Grinding metal lathe tool bits for wood?

[bellcr8v]

I am going to attempt to turn some banjo rims.
I think the precision needed will be beyond my abilities since I have no real experience to speak of.
I'm planning on using my Delta compound cross slide with a metal tool bit.
Can anyone tell me (or better yet - show me) how to grind the bit for cutting wood?
Any advice or help would be appreciated.

I apologize if this posts twice.
It didn't seem to work the first time.

JBell

 

[Richard Baker]

J,
I use square metal cutting tool bits in all my homemade tools, and they are typically ground much like a scraper. The ends are rounded, and the angle is about 10 degrees past square. That is, the included angle between the top surface and the ground bevel is about 80 degrees. Using a metal lathe style tool holder in cross slide will limit your versatility (vs. a hand held tool), but it should work just fine. Let us know how it turns out.