Shopsmith Forums

It all boils down to what you are comfortable with. There are about as many opinions on the degree of sharpness and what the best method is. As long as you are keeping your lathe tools edges sharp you shouldn't have any problem. For me, the stropping is an unnecessary step: I find the burr edge cuts the best and the turning will eliminate it anyway. But that's my opinion. If you like to strop, then by all means do it. The bottom line is to be consistent.

BPR

Yesterday, I visited my local Rockler store, picking up the leather wheel, as recommended by Chuck.

As stated earlier, I use various methods to sharpen my tools, depending on tool, and situation.

Situation is the main reason that I purchased the above leather wheel. Too often, I have been in the middle of turning, and find my tool is in need of sharpening.

A honed edge does make a difference in turning wood. The difference is shown in the turned piece. A dull edge rips the wood fibers, instead of slicing cleanly, resulting in one having to do more sanding. Also, a dull tool can result in damaging one's turning design.

Once home, I installed the wheel, and started making some pens. Sure enough, I was on my last pen blank, and needed to sharpen my turning tool. The above leather wheel worked for me, allowing me to complete the task at hand! Thanks Chuck! It will always be on my headstock when turning, and I can see other situations down the road for that touch up situation.
The leather wheel does function as stated by Chuck for quick and easy touch up situations. It does not replace the normal sharpening procedures.

It is my opinion that a person needs more than one method of sharpening tools, and that one should set aside some time to gather up the tools that need sharpening. Once a keen sharp edge is obtained, it takes very little time to maintain that edge.

Thanks again Chuck! You saved me time and effort in not having to stop, break down, and set up for a sharpening session.

John
FlashbacPT

I just read the threads and I didn't read much about using a leather strop on the strip sander as demonstrated by Nick in one of his demonstrations- perhaps I missed it. I had searched everywhere and when I climbed the mountain to make my pilgrimage to the Shopsmith Factory, my trip was rewarded. I left with a lead on the leather strop belts & the paste used to polish a mirror edge on chisel or a knife. Belcher Carving Supply. Dick Belcher is a wood carver who also sells carving supplies. He had but one or two leather belts. I might of purchased his last one- I honestly can't recall. When I spoke with him several years ago, he said if he got enough orders, he'd have more made up for sale to anyone interested in buying one.

Yes, that's the correct address. The belts were not in the catalog. I had to call. Good luck.

Tony

Or, you could just go to Lee Valley http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx ... at=1,43072 as they sell a whole spate of belts (15µ & leather are the two that I have) that will leave a mirror finish and a sharp edge like no other.