Sharpening Turning Chisels on the SS Belt Sander

[masonsailor2]

There has been a lot of discussion about SS turning chisels. For my uses they work great. I have been turning with them for many years and have had great results. I do own other chisels ( Sorby, Record Power and one with no name ). The only reason I own the other brands is that SS does not make that particular chisel. Or at least they didn't when I bought them. As I have four 510's I have multiple sets of the SS chisels. There may be a case to be made that there are chisels made of better steel and hold an edge longer but except for the carbide tools I don't really notice a big difference. If it's really a hard nasty wood I have to sharpen them all frequently, except for the Sorby which uses the carbide tips. I don't actually use that chisel that often. Not because I don't like it but I am used to the cutting characteristics of my steel chisels. The only change I feel is necessary for the SS chisels is longer fatter handles which by the way makes for excellent first turning projects. I tend to turn new handles when I get bored and need to make some shavings. As far as sharpening goes I have developed my own personal method over the years which works well for me. I use the SS belt sander which does an excellent job. I prefer it over the SS sharpening jig. The belt sander gives me razor sharp edges that cut great and it is quick. Your sharpening system has do do both. A great edge that takes forever to attain takes time away from what I like to do which is turn the wood. I use a 220 grit belt for sharpening and for changing profile a 120 grit. The 220 belt I use is old and worn which gives an even sharper edge. Since I don't reshape chisels very often the 220 belt stays on most of the time. What I use is a jig that I have cobbled together over the years and I can modify quickly if I turn a new handle. I will add some pictures to give you some ideas. A warning here though. This system works for me because I have an extra SS to mount the sander on while I am turning on another. If that is not your situation there is a very inexpensive solution. You can't be breaking down your lathe to sharpen your chisels every time. You will never finish the turning. If that is the case the alternative is to buy an inexpensive 3X21 hand held and make a bracket to hold it and a corresponding jig and you will accomplish the same thing.
Paul

[nuhobby]

This is great, thanks for sharing!!


Chris

[Lodgepole]

Great ideas!

[masonsailor2]

Thought I would post this for anyone wondering how good the steel in SS chisels actually is. I am roughing out the Bubinga blank this morning. I took a photo of the end grain cut using a standard 1 inch SS gouge. This is about as hard a wood as you will turn and the chisel shaves end grain perfectly.
Paul

[JPG]

Love that speed reducer!!!!

[masonsailor2]

Managed to rough turn the Bubinga blank today. As expected Bubinga is essentially concrete with wood grain. Progress was slow but I got there. Now I will let it sit for a week or so to do its final changes and do the final turning.
Paul