best tool (grinder) for sharpening lathe gouges
Quickstep
| Posted in General Discussion on
My recent foray into turning has taught me the importance of keeping turning tools sharp. I did a servicable job of sharpening my roughing gouge on my 2 wheel grinder, but I noticed that it left a little discoloration at the very edge of the bevel. That led me to look at wet grinders, noteably, the Tormek, but that’s a pretty big chunk of change. I noticed a lot of jigs for regular 2 wheel grinders, making me wonder if the Tormek is overkill anyway. What’s the generally accepted grinder for turners?
Replies
1725 RPM Grinder
I use a 1725 slow speed grinder for my lathe gouges. What type of steel are your tools ? High carbon or HSS ? A little discoloration on HSS will not damage them.
I do have a jet version of the Tormek but it takes way too long compaired to a quick swipe on the other grinder.
Very light pressure, just kissing the tool is enough to put on a new edge.
My tools are HSS. What grit are you using on your 1725rpm grinder?
Grits
I have two white wheels for the HSS. A Norton that is labled very fine, grit size is not printed, for smaller "pen" sized tools and a Delta 120 grit for the bigger tools. You don't have to worry about honing the fresh edge at all. Wheel to wood, no problem.
CBN Sharpening wheels?
Anybody ever tried the CBN grinding wheels shown here?
http://www.d-waytools.com/tools-diamond-grinding-wheels.html
Arrording to the people who love them, they're ideal for sharpening turning tools. I have a 1725 motor and a wolverine grinding jig, so I could be set up for pretty much the cost of the wheel. It sounds ideal, since I'm learning that a gouge needs frequent touching up when turning and these can put a fine edge without overheating.
As always, opinions are appreciated.
I also have a slow speed grinder (1725/2 wheel) with a jig similar to the wolverine on the left and a flat adjustable platform on the right. I do not remember the grit of either wheel but they are not the standard hard wheels. One is pink and one is white. I use a light touch and they seem to work fine. I did receive a Work Sharp knife sharpener for christmas and did a littl touch up on a few lathe tools, it works really well for resharpeneing but would not work to change angles or regrind a tool face.
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