[Donny]

I have a block of wood that I've cut from a log. It's about the size of a large 1 pint coffee mug. My question is, what is the best way to hollow the centre out? I have a hook/crook knife which I will use to get the rounded shape, but not until i've dug out alot of the wood first. Do I drill, chisel...?

[pallin]

You could save a lot of effort by drilling a starting hole. Be sure to stop short of the final depth. I would use the largest bit available, or make several holes in the area to be removed. Another approach would be to mount the piece on the faceplate or chuck of a lathe and remove the center as you would do a bowl turning.

[Donny]

Yes, i've just thought, I have some large wood drill bits! That'll do the job...