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Questions about chisel sharpening

tadd

DeCristoforo's book ("Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone") describes (pg 150) a "hood" guard to shield use of wire and abrasive grinding wheels (pg. 310-311)on the ShopSmith.

I built that hood many years ago, and I've even found my grinding wheel. But recently I tried using it, and attaching my wheel on the ShopSmith under the hood. However, my grinding wheel has a 1/4" shaft or spindle, and I do not find an arbor in set of SS items which takes that size. The hood is constructed so that the SS chuck does not fit it.

My questions:

1. Is there a SS arbor which accepts a 1/4" shaft/spindle? If not, can someone suggest a solution? I did not find in my SS manual such an arbor (January, 1980).

2. DeCristoforo's book (again pg. 311) shows sharpening a chisel (my current chore) on the side of the the grinding wheel. My wheel has a warning against using the wheel's side! Is it safe nonetheless to use the wheel's side for sharpening?

3. The book also describes and shows a "cup-wheel" abrasive grinder for sharpening a gouge chisel. Where are those sold?

4. Does anyone have a better solution for sharpening chisels (used for wood turning) than the method suggested in the DeCristoforo book?

Thanks for any help.

SDSSmith

The drill chuck or the 1/" router chuck will accept a 1/4" shaft.

ryanbp01

It's been my observation on this forum there are about as many ways to sharpen a chisel as there are sharpening systems. In answer to #4., I like the chisel sharpening attachment for the strip sander. It's still my "go to" tool for sharpening lathe chisels. Im sure you will get other opinions on this as well. My advice would be to find a system that works best for you and stick with it.

As far as #1 is concerned, I have never seen such a shaft or spindle. However that does not mean that one doesn't exist or someone hasn't created one. I haven't used a grinding wheel in the manner you have so I can't say one way or the other.

BPR

RobertTaylor

i have a smaller shopsmith shaper arbor somewhere. seems to me it is more like 5/16" though.

curiousgeorge

IMHO if the wheel says not to use the side for sharpening I would not do it. You run the risk of the wheel shattering and you ending up with grinding wheel shrapnel buried in your skin.

8iowa

As Ryan said, there are many ways to sharpen a chisel. One key thought to keep in mind however is that you need a sharpening method that can be used without having to take your work out of the Shopsmith.

My son-in-law uses the Wolverine sharpening guides on an 8" bench grinder. With the grinder positioned on a bench just behind the Shopsmith, the chisels can be quickly touched up and then be put back to work. This is probably the sharpening method used by most dedicated lathe turners.

If you have a Power Station, you can also place it close by, and with the strip sander sharpen your chisels.

fjimp

8iowa wroteAs Ryan said, there are many ways to sharpen a chisel. One key thought to keep in mind however is that you need a sharpening method that can be used without having to take your work out of the Shopsmith.

My son-in-law uses the Wolverine sharpening guides on an 8" bench grinder. With the grinder positioned on a bench just behind the Shopsmith, the chisels can be quickly touched up and then be put back to work. This is probably the sharpening method used by most dedicated lathe turners.

If you have a Power Station, you can also place it close by, and with the strip sander sharpen your chisels.

Great advice. I use their system regulary. If not familiar with it may I suggest watching the video on there web site. Beore anyone complains about the cost, consider this if you don't wish a lot of down time and are as challange4d at sharpening as many of us are. Get and follow wolverine system. I really works as guaranteed. Fjimp

rkh2

I also use the wolverine sharpening system with a slow speed grinding wheel setup and am real satisfied with the results.

beeg

I bought the wolverine and a slow speed grinder in a package deal. It makes sharpening lathe chisels much easier and the table is MUCH better than what the grinder was supplied with. BUT I did have to flatten the table above the weld.

tadd

The drill chuck does fit the 1/4" shaft but then that extends the grinding wheel so much that it does not fit the hood.

JPG

Are you sure the grinding wheel you 'found'(with the 1/4" shaft) is the one you used previously? Sure you did not use a wheel with a 1/2 or 5/8"(or larger with center adapter hub) and a 1/2" of 5/8" arbor? Is the 1/4" shaft part of a drill mounting arbor for the grinding wheel that has a larger center hole?