MyTurningShop is now an affiliate of Highland Hardware. Why? Highland Hardware has earned my business and my support.
We are all aware of Rockler, Woodcraft, Packard, and PennState to name a few of the many. Honestly, I’ve used them all and will probably use them again… occasionally.
If you have never checked them out however, there is another player you must take a look at: Highland Hardware
I was first acquainted with Highland when I lived in California several years ago. At the time there were not as many vendors selling woodturning tools and few had the inventory breadth that Highland Hardware had.
Yes the big guys had lathes and gouges and a few other accessories. But face it, the woodturning world has exploded in the last few years. Through it all and long before Highland was already there. They have the inventory, the knowledge and the experience to help you turn more and turn better.
What really sold me on Highland was an experience that my wife had, not me.
In 2006, my wife wanted to get me a present for my new hobby of Turning. I had made one excited comment to her about how you could use the lathe to do metal spinning (forming of metal cylindrical components on the lathe).
Wanting to do something special she pulled one of Highland Hardware’s catalogs and made a call. As I understand it, the associate at Highland was not only understanding about her ignorance of turning but he took substantial time to make sure there was understanding of the tools she was expressing interest in, the costs associated and provided the additional guidance to ensure I had samples of metal discs and lubricant necessary to start spinning right out if the box.
To this day I’ve not been successful spinning metal. But I assure you it’s not the tools, it’s all in my technique or lack thereof.
Since then I’ve used Highland many times. They have a great website, superb staff, and a great supply of everything you may need and much more. Most of all, I love their catalog. It’s not one of those overpriced full color regurgitations of the tool suppliers stock photos and ad copy. It’s obvious that Highland’s catalog is built by people that take the time to learn about the tools they sell. Highland’s catalog is entertaining and inspiring; you will love it and learn from it.
Click on any Highland Link from this website. By doing so, you will not only acquaint yourself with the best turning supplier there is, you will also support MyTurningShop in the process.
And… If you ever find yourself in the Atlanta area or even close, I assure you the trip to their store is worth the experience. Crazy, I know, I once flew from Washington D.C. just because I had to see the store personally. It was worth every mile travelled. Part old world small town hardware store atmosphere, part Disneyland for adults that love woodworking. The company’s history dates back to the late 1800’s and played a part in the creation of CocaCola!
