Hunter Tool Recomendations

Re: Hunter Tool Recomendations

rch

Badger #5 is far and away my recommendation. Very versatile.

Re: Hunter Tool Recomendations

John K Jordan

Don,

My favorites for all-around use are the Hercules. I use both but I tend to use the smaller one more for both face work and spindles, especially for small and mid-sized pieces. The two Ospreys are very similar except having a round shaft instead of a square shaft with beveled corners. Some like the Osprey more for bevel-rubbing cuts but I have no problems with the Hercules. The flat on the Hercules makes it easier to hold it flat when I hand it to a beginner to use in the scraping mode. I like the extra metal in the square shafts. Too bad you can't try both them all before you buy. Now if you just lived closer... (road trip, road trip!)

For under a shoulder one of the hooked/swan necked tools is perfect but the one to get might depend on the size of the work. The small ones are great for small hollowing and close to the rim where tight. If you call Mike Hunter he might have some recommendations.

JKJ

Re: Hunter Tool Recomendations

john lucas

I use the #5 and the Osprey the most. I use the #5 for doing all box bottoms and anywhere you would use a bottoming gouge. I use the Osprey for final cuts or anywhere I'm having tearout. To do the underside of ornaments I like the back taper tool. The small straight ornament hollowing tool is also outstanding for ornaments.

Another vote for versatile #5!

I have not read anyone else's recommendations

GaryG in MD

So these are mine from right off the top of my head.

If I were to have only two, and also based on your stated needs, I would get a #5 and the #1 "back shoulder" tool that is part of the group of small ones designed by Mark St. Leger. The name on that one has changed a couple times, but it's on a crook and at a crazy angle.

The former is very general purpose, and the latter is the perfect tool for right inside the hole of hollow forms where you want it thin and other turners always feel with their fingers (if the hole is big enough for even a pinky). It also works great for the interiors of small boxes like Mark makes.

Just my 2¢. ...GG

I don't know the names

Steven Antonucci

I think what I called it is wrong, but this one... and the bent one with the cutter flat, not angled.

Re: Hunter Tool Recomendations

Bill Blasic

Mike Hunter will be there and he can show you the tools.

Re: Hunter Tool Recomendations

Mike Stafford

You can't go wrong with the #5. It is one of my go to tools.

You said "smallish vessels". I don't know what that means to you. If we are talking about 3" in diameter or less with relatively small openings then the #1 tapered hook or shoulder tools would be perfect. I happened to visit Mike's site and noticed that he has the same picture for both of those tools. (Mike, if you see this take note!)

But my go to tool for hollowing/undercutting is the #5 swan. I use it for boxes which have wider openings than say, a hollow globe ornament. Its strength and stability make hollowing a pleasure and presents the cutter at a a great angle for a smooth finish.

Re: Hunter Tool Recomendations

Don Orr

Thanks everybody. Mike reached out and I will see him at the event this weekend. Great advice as always.

Re: I don't know the names - Osprey

John K Jordan

>>>I think what I called it is wrong, but this one...

That's the Hunter Osprey. Fantastic tool. http://huntertoolsystems.com/product/2-hunter-osprey-tool/

I think the Eliminator is no longer made, strong tapered shaft with two wide flats milled on the bottom to hold against the tool rest at a preset angle:

https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/131/1959/Eliminator-Standard-Hollowing-Tool

I have an Eliminator but don't use it. It's probably worth a fortune now since it's no longer made.

JKJ

Re: I don't know the names - Osprey

Keith Tompkins

I just picked up the Osprey at the TT symposium. I didn't realize I had an older version with an articulated shaft. Now, I've got two!

Re: Hunter Tool Recomendations

George Guadiane

What (how many) did you decide on?

Re: Hunter Tool Recomendations

Don Orr

Thanks again to everyone-especially Mike Hunter. We had a nice chat at the show and I ended up wit a #5 and a small bent shaft hollower with the angled cutter. Sure is nice to talk to the guy who designed and manufactures them. Now to find some time to make some handles and try them out. I do enjoy making handles.