Shopsmith Forums

Rick,
Here is a PDF I posted once on making your own Wolverine style sharpening system. Maybe it will be of some use to you if you can't afford the original or just don't want to spend that kind of money...

Thanks! That looks like its right up my alley!

Hi Rick,

I agree that the Wolverine is a great start to keeping gouges sharp.

I have had the Tormek water system for about 8 years, and I find it works great. It takes longer to shape the tools, but with this system, you can reproduce the same shape/edge each time, and then spend very little time honing and stropping to a VERY sharp edge. I sometimes use a Delta hi-speed grinder for the real rough shaping, then go to the Tormek for the finishing.

I turn alot of Cocobolo, and it is a very hard wood. I will spend an entire evening, just sharpening all my gouges and turning tools(28 of 'em):D on the Tormek. Then, when I am turning, I will just have to hone/strop the gouges I am using for about 30 seconds each to keep sharp. The Tormek is a bit pricey, but it works for me.

Also, try to always buy the best gouges(HSS or better). Cheap tools perform badly, and will dampen the joy of turning. I always have liked the Sorby tools. But, there are so many tool manufacturers to choose from nowadays.

I also have 4 fingernail/bowl gouges that I made from round HSS stock. Stock is cheap, and any machine shop will cut a gouge for you. A handle is easy to make.

If you still have any questions about sharpening, or turning, feel free to call me. Private message me, and I will give you my phone number.

I get most all my turning wood from Tree Removal services in Las Vegas. They give me logs, and I give them bowls, in trade. If you are just starting out, wet wood is the way to learn about turning.


Good Luck,

Larry

Hi all again..

I finally got around to visiting the local Rockler and picked up a 100grit (fine) Norton white grinding wheel (6") for my high-speed Delta grinder. Now, I realize that my high speed grinder runs about 2x the speed I really want for this. I was thinking that instead of buying a new grinder that can run slower (~1750RPM if I recall) which can be somewhat expensive, why not buy a rheostat and drop the voltage down (from anywhere between 0-120VAC) and use it for the adjustments instead. The only thing I wouldn't know for sure is exactly how fast it was running other than by guessing. Someone nearby is selling such a rheostat for $15 that can take up to a 10A load..

Comments?

Nevermind.. In searching around a bit it appears that most recent grinders are likely induction motors (no brushes) that won't work with a Variac/Rheostat type of device but may work with a VFD (Variable Frequency Device?).. Oh well..

I'll just try using a very light touch and perhaps have a small bowl of water nearby for cooling as suggested earlier