HOLLOWING TOOLS
HOLLOWING WITH WOODCUT TOOLS
Woodcut Tools founder Ken Port designed the first hollowing tools for his own use while hollowing vessels sold in his craft store in rural Northland, New Zealand in the 1970s. Ken wanted to create a hollowing tool that offered greater control and performance than what was available at the time.
The early Pro-Forme Powerhead designs were inspired by the hook tools traditionally used by bodgers. Ken applied a more contemporary approach, shaping the M2 high speed steel cutter to efficiently cut end grain with control. The cutter profile draws inspiration from the curved form of Parisian tapestry tool, while the brass gauge design, influenced by the traditional carpenter’s plane, helps control the cut and prevent dig ins.
Ken refined this design over many years in collaboration with fellow turners within the New Zealand turning community. So passionate about hollow form turning, Ken could often be seen turning large hollow forms at New Zealand music festivals throughout the 1970s and 1980s, entertaining crowds with long, flowing shavings. When Woodcut Tools was established in 1990, the Pro-Forme range became available to turners around the world.
Woodcut Tools understands that with the wide range of hollow form shapes and depths, no single cutter can perform every task well. That is why the Pro-Forme range has been designed to be versatile. Turners can choose either a Solid or Flexi shaft, then select and assemble the cutter best suited to their specific project, creating a setup tailored to the shape, depth, and finish they want to achieve.
PRO-FORME SOLID
The Pro-Forme Solid range of hollowing tools is designed for larger scale end grain hollowing and deeper forms beyond 6 inches. Built around heavy duty 5/8" diameter solid shafts, the Solid system provides strength, stability, and control for demanding hollowing work.
Three shaft options are available, Straight, Slightly Bent, and Bent, allowing turners to select the shaft best suited to the shape and depth of their project. Tools can be purchased individually or as complete kits, Starter, Intermediate, or Advanced, with each kit including a Pro-Master handle.
The system is built around versatility. The same shaft can accept the Pro-Forme Powerhead, the Pro-Scraper adaptor and cutters, or the Little Wonder Cup Tool, allowing you to interchange heads as your hollow form develops.
PRO-FORME FLEXI
The Pro-Forme Flexi range is designed for small to medium hollowing projects where access through tight necks and restricted openings is essential. Combining articulated flexibility with the proven performance of the Pro-Forme Flexi Powerhead, the system delivers control and precision inside more confined forms.
The Flexi features two high tensile articulating joints, one short straight and one bent, allowing the tool to navigate shoulders and tight hollow form openings with confidence.
The system is built around versatility. The same 1/2" or 5/8" Flexi shaft can accept the Pro-Forme Flexi Powerhead or the Pro-Scraper adaptor and cutters, enabling you to interchange heads as your hollow form progresses from shaping to finishing.
Pro-Forme Hollowing Video
USER GUIDES - PDFS
Click below to download the user guides on our Pro-Forme hollowing tools.
