The Hunter cutters have a slight bevel to the outside. I've discussed with Mike about making the shape of the mounting blank follow this bevel or even grinding it away more like the secondary bevel many of us grind on our bowl gouges. This would make it easier to ride the bevel of the tool, especially inside hollow vessels with narrow opening where you can't move the handle much.
After reading the instructions that came with the Hunter tool, I see it says to NOT ride the bevel, but rather to use it in a scraper fashion.
However, after practicing some cuts with the Hunter tool, I can see there are times when riding the bevel is an absolute must for preventing catches.......specifically on the inside of a tight curve. Here, riding the bevel gives a solid brace while initiating a cut at the bottom of the curve. After the cut is started, I can proceed with the cut as suggested by the manufacturer.
Is the Hunter better than a properly sharpened scraper? Well, for me, the jury is still out on that one......but, I can definitely see this tool will see some use. Perhaps, once I'm more experienced and familiarized with it's use, and applications, I'll be a true believer.....but, for now, I'm satisfied that it certainly will have a place in my "arsenal".
I've been practicing cuts on a Birds Eye Maple bowl. This has been a particularly difficult wood for me to get smooth cuts across the endgrain.....and the "eyes" are a real bugger because the grain reversals around them. So far, so good.......but, with sharp scrapers and a careful refined light shearing cut, I'm not convinced that I can get a better cut with the Hunter Tool.
This Hunter Tool will definitely work in places where a gouge won't.
It's nice to not bother with sharpening........
Thanks to all for "opening my eyes" to the Hunter Tool......
otis of cologne
BTW: I did make up a little block of wood with a 1/2" hole in it to protect the carbide cutter when not in use. Works pretty good.......has a friction fit. I won't have to worry about damaging the carbide cutting edge from my occasional carelessness!