In the other thread about "Is this the future" John Jordan mentioned Dan Bailey having this tool. I did not want to high jack the other thread so I started a new one.
I spent last week Saturday at Dan's playing with his visualizer made by Trent. As John said Dan is having a blast with it and quite frankly he doesn't need the tool for hollowing, he is very skilled. I can say the tool is a lot of fun. It assists in the hollowing but doesn't take any of the creative side out of the process. To me there is no difference in looking at the visualizer screen versus looking across the profile (on the outside of a form) rather than the cutting edge while making a cut. You can't see the cutting edge inside a vessel anyway so why not look at a screen to see where your cutter is on the inside.
The tool is solid and has the ability to hold several different sized tools 3/8", 1/2", 3/4" and maybe more. It is extremely easy to use and moves on the articulating arm effortlessly. It is also very easy to set up since it uses the lathes banjo. Dan uses magnets on his screen rather than the mounts that came with it and they work great. Leave the screen set up and unplug and remove the tool and keep on turning. It couldn't be more simple and user friendly.
As I was using the tool it occurred to me that anyone who teaches hollowing to students (even if the students desire is to learn free hand hollowing) is foolish to not use this tool to start them out. It helps so much to see where the cutter is (builds confidence) and then the student can concentrate on the feel of the cut and the order in which to cut. In addition it forces the turner/student to place the cutter in the proper position for hollowing. What a learning and teaching tool. I think, if your a hollow vessel turner, that once you use this tool you will say why do I want to free hand or use a laser. It is that comfortable to use. If you ever get a chance to use one, take it and I think you will come to the same conclusions.
In conclusion I have no affiliation with Trent's business. I do know Trent as we work together for our annual symposium and he belongs to our club. I plan on purchasing this tool when I can scrape together the pennies to do so. It is awesome and fun to use.
I spent last week Saturday at Dan's playing with his visualizer made by Trent. As John said Dan is having a blast with it and quite frankly he doesn't need the tool for hollowing, he is very skilled. I can say the tool is a lot of fun. It assists in the hollowing but doesn't take any of the creative side out of the process. To me there is no difference in looking at the visualizer screen versus looking across the profile (on the outside of a form) rather than the cutting edge while making a cut. You can't see the cutting edge inside a vessel anyway so why not look at a screen to see where your cutter is on the inside.
The tool is solid and has the ability to hold several different sized tools 3/8", 1/2", 3/4" and maybe more. It is extremely easy to use and moves on the articulating arm effortlessly. It is also very easy to set up since it uses the lathes banjo. Dan uses magnets on his screen rather than the mounts that came with it and they work great. Leave the screen set up and unplug and remove the tool and keep on turning. It couldn't be more simple and user friendly.
As I was using the tool it occurred to me that anyone who teaches hollowing to students (even if the students desire is to learn free hand hollowing) is foolish to not use this tool to start them out. It helps so much to see where the cutter is (builds confidence) and then the student can concentrate on the feel of the cut and the order in which to cut. In addition it forces the turner/student to place the cutter in the proper position for hollowing. What a learning and teaching tool. I think, if your a hollow vessel turner, that once you use this tool you will say why do I want to free hand or use a laser. It is that comfortable to use. If you ever get a chance to use one, take it and I think you will come to the same conclusions.
In conclusion I have no affiliation with Trent's business. I do know Trent as we work together for our annual symposium and he belongs to our club. I plan on purchasing this tool when I can scrape together the pennies to do so. It is awesome and fun to use.
