Anyone ever done this? I got an 8″ stone and #2 taper arbor and it works great. I built a rest using the lathe tool rest holder. I mostly use the slowest speed setting of 500 rpm. I put Saran wrap over the bed of the lathe and use a brush and water to wet the stone occasionally. If i had a slower speed setting, I’d rig up a small plastic tank for water under the stone. Have had no problem with grit getting into the lathe bearings.
Oh yeah, I tap’d 1/4″-20 threads into the end of the arbor and secured it through the head stock with a piece of all-thread.
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
PlaneWood
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The thought of using a stone that size without a shield gives me the willies. 500 RPM is a lot better than 1800 or 3000, but even at 500, if it comes apart, the pieces are going to be moving at a pretty good clip.
Does the 8" diameter allow you to clear the headstock so you can sharpen longer things like knife blades?
Dunc -
Yes, it does. I've never used it for anything more than 3" wide though. I use a belt sander to sharpen my lathe chisels and a home made jig to sharpen my 6" jointer blades using the sandpaper method. The 12" planer blades go to a shop.
Wetting the stone keeps the dust down and provides for more aggressive grinding. I do also have a DC hood at the lathe that could be used (but I've never done so for grinding).
Being of Scotch-Irish descendancy, I enjoy making my own solutions! (at least that's my excuse anyway) I'm willing to take the problems that comes with that mentality. I guess my point is that there are acceptable solutions 'out there' whereby one can be a woodworker and not be rich!
Oh yeah, the Saran Wrap is just to keep water off the lathe bed.
Time to go to work I guess. Been feeling like crap this AM.
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood
I thought you might like to see a pic of what I did.
I should probably get a better wheel for the mandrel.
The sanding disk was faced before gluing on the foamboard and emery paper.
You need to be carefull not to catch the edge of the paper. I like the edge it gives to
knives and other tools. Nice and smooth because the foamboard is soft.
David -
Thats about the same that I did with the 8" stone.
I also did a 9" diameter wooden wheel with 600 grit PSA paper. Tried that for a while for sharpening my lathe chisels then just opted for a 150 grit belt on my belt sander. Much faster and works just as well.
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood
Planewood, I don't care how much Saran wrap you use,the grit is in the air and circulates when you walk around in the fine abrasive particals .(Eventually migrating to the bearings,ways,and feed screws.)
Of course, If don't care to wind up with a 'SoSo' accurate machine, Go for it. Stein
>> Eventually migrating to the bearings,ways,and feed screws.
You may be right about the bearings, but I understand sealed bearing technology has come a long way in the last 30 years or so.
Last time I checked, wood lathes don't have precision ways or feed screws. If the lowest speed on his lathe is 500 RPM, I'm pretty sure it's not a metal lathe.
No, it's just a Delta Midi lathe. If the bearings go, then I'll just replace them. So far, no problem.
After mounting, I trued up the wheel with a carburundum (sp??) stone. It does a good job on plane blades and chisels, getting them ready for the final honing by hand.
Hey, I know it's not the best thing in the world, but the price was right!
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood
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