need info on sharpening lathe tools

jthpipes · Post by **jthpipes** » Wed Sep 01, 2004 9:36 am

I can't quite get the hang of sharpening my lathe tools. I do not want to ruin them so I am asking if there are any tips or tricks anyone could give that would help me out.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Wed Sep 01, 2004 10:25 am

I'd be interested in hearing this too. Although I don't have a lathe yet, I do have some tools. Two of them are chipped badly. Don't think these are "top quality" tools. But what was I expecting for $9.99 on ebay?

jeff · Post by **jeff** » Wed Sep 01, 2004 11:26 am

Check out http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_lathe/To ... inding.htm

They have a pretty good overview of smaller lathes and have a page specifically for tool sharpening. They also have a lot of information on lthe modifications.

Jeff

ArtGuy · Post by **ArtGuy** » Wed Sep 01, 2004 12:08 pm

This is also a pretty hot topic on a lot of bowl turner discussion boards. You might check there. I have a book that is a good source of info

Pretty straight forward and easy to understand. If I were teaching a course in this I might choose it as the text.

For my tools I have had good luck just keeping them honed with 600 grit sandpaper. If they are really marred then you may have to grind them.

jbacon · Post by **jbacon** » Wed Sep 01, 2004 6:58 pm

hi jthpipes

if they are wood lathe tools- you have a couple of options

1. invest in a oneway wolverine sharping system from oneway. oneway
is a very good source for everything in woodworking lathes. i would
love to have there 1224 (visit there site)
(also check for classes in your area for wood turning most begging
will have a begginners class dealing w/ tools and keeping them
sharp)

pro: sharp tools when you need them
con: money expect to spend around 700.00 or more for the
complete system you don t have to buy it all at once
you can piece it together

2. just take tools to wookworking store and have them sharpened.

pro: don t have to worry if you got it right.

con: not having sharp tools WHEN YOU NEED THEM see tool repairs
threads on this site

there are more ways - but i hope this helps

jim

jthpipes · Post by **jthpipes** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 9:19 am

Thanks for the input. I should have told you it was wood lathe hand tools not metal lathe cutters. Any more info you have would be appreciated.

abbeypipes · Post by **abbeypipes** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 11:29 am

Sharpening chisels to a newcomer in woodturning is a cause of much frustration,It took me a long time to sharpen tools consistantly well. I have read of aspiring turners to give up because they were unable to do it well,nowadays there are jigs as mentioned that help a great deal.in the book mentioned there is a jig you can make,which I always recommend to people starting out in turning. Ideally sharpening tools without jigs is to be aimed for.When sharpening get an old chisel and practise practise,don't press too hard and relax. Sharpening tools is like riding a bike, impossible at first but when mastered you wonder what all the fuss was about
good luck