Turning newbie questions..

[osx-addict]

Ok.. Today I was able to try out the lathe for the first time with some scrap Christmas tree trunk I had lying around for just this purpose.. Anyway, I quickly found that I need much sharper tools as the gouge tool was just not very sharp and caused more problems than anything.

So.... Without having the sharpening system like that seen in some of Nick's Sawdust Sessions, what options are there? I recently found that we've got a local turning group care of the local Rockler store -- I've yet to contact them though -- I gather they're off for the summer -- perhaps someone there could do sharpening... I suppose I could buy some more tools and help the economy or ...?? How do you sharpen your lathe tools?

Thx!

[a1gutterman]

Ok.. Today I was able to try out the lathe for the first time with some scrap Christmas tree trunk I had lying around for just this purpose.. Anyway, I quickly found that I need much sharper tools as the gouge tool was just not very sharp and caused more problems than anything.

So.... Without having the sharpening system like that seen in some of Nick's Sawdust Sessions, what options are there? I recently found that we've got a local turning group care of the local Rockler store -- I've yet to contact them though -- I gather they're off for the summer -- perhaps someone there could do sharpening... I suppose I could buy some more tools and help the economy or ...?? How do you sharpen your lathe tools?

Thx!

Hi Rick,

The turning tools normally (at least the SS ones) do knot come sharpened. You must sharpen them before use for satisfactory results.

SS makes two different sharpening systems for the lathe tools. SS #555204 uses the sanding disk or belt sander, and SS #555812 uses the strip sander.

[curiousgeorge]

Rick,
IMHO it's hard to beat the Wolverine System and a grinding wheel for repeatability of bevels on your gouges, skews, scrapers or any other turning tool you may have. The nice thing about it is it's quick and easy to learn how to use.
Go here and watch Podcast #37 and you will see what I mean...

http://www.woodworkingonline.com/category/podcast/

[rkh2]

Rick

I also use the wolverine sharpening system with a slow speed grinder. Like George mentioned, it is real easy to learn how to use it and does an excellent job. I also have the SS sharpening jig which I have used as well, however I have to already have my chisels sharpened prior to doing any turning or change setups from turning to sharpening which I don't really want to do. Some folks have used the sharping system setup on the back side of the headstock, which is doable however I prefer just to use my wolverine and slow speed grinder, especially in the middle of a turning project. You can get a slow speed grinder and the wolverine setup from Woodcraft for under $200.00. If you are going to get into turning, which you can really enjoy, then you will want to get a setup for sharping. Like you mentioned you may be able to find someone to sharpen them for you however the chisels will not do a whole lot of cutting without resharpening so it's well worth buying yourself some more tools. Definitely you need sharp chisels before doing any turning. Hope this helps.

[RobertTaylor]

rick, at first i sharpened my chisels "freehand" on the strip sander. that worked but not very well. then i bought the shopsmith sharpening jig for the disk sander. that worked much better. then i joined a local woodturners club that used a slow speed grinder and the wolverine system. i liked it much better so i bought it from woodcraft. since i no longer use the shopsmith system you can pm if interested.

[osx-addict]

Thanks to all for the great responses.. I watched the podcast for the wolverine system and learned a few things :

1) The Delta grinder I've got -- which was bought to sharpen mower blades is probably not 'slow' (it was cheap)

2) The gouge I was using (and is dull) is probably a Continental gouge as it does not look like much like a 'U' in shape -- the guy on the video suggested tossing these as they don't work well and described them as junk IIRC

3) I don't have a proper roughing gouge

So, for the time being, until I can dig up some $$ the lathe is out of commission -- fine for now.. My 12 year old daughter actually seems interested in turning wood.. Perhaps that's a good way to get her into the hobby as well..

[beeg]

2) The gouge I was using (and is dull) is probably a Continental gouge as it does not look like much like a 'U' in shape -- the guy on the video suggested tossing these as they don't work well and described them as junk IIRC

That's probably because he NEVER learned how to use them.

Just use your delta to sharpen them. Can you post a pic of the lathe tools?

[osx-addict]

That's probably because he NEVER learned how to use them.

Just use your delta to sharpen them. Can you post a pic of the lathe tools?

Sure.. I can tonight when I get home.. My setup came with somewhere between 4 & 6 tools.

[beeg]

I forgot to mention that when you use the delta, use a lighter touch in grinding than you'd use on a mower blade. You'll have to cool them more often also. I suspect your wheels are the standard gray ones.

[fjimp]

Hey Watch the Wolverine podcast an extra time then take it slow and easy with your Delta Grinder. A vat of water will be your friend. That combo on my Delta grinder works wonders. Just be certain the grinder is up to speed before you begin. Mine at warm up speeds has some shaft wobble that disappears once full speed is reached. Good luck. fjimp