts. Before further use of the tool, any part that is damaged should be carefully checked to ensure that it will operate properly
and perform its intended function. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, mounting, and any other conditions that may affect its
operation. Any damaged part should be properly repaired or replaced.
26. Drugs, alcohol and medication. Do not operate tool while under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any medication. 27. DUST WARNING. The dust
generated by certain woods and wood products can be harmful to your health. Always operate machinery in well ventilated areas and provide for
proper dust removal. Use wood dust collection systems whenever possible.
WARRANTY TERMS
Woodcut Tools are guaranteed against faulty workmanship and faulty materials for twelve months from date of purchase. Fair wear and tear excluded.
We will replace or repair any tool returned to the supplier or factory free of charge. Freight to and from the factory will be at the expense of the purchaser.
Woodcut Tools Limited
Hawkes Bay
New Zealand
[email protected]