grinding wheels

[Popeye]

Ok, I'm stepping off the deep end here...... Dusted off the old Craftsman tube lathe. Bought pen making equipment... I've got the cheap set of Craftsman chisels they sold 20 years ago. Have a 6" grinder. Where or what is the best grit stone for sharpening and where are you guys buying them? I see Woodcraft carries 60 and 120 aluminum oxide.
You guys have me scared to death that I'm gonna get addicted but I'm gonna do my best not to and start cheap first. Messed with this lathe 12 years ago and put it away but I didn't have the same internet resources to help me out then. Made one stick of poplar round and decided I really ought to learn to sharpen the chisels before I hurt myself Gee, I thought my planner made a mess. Thanks in advance, Pat

[leehljp]

I personally like the higher grit for sharpening . . . and I usually go against the grain of most thinking on sharpening. I keep a jar of water beside the grinder and use it repeatedly. It takes longer with higher grit but it sharpens better. I have a 1000 wheel that I fine tune the chisels on and then run the chisels over some micro sandpaper (1 micro and .5 micro). I can tell the difference when I do this. Most people say or at least indicate it is not necessary to go to this level of shapening but it certainly makes a notable difference.

You are right about something else too - turning is different kind of messy than other kinds of wood working. I tried turning about 15 years ago and did NOT like the dust. I got back into it last year with pen turning. In the mean time, all that I learned about sharpening wood chisels and blades helped me with lathe chisels.

[Ken Massingale]

Be careful with the 6" grinder, Pat. If it's 3500 rpm it will eat your tools quick and get them hot quick.
k

[Popeye]

Be careful with the 6" grinder, Pat. If it's 3500 rpm it will eat your tools quick and get them hot quick.
k

Roger that Ken, I think I may have read that somewhere before, but thanks for the reminder. For now it's all I have and I want to make sure I'm gonna get into this before I fall victim to the dreaded turners addiction Pat

[gary]

LOML and I were at woodcraft on saturday and we talked to the turning class instructor who was working the counter that day. We inquired about using our 3450RPM grinder with new wheels for sharpening and he said it's not a problem as long as you use higher grit wheels which he said generate less heat.

It really does not matter anyway as I figured out that I'd have almost $50 investerd to get 2 new wheels and I can buy a slow speed grinder with wheels for $94. I've decided on the new one.

BTW: LOML signed up for the all-day turing class. She wants to make stuff out of my scraps.

[Popeye]

I'll never be able to afford to retire. Pat

[ryan.s]

LOML and I were at woodcraft on saturday and we talked to the turning class instructor who was working the counter that day. We inquired about using our 3450RPM grinder with new wheels for sharpening and he said it's not a problem as long as you use higher grit wheels which he said generate less heat.

It really does not matter anyway as I figured out that I'd have almost $50 investerd to get 2 new wheels and I can buy a slow speed grinder with wheels for $94. I've decided on the new one.

BTW: LOML signed up for the all-day turing class. She wants to make stuff out of my scraps.

I'm assuming you're talking about the one they have at woodcraft. Let us know how the slow speed grinder works out, I'm interested in it as well. Thanks

[Ken Massingale]

The WC slow speed grinder is great, ryan. If you're patient it is on sale frequently for around $70.

[ryan.s]

The WC slow speed grinder is great, ryan. If you're patient it is on sale frequently for around $70.

Thanks Ken. After doing a little research I may pass on the slow speed grinder and just get an aluminum oxide white grinding wheel for my normal speed grinder. Seems like SS grinder really isn't necessary.

[cabinetman]

I do initial shaping with dry wheels 800 or higher. I try not to do more than edge setting for a close angle. I picked up the dry/wet grinder from HF for under $50 and it works like a champ, doesn't change the temper. For final sharpening for the keen edge I do it by hand with diamond faced files ranging from flat to round. Doesn't take long and the results are worthwhile. Wheel sharpening has a tendency to "hollow grind" which isn't always desireable.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

[ryan.s]

Cabinetman is this the grinder you have?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=33867

[cabinetman]

Ryan

No, it's this one: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=35098
No complaints. Gotta watch for the sales. I always get the flyer that has what I already bought for less.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"