Elbo 2 hollowing system adds stability, deeper reach for turners
The Elbo 2 adds 10 pounds, broader lathe fit, and a 12-inch hollowing reach, aiming to give turners more control on deeper vessels.
The Elbo 2 is built like a response to the two complaints hollow-form turners know best: chatter and reach. Tim Yoder’s updated articulated rig weighs 18 pounds of solid cold rolled steel, 10 pounds more than the original Elbo, and adds a universal lathe mounting base, a removable auxiliary handle, a nickel protective coating and a swing range from 11.5 inches to 26 inches. It also rotates 360 degrees without contacting the supporting base, a detail that matters when a hollowing cut gets deep and the tool needs to stay calm, not fight the lathe.
That heavier frame is paired with wider compatibility. The Elbo 2 mounts on any length lathe with a traditional bed, works with many manufacturers’ hollowing bars and comes with adapters for 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch bars. The system is listed at up to 12 inches of hollowing depth, depending on the wood, cutter and the turner behind the handle. For people already using an original Elbo or another articulated rig, the question is not whether the concept is new. It is whether the added mass and broader fit make deeper bowls, vases and other hollow vessels easier to control without feeling overbuilt.
Yoder says he took over manufacturing the Elbo Hollowing System, which he calls the first articulated hollowing tool, and says the Elbo 2 and Tim’s Tools are made in Tulsa, Oklahoma by local craftsmen. His bio says he has more than 39 years of broadcast television experience and has been turning for over 20 years. The product page also says shipping for all orders will be delayed until August 26, 2026, while still presenting the Elbo 2 as a completed system rather than a prototype. Four configurations are listed, with prices from $475 to $730, along with accessories including a laser guide, base, contour bar, stabilizer handle, storage hook and the three bar adapters.
Early reaction in woodturning forums suggests the upgrade is landing where it should. One AAW Forum user called the Advanced model heavy-duty, with no noticeable deflection, and said it was easy to set up and use. A WoodBarter poster said the Elbo 2 was super easy to set up and used it with a laser to gauge wall thickness. Even the old articulated-arm idea has a long lineage, with one WoodCentral Forums participant tracing the concept back to the 1920s. The Elbo 2 takes that lineage and adds the kind of weight, fit and reach that could make a serious difference the next time a deep hollow form comes off the lathe.
Know something we missed? Have a correction or additional information?
Submit a Tip
