WOLOK HOOK TOOL©

DESCRIPTION: M-2 high speed steel (Rc 62-64) lathe tool for woodturning.

MAINTENANCE: sharpen outside straight across. Sharpen inside with a cone shaped grinding stone mounted on a small drill.

PRIMARY USES:

1. Removal of end grain

2. Production of smooth finish

The Hook Tool also is efficient for side grain turning. In addition, when a bowl gauge becomes unsafe to use because of depth or other factors, the Hook Tool is an excellent substitute.

I still use machinist tool bits and bent tools when encountering hard knots and undercutting rolled edges or on closed forms with sharp angles from the mouth.

 DIRECTIONS:
Caution: the Hook Tool is used in a vertical position or slightly tilted back from the top.                         NEVER USE HORIZONTALLY!

1. Drill the centering hole as true as possible. If the hole has been drilled off center, the Hook Tool   will bang the sides until the hole is true.

2. The tool rest should be positioned above center.

Note: a. The Hook Tool cuts best between 9:00 and 6:00 positions.
              b. The Hook Tool is about a one-fourth inch diameter; therefore, you can only cut one fourth inch deep. If you try to take a deeper cut, you will run out of cutting edge.

3. Start cutting from the bored hole straight across by slightly pushing (similar to riding a bevel on a gauge) against the edge of the tool.

4. When you reach the wall thickness you desire or when the tool stops sliding towards the side, the (in a vertical position---not riding the bevel), draw the tool toward the front. When the tool is working at its optimum, it will draw itself towards the rear.

5. As you get deeper, you may have to adjust the tool rest to a higher position.

 FURTHER SUGGESTIONS:

   1. There really are no rigid rules on tool position except that it is not designed to operate in a horizontal position.

   2. I hold the Hook Tool under my armpit so that the tool is vertical or slightly tipped, until I get a good cut.

   3. If the tool stops cutting and is scraping, I drop the hook down below the 9:00 position. If the trouble persists, make sure the tool is sharp. If sharpness is not the problem, you may have to change the angle to the right or left.

I have done many Workshops on using the Hook Tool as well as almost all other aspects of wood turning. Contact me during the day by phone or anytime by FAX. I will be happy to talk you through any problems. 

MITCH WOLOK
P. O. Box 594
Steinhatchee, FL 35329
Email: mitchwolok@peoplepc.com

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Posted Jan 2007