Basic Sharpening of Turning Tools
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- This topic has 3 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 4 months ago by Henry Seyller.
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28 December 2014 at 10:11 pm #122745
I’ve just begun turning recently and am mainly interested in making tool handles. I love Paul’s ideas about basic sharpening (no jigs, no expensive or exotic products, and efficiency) but I’m wondering can his methods be translated to turning tools? Can I successfully sharpen HSS tools with a simple grinder and some diamond card files or do I need fancy jigs and an expensive grinder?
By the way I’m really impressed with all of the great work I’ve seen from you guys.29 December 2014 at 10:04 am #122756Hi Henry,
Welcome to the site!
I picked up a lathe a while ago when I was offered a deal by a retiring turner. One thing I found out when getting started is that ‘sharp’ has a very different level when turning. Whereas I’d sharpen and strop my planes and chisels to a razor edge, a turner would just sharpen on a pretty course grinder and go to work!
I don’t have my grinder out all the time so I sharpened a roughing gouge on my diamond plates and it worked just fine. I’m not sure what type of steel it is but all turning gouges are much thicker than carving ones so it takes a little while longer if you need to get the whole bevel. I went up to the extra fine plate (1200 grit) and it worked wonderfully on the lathe.
If you use a grinder, I don’t think the jigs are essential if you’re prepared to spend some time practicing getting the right angle while holding the tool on a regular tool rest. Paul shows a similar technique in (I think) the video on preparing the iron in the plane making series.
To me, it looks like the jigs make sharpening gouges more reliable but you can get the same effect by practicing to hold the tool at the right angle. All the jigs do is hold the tool for you, anyway. You might not get the bevel perfectly formed if you handhold (at least at the start) but I can’t see it making a noticeable difference most of the time. With most kits I think you can get the jigs later if you decide you want them.
Hope this helps!
George.
29 December 2014 at 5:21 pm #122780Welcome Henry!
I’ve been turning for several years now. Generally I go straight from the grinder to the lathe. I use a regular 8 inch bench grinder with the wheels that came with it. The wheel I use for lathe tools is 120x. Just be careful not to burn the edge. I also use a cheap diamond hone to touch up the edges between grindings.
There is no need to hone turning tools to a razor edge. The first cut you make will dull the tool to the equivalent of the grinder within seconds. The amount of wood being cut is the same as planing for several hours. For me, the exception to this is for some of my scrapers. I hone them and turn a burr on them, much like with a card scraper. I find this gives a much smoother cut, although it can be quite aggressive until you get used to it.
Freehand sharpening is totally feasible for turning tools. It takes a bit of practice is all. That’s how I started out. I eventually bought a Oneway jig, mostly because I found it faster and more consistent.
I should warn you that I found turning is highly addictive. It’s very satisfying to be able to go from a rough wood blank to a finished product just with the lathe.
30 December 2014 at 10:00 am #122813Thank you both for the replies! I got my hands on some old used tools that I can practice my sharpening on so I don’t ruin any nice ones. It never occurred to me that the tools did not have to be as razor sharp as my planes and chisels. I already have a reliable grinder that I use to make and shape my own irons and scrapers so I will upgrade one of the wheels and continue practicing. Peter, I have discovered how satisfying turning can be! I’ve already made new handles for all my chisels and files as well as rolling pins for Christmas presents. Thanks again and have a great New Year everyone.
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