3D printed gouge sharpening jig

**NeilS** · 29th July 2022, 04:51 PM

I'm working towards having a dedicated bowl gouge jig for each of the bevel angles I regularly use and one for any other angles and purposes I might occasionally need. Extra dedicated jigs can become a bit exxy with the well known jig that are available, so I decided to experiment by purchasing a 3D printed gouge jig from eBay.

Gouge Sharpening Jig

I purchased Set #A for $50.

I figured if it didn't workout I would have only lost $50+ postage.

If it did work out I would have saved myself about $150 by not buying another one of the makes I already have....

A few observations.

How well does it work? So far, surprisingly well. As you can see from the photos on the eBay listing it has a nice big fat knob (like Hughie's mod to the Woodcut) that is easy to grasp, clamp and undo. Using the procedure explained by Doug Thompson I was able to set the jig to the right settings to get my 65° bevel grind. The jig will take gouges up to 3/4" and the the extension setting block (which you can choose to use or not) comes with holes for 5/8" and 1/2" gouges, which I have used. I have used the smaller hole for smaller gouges than 1/2" and my existing setting block for my 3/4" gouges.

Unknowns? The jig is made with 3D printed ABS plastic and SS metal fasteners. Just how robust the ABS will be over time in normal workshop conditions is yet to be seen. I have only been using mine for several months now, so I have no way of knowing how well it will go over time. But, as I say, it was only $50+ postage and if it fails on me and at that amount I can buy another three before I'm behind!

What might I improve on it?

I'm yet to do it but it needs the tip of the leg to be rounded (more like a ball) so that it slides and engages better in the fulcrum pockets on the slides that I use. This is probably best done by the user rather than during the 3d printing process, as the slides have to be constructed by the user and each one is likely to need slightly different shapes on the tip of the leg.

If the jig has a weakness in construction I expect it will be where the angle adjustment bolt goes through the leg... see the last photo on the eBay listing. I think the spare leg that is offered in Set #B points to there being a weakness there. I decided not to get the spare leg myself and will make my own leg out of something else if that happens. Having said that, I need to say that the gouge holding 'head' on the jig feels very substantial and I'm not anticipating any issues there.

There are markings on the jig for the different leg positions but they are not numbered like some of the other jigs made in other materials. But, at least, the graduations are marked in to the body of the jig and not provided by way of a sticker as was the case with one of my other earlier jigs. I'm thinking of engraving some numbers next the graduations, then covering with whiteout and scraping back to the black plastic to provide contrast and legibility.

Has anyone else used this jig or another 3D printed version, and if so, what has your experience been with it?

**Skew ChiDAMN!!** · 29th July 2022, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by NeilS

I'm yet to do it but it needs the tip of the leg to be rounded (more like a ball) so that it slides and engages better in the fulcrum pockets on the slides that I use. This is probably best done by the user rather than during the 3d printing process, as the slides have to be constructed by the user and each one is likely to need slightly different shapes on the tip of the leg.

Yeah, that would be a problem. Considering that most jigs roll and twist about that end, I'm a tad surprised the creator didn't model it with at least a hemispherical end.

It'll be interesting to see how well it stands up in use, as I've been considering buying a 3d printer to make some other, similar jigs & projects.

**NeilS** · 29th July 2022, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

Yeah, that would be a problem. Considering that most jigs roll and twist about that end, I'm a tad surprised the creator didn't model it with at least a hemispherical end.

It does have an elliptical rather than a hemispherical end, which is more like the Vari-grind than the Tru-grind or Vicmarc.

I roll my gouges right over to complete my swept back wings and need more of ball on the end of the leg to keep it in the socket. Like on this other one of mine...

DIY metal swing leg.jpg

The narrow neck needed to make more of ball on the end like that may be an issue for the ABS plastic.

**BobL** · 29th July 2022, 10:19 PM

For anyone wishing to print these sorts of things there are filament materials that are easier/better than ABS.
ASA provides almost the same features as ABS but is easier to print and doesn't require venting of odours.
PC is stronger and tougher than ABS but does require a higher temperature than normal print head.

**hughie** · 30th July 2022, 10:09 AM

I have found that these sort of jigs are relatively easy to make and with a little lateral thinking all sorts of things can be pressed into service. I have cobbled several together over the years, most I have moved on, the one shown here went to young guy in Brisbane.

Its made for an old Ali engineering protractor remarkably accurate and easy to use

**NeilS** · 10th April 2023, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by NeilS

I decided to experiment by purchasing a 3D printed gouge jig from eBay.

Gouge Sharpening Jig

I purchased Set #A for $50.

[snip]

Just how robust the ABS will be over time in normal workshop conditions is yet to be seen.

I've been using mine for about nine months now and over that time it has had a moderate level of use and so far it is holding up OK.

I did slightly modify the tip on the end of the arm on mine to suit the pivot points on my existing sliding arms (Tru-Grind and Vicmarc), which may or may not be needed for your slides.

The geometry of the jig meant that I had to use a different slide position to get my preferred grind, but I have different slide settings for each of my grind angles anyway so that just meant one more setting block for the slide arm.

I still think that this is a good option for anyone who is trying to save money with their first bowl gouge jig purchase or if you are wanting to add a second or third jig to have dedicated jigs for each of your commonly used gouge angles.

The seller has at least one left of set A# at the time of writing this.

**hughie** · 11th April 2023, 10:52 PM

Looking at it on eBay I cant see any reason why it wouldnt work and if its treated kindly I should think it will last for a long time. As to the lack of a ball etc you can buy steels balls on eBay for just about any size you want, hardened of course. But if you heat them up to a bright red and let them cool down slowly, you will find they will be soft enough to drill. Then you can attach them to the jig leg with CA etc, you might have to rough up both parts to give the glue a good key as I doubt that CA is the right glue.
But this one should do the trick, I have used it often.
5 Second Fix UV Light Liquid Welding Kit Welding Compound Glue Repair Tool | eBay

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