New tools!

I recently got a set of hollowing tools from the Monster Tool Company, run by Randy Privett. Here you can read a funny story about how he started making hollowing tools for turning. Like a lot of other tool makers, he started by making tools for himself, but how he started selling them is pretty interesting. His quality and customer service are top-notch, and when you ask a question you get an answer from him, not some receptionist or customer service rep.

I got the "system II" and tried it out the other night with a side-grain shallow cherry hollowform. This is rough-turned and is now drying, awaiting its final turning and finishing. It was my first experience with this type of tool, and it's very different than any other I've used, but everything went pretty well. Well, at least until I shot my second piece off the shop wall after a good catch!