How to Sharpen Woodturning Tools
The craft and art of woodturning is an enjoyable hobby for many. Shaping a wooden object on a lathe takes practice to become skilled. One thing that often makes potential woodturners hesitant is that the tools involved must be sharpened often. Those interested in the craft need not worry. Learning to sharpen steel tools is not very difficult. It does require certain implements and some practice but can be mastered relatively quickly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Purchase a slow-speed grinder that has one coarse and one fine wheel. The wheels should be at least 6 inches in diameter. If you are going to sharpen high-speed steel woodturning tools you will need a "white wheel" made of aluminum oxide. For regular carbon steel tools you will need a 60 grit fine wheel and a 30 grit coarse wheel.
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Obtain a tool rest, jigs and mounting arms for use with your grinder. These implements are sold by wood crafting shops and online dealers. Determine the types of jigs you will need based on the woodturning tools you use. Consult a dealer's or other crafter's opinion if you are unsure as to what you will need. Some woodturning crafters prefer to not use jigs but most new to grinding employ them.
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Assess whether a particular tool needs sharpening. If a tool edge shows up shiny or with shiny areas under an incandescent light, it is dull and needs to be sharpened before continued use.
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Use a diamond edge file to sharpen tools that are only a little dull. Judge the degree by the amount of "shine" on the tool. Take the file and make quick downward strokes on the edge of the tool. If you cannot get the edge sharp enough with the file you will need to employ the grinder.
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Note the angle of your tool if it is a straight-edged tool. Mark with a permanent marker the degree of edge on your tool that you will be removing. Line up the tool on the tool rest with the edge against the grinder. Make sure there are no gaps. Turn the grinder on for two seconds then turn off to check the mark you made. Continue to grind on one side and then the other until the mark is completely gone.
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Appraise each tool you are sharpening as to the angle of its edge(s). If you have a tool you are not comfortable with "free handing" you need to attach it to a jig on a mounting arm. The jig will hold it at the correct angle so you can grind very consistently. Many novices prefer using jigs all the time rather than learning to sharpen free-hand but many consider it a worthwhile skill to learn.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not attempt to replace grinder wheels yourself as incorrectly fitted wheels can come apart and possibly cause great bodily injury. Take care to grind each edge of a particular tool to the same degree. Wear safety goggles and a face mask when using a grinder.
