I have the Monster articulating rig, Indexing tool, Ci1 and each tool works very well for me. I am not much into the side handle cutters because I have gotten pretty used to using my indexing tool to do most of the hogging out on vessels before switching over to the hollowing rig. The support has been a great thing and calling to ask questions is very easy to do......the support sells me on buying more tools from Monster...........
I use my hunter type cutting tip, 5/8", Colbalt tip, Monster handle - to rough down the bark etc to start with and then use my Ci1 for quick shaping.
There are times I have not even used a gouge but I do have a 1/2" roughing, and detail gouge from Thompson Tools and they are great gouges - bought them unhandled.
I dont want to take anything away from the Ci1 and really enjoy using the tool but I do not buy my replacment cutters from Craig because I am able to get them cheaper elsewhere - but you will not go wrong having this tool and it is much safer than alot of turning tools.
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