Looking for lathe chisel sharpening recommendations

[Vanilla Gorilla]

Hi all! I am getting back into woodturning and part of the reason I got out of it last time is that I didn't have a great way to sharpen my turning tools. I have used an 8" rikon slow speed grinder with the one way wolverine jig before and fell in love with it, but could never bite the bullet with the cost of the system. That was nearly 20 years ago, and I am seeing that there are quite a few brands out there that do something similar (maybe better?) and possibly cheaper, although the price isn't my only determining factor these days.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a slow speed/variable speed grinder and sharpening jig, or some other system that won't completely break the bank? Would consider used as well if someone is looking to offload their current setup to upgrade.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Michael Mathews]

well, I was going to suggest Woodturners Wonders, but I looked at their site and I don't see any systems that won't break the bank at this time! They used to carry Rikon slow speed grinders and package them with CBN wheels for a decent price. But it looks like they've gotten out of that brand.

 

[bob vaughan]

Be sure you know what a broken bank can look like. Google: Baldor 8100W
That's a top-of-the-line (these days anyway) 8" slow speed grinder.
Compare that price to the prices of the Chinese claptrap offered in the guise of an 8" grinder. They are proportionatly that much less of a grinder but home shop people seem to find them adequate enough since most have never owned a Baldor grinder that uses 7" or 8" wheels.

 

[Mike Davis]

We had a 14 inch Balder grinder in trade school. What a beast, grind a 1/2 inch hss bit to a nub in seconds.

 

[Hmerkle]

Marco,
Trolling Facebook Marketplace, can be a solution to pocketbook pain...
You would still have to get a grinder, but if you are willing to hunt, you may find that on FB as well!

 

[Rob in NC]

As a relatively new turner with around 3 years experience, I will say that you cannot put a price on the frustration of dull turning tools. I got some version of a jig and an inexpensive slow speed grinder. Will use one of my 2x72's on occasion for certain tools, but the bottom line for me was that my turning experience was far more enjoyable and productive with a quick, easy and repeatable sharpening system.

 

[NCPAPAOF2]

WEN has several models on their website. Low speed, variable speed, various sizes and options. If you want a WEN order on their website. No tax or shipping.

 

[robbyw]

I bought a Rikon clone from Woodcraft for one of my grinders and the other is an old Taiwan grinder I bought back in the 1970's. Both are decent if you make sure that the shaft runs true and the shoulder that everything registers against is also cut correctly. The big thing with the Asian grinders if that most have cheap, shielded bearings. The shields will allow dust and grit to get in there. I replace the bearings in both with a good set of sealed bearings to keep the dust out and they run smoother. It is very easy to change the bearings in these grinders: remove the shields and such, four bolts hold the bell ends on the motor. Pull the armature out and remove the old bearings. You may have to buy or rent a bearing puller if you don't have one. Advanced Auto will loan them out. Use a piece of tubing or wood with a hole in it that fits the shaft of the armature to press the new bearings one. Just be sure not to hammer on the outer rings or you will ruin the bearing. Put everything back on and you are good to go. Takes less than an hour. Oh, buy the way, if you go to a local bearing house, make sure they don't have an excessive minimum charge. You can get the bearings from Graingers or Amazon too.

Penn State Industries, Peachtree, and a bunch of others have clones of the Wolverine kit if it is too expensive for you.

 

[Mike Davis]

Penn State Industries, Peachtree, and a bunch of others have clones of the Wolverine kit if it is too expensive for you.

Or you can make your own for less than $20 and a couple hours time. You may have to use an advanced metal cutting device like a hack saw or drill press.

 

[mkepke]

Hi Marco - I don't think the sharpening landscape has changed much since you looked last. It's still: pick a grinder, pick grinding wheels, pick a grinding jig. An 8" slow speed with the Oneway system still seems to be typical for hobbyists. CBN wheels are the new(er) option for grinding wheels - spendy tho.

What's your budget? How much/what kind of sharpening - low volume hobbyist stuff with infrequent use?

-Mark

 

[Mike Davis]

I made this after seeing one that was posted on FB. After using it a year I found the $75 or so to buy from Oneway.
It works fine but I found it to be a little clunky and a little off somehow. If I were to make another one I would use 3/16 inch thick phenolic...

 

[tvrgeek]

Agree, a Rikon, or alternatives slow and/or variable, with CBN wheel and the Wolverine gig is still the way to go. Or, if you have some old crappy tools, just practice freehand on a CBN wheel without the gigs. I use their flat tool rest for rough establishment freehand for all my plane, chisel and carving tools.

There is usually good reasons for a solution to be almost universal. There are many ways to do things, but occasionally one way is actually better! The RIkon, Wolverine is a lifetime tool. Far cheaper to do it right than go cheap only to pay for the right tool later.

 

[golfdad]

I noticed Klingspor had a slow speed grinder on sale for $249

 

[HITCH-]

Woodcraft used to put the Rikon slow speed grinder on sale for $99 this time of year. I see that the "sale" price today is $143.99

99

 

[FredP]

I've got a delta slow speed wet wheel that I no longer use because I have a grinder that is faster. I'd let it go for 25 bucks. If you partner it with a wolverine jig it might work for you. If you are interested I'll send you a picture. It's old and dusty but I think it will clean up and run.

 

[jlwest]

This is good.

 

[JSFoster75]

I can attest that this thing will not work with a 6" grinder, it may do better with an 8" and one that sets up off the table/base a little... It may work okay, but I ended up sharpening freehand...

Amazon.com