Sharpening tools

[Babytoolman]

Hi all,
I am looking for some help with sharpening my chisels. I have a grinder and i purchased a set of 3 diamond blocks from Carbatec to finish of the sharpening process. I dont seem to be able to get the chisels sharp enough. anyone have any suggestions?

Roger

[Don Nethercott]

Roger,
What is your grinder. I was told you need a minimum 8inch grinder with a fine (60 grit) wheel, preferable aluminium oxide. Mine is not AL but is still fine.

Takes a lot of practice, you may have to sacrifice a tool while learning - maybe buy a cheap tool or a second hand one to practice on.

I use a spindle gouge most of the time - after a while it started cutting strangely so I bought a new chisel which I do not use, but keep as a "template". I found my spindle gouge was really out of shape but have now been able to reshape it using the new one as a model.

I don't think you really need to use the diamond blocks - when you finish using the grinder the edge should have a burr on it - leave the burr on, it helps cutting. You may like to see what Roger Bell says at http://www.tymba.com/tools.htm
The end of the article has a few hints on sharpening.

Hope this is of some use
Don

[Ozartisan]

Roger
I have only been turning since the beginning of the year, and soon found how much easier it is with correctly sharpened tools.
There are a number of jigs around, but after much research, I found the UniJig to be the yardstick.
I had trouble getting one from retailers, till I found George's website (he invented & makes them)
I was able to get one from him and some great advice as well.
You can get all the info here
http://www.unijigproducts.com.au/
He also has some great tool blanks (turn your own handle)
I am using mine on a 6" grinder - but an 8" is better. Get a good wheel too - it's worth it if you get good tools
Have fun
Peter
Happyinsydney

[Alastair]

There was a thread recently with a lot of info. Do a search for "grinding jigs"

Alastair

[ryanarcher]

Roger,
I strongly recomend a couple of synthetic japanese water stones and a honing guide like this one:

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?page=33003&category=1,43072,43078&abspage=1&ccurrency=2&SID=

I also just purchased this book and have found it invaluable to understand sharpening mechanics and theory:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1561580678/qid=1092795815/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/103-1802222-8557433?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

finally, if you sharpen quite a bit and want scalpel sharp tools in quick time, look at the tormek grinder:

http://www.sharptoolsusa.com/

ok, and if you don't want to buy anything(understandable), I've found that to have truly sharp chisels one must totally lap(flatten) and polish the back. then sharpen the bevel until you can feel the wire edge on the back of the chisel, then remove the wire edge with a couple of lapping strokes . Also, a great profiled woodturning sharpening jig can be made by using the tool itself. Use the tool to gouge a rut in some softwood and then put some honing compound in the rut and run the tool back and forth. using this method one never has to worry about messing up the profile of the tool. :D hope this helps.
-ryan

[RETIRED]

Have a look here.

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=10341&highlight=grinding

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=10062&highlight=grinding

Ryan unfortunately you really can't use a honing guide for woodturning chisels.

[ryanarcher]

,
you're right, sorry about that. I got a little excited.
-ry

[RETIRED]

:D :D :D