Sharp tools = enjoyable woodturning
Sharpening woodturning tools - equipment you will need
Woodturning tools work hard - ploughing through hard wood at 30 miles per hour or more - so they need sharpening frequently. Cutting time between sharpenings is measured in minutes even with the finest high speed steel tools. A good grinder setup is essential for every woodturner and it is vital to learn the skill of sharpening before you can enjoy the woodturning...
(1) First you need a Grinder
A 6" or 8" double ended engineers grinder is fine and will sharpen or re-shape your tools quickly and efficiently.Page 2- Grinder information, choosing a suitable grinder
You will need to fit the grinder down to a bench or board of some kind. A piece of kitchen worktop is ideal. Then you can fit a jig to replace the small grinding rests which come with the grinder but which are no help in getting the correct bevel angle on your tools.
(2) Fit a jig for getting the bevel angles consistent
Jigs are essential and even an expert will get better results and longer tool life using one
(3) Upgrade at least one wheel to a Woodturner's grindstone
The grey wheels which come with the grinder are not good enough for your expensive tools. The blue wheels are better than pink which are better than white. The CBN or cubic boron nitride metal plated wheels are the best of all.
About grinding wheels and choosing the right one
About grinding wheels (technical info)
Buy grinding wheels in our online shop
(4) Wheel dresser
Every grinding wheel needs dressing periodically and the multiple diamond matrix dresser does the best job with the least effort.Wheel dresser prices etc
(5) Don't forget eye protection!
This flip-up helmet protects your face and eyes and is very comfortable to wear.
