Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: How do you sharpen the cutter?

A: The cutters are razor sharp as shipped. There is no grinding or lapping of the tool recommended. Depending on size, a new cutter is only $20.00 to $21.00 and it is recommended to install a new cutter.

Q: How long will these cutters last?

A: The literature states 25 – 30 times tool life as compared to high quality HSS. Some turner’s state they have used the same tool for one year or longer. As with any high quality edge, to prevent chipping, use care to store the tool.

Q: Can you use standard screws as available at the local hardware stores?

A: The tool is furnished with a torx screw and flag style torx wrench. The torx screw has a taper that matches the taper on the cutter that helps securely lock the cutter in the tool shaft.

Q: Is the torx wrench a standard size?

A: Depending on size of the cutter, the torx size is a standard T-7 or T-15. A flag style torx wrench is provided … the screw is to be finger tight and with the use of the flag style wrench, it is impossible to use a “cheater bar.”

Q: When using the tool parallel to the rest blade, it grabs and becomes self-feeding. Why?

A: Th e tool is to be run at a 30 – 45 degree angle to the tool rest. This sets up a shear cut for smooth catch free cutting. On the web site, please review the More Woodturning review and note the pictures of the tool being used on the red birch box. These pictures demonstrate the shear cutting action desired.

Q: Is this tool only for hollowing?

A: The Hunter Tool works very well on both side grain and end grain. It can be used very well with freehand turning as well as the stabilized hollowing systems available on the market.