I know there are a number of different ways to sharpen turning tools. If you are happy with the method you use and
get repeatable forms and edges, you should probably stick with what you are using. The Tormek system is very versatile.  The Sorby belt system is also versatile and produces a usable edge with a relatively inexpensive sandpaper belt.

Whatever system you use I recommend you buy or develop a set of jigs and fixtures so you get a repeatable shape and edge to your tools. The ideal system is fast to set up, sturdy, and repeatable.

I use both the traditional types of gouges—bowl, spindle, and roughing gouges, and I also use the newer kinds,
the ones with replaceable carbide bits.

To sharpen my traditional gouges, I’m switching over to the new CBN wheels on my slow-speed grinder. I also
use the Oneway Wolverine sharpening jigs. The Wolverine set consists of two bases, one for each wheel; the grinding
jig, the flat platform, and the Vari-Grind tool holder. The full kit goes for about $153 including the Vari-Grind jig, from
Craft Supplies. This setup permits me to replicate the cutting angles on all my gouges. Adding the skew grinding jig permits me to control that tool as well.

I have been using a 180-grit CBN wheel for some time. I recently read an article which talked about how the wood
reacts to tools with various edges ground with different grit wheels. The finer the grind, the smoother the surface of the wood becomes. Wood, depending on its hardness, “likes” different cutting angles. A very hard wood needs a higher angle cutting edge. The edge lasts longer while producing the same surface on the wood.  A coarser stone on that tool, produces a rougher finish. It makes sense that a coarse grinding wheel transfers to the wood like a coarse grade of sandpaper does and a fine stone would transfer to the tool like a fine grade of sandpaper would.

I wanted to change my coarse white wheel to a fine grit CBN wheel to improve my turning.

I saw an ad in the AAW Journal last month and went to the website of WoodturnersWonders to look at their product line; specifically their CBN wheels. The ad mentioned grits from 80 to 1000, and prices as low as $100.  Woodturners Wonders, I found, sells a lot of different items, including the entire line of Rikon machines. I bought their “Spartan” 600-grit wheel. I also bought a trial pack of 3” mesh sanding discs— similar to the Abranet discs. That’s another
topic.

I was surprised to get a personal note from the company thanking me for my order. That’s remarkable service. I also
picked up a tip concerning use of the wheel. I have always sharpened my spindle roughing gouge by placing the end of the gouge handle against the long jig of the Wolverine system and adjusting the gouge bevel against the wheel. They suggest that there is a danger of the gouge slipping off and damaging both the gouge and the wheel. The suggestion is to use the flat plate jig adjusted to the right angle, bring the gouge to the wheel, and roll it from side to side for sharpening. I tried it; it works, and the edge is perfect.

As a test, I sharpened a bowl gouge on the 180-grit CBN wheel and formed a piece of basswood on my lathe at 1500
RPM. –the two left photos on P. 3. Using the same gouge, I then sharpened it with the 600-grit CBN wheel and made another two passes on the same piece of basswood,  the two pictures on the right, page 3. I can detect a finer surface on the second sharpened tool, and a better gleam on the surface of the second turned workpiece.  I was also surprised to see (middle picture) ribbon-like shavings from the second pass. The initial pass produced a volume of crumbs as shavings. This is just one test; further testing may refine the study.

Arny

Last modified: July 12, 2018