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How I organize my gouges for sharpening on Wolverine Vari-grind jig...

Odie

Panning for Montana gold, with Betsy, the mule!
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(This will work for any sharpening system similar to the Wolverine, as well.)

My way of matching any existing grind on a bowl gouge to the grinder wheel is very simple, and very easy to do. You can duplicate the exact positioning in seconds.

First, notice that I use three depth gauges for positioning the nose depth of the gouge into the Vari-grind jig. They are marked A, B, and C. (The depths are 1 1/4", 1 11/16", and 2 1/2")

Next, notice that the Wolverine Vari-grind jig has markings on the indicator notches #1 through #7.

Finally, see that there is a piece of masking tape on the gouge tool shaft next to the brass ferrel. On this piece of masking tape there is a letter and number that corresponds to the grind on that particular gouge. For example, the first gouge, an Ellsworth grind, is marked: "C-4". For this gouge I use depth gauge "C" to position the gouge into the Vari-grind jig, which is set to notch #4.

After setting the gouge into the jig, and setting the corresponding notch, I place the jig into the "V-arm" and visually match the wheel to the bevel of the grind by looking from the side while adjusting the length of the V-arm.

It's ready to grind.

All this takes me about 15 seconds to do.......real quick.......no other set-up jigs are necessary.....like that raptor, or similar jigs. All these other jigs do is set the V-arm to a theoretical angle that doesn't take into account the two critical settings on the Vari-grind jig. What I'm showing you exactly matches all the variables to the existing grind you already have on your gouge.

You'll notice the third gouge is simply marked with an "X". This is my way of telling myself this gouge doesn't use the Vari-grind jig.......but, has a standard straight grind. This is done by placing the butt of the handle in the crook of the "V-arm" and rotating it on the axis of the tool.

The fourth gouge, marked "5-A", has a very blunted angle and is similar to Mahoney's "bottom feeder" gouge for a very angled approach to bottom interior of bowls.

I have, at one time or another, tried all the jigs, and methods of organizing gouges for sharpening...........and, this is what I've evolved to. I think that I'm the originator of this concept, or system of doing it, so I'm now showing you how it's done. This is not to say my way of doing it should be, or will be the choice of other turners, but a few of you might try it, like it, and decide to adopt this method. There are benefits of speed, simplicity, and preciseness that are helping me in my own turning, but I am an individual with an individual's outlook and needs, that doesn't expect everyone to see, realize, and understand the benefits that I have found in this method.........😀

ooc
 

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Odie I never change my varigrind angle. I drilled a 1/8" hole through the jig so that it can be reset exactly if I ever do change it. Early on I did change the jig but eventually found no advantage to it. The raptor type jigs compensate for wheel wear as the wheel gets smaller which is why I use my homemade version.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbggxj2kgyc
 
Odie I never change my varigrind angle. I drilled a 1/8" hole through the jig so that it can be reset exactly if I ever do change it. Early on I did change the jig but eventually found no advantage to it. The raptor type jigs compensate for wheel wear as the wheel gets smaller which is why I use my homemade version.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbggxj2kgyc

Hello John.......

Yeah, I figured there would be those who have already established methods that work for them.

If I had known anyone who was doing things as I do, I probably wouldn't bother to tell others........but, as I said, I arrived at my methods on my own. I wouldn't be surprised if anyone else is organizing their gouges for sharpening like I do.......but, I'm not aware of anyone doing it this way.

BTW, It really doesn't matter if the grinding wheel is worn to a smaller size than original. That situation is covered automatically, because each gouge bevel is matched exactly to the surface of the grinding wheel with every set-up......or, if I wish to, I can change the bevel angle as I require.

For myself, I prefer the versatility of the seven different notch settings of the Vari-grind jig. I do find these settings are useful for my purposes, but am not discounting your finding that a single setting is sufficient for your purposes.

We all evolve to our own ways of grinding our tools........I'm offering my methods only to introduce a different aspect that I don't think is commonly available to the general turning community anywhere else. Sure, I do think other turners ought to investigate my methods, but fully understand that everyone will come to use what works best for each of us......as individuals.

ooc
 
Odie You system is very good. I could have used that years ago when I had a bunch of different grinds. Now I use just one grind for most things. The tools that I use special grinds for I just hand grind now because I may change it for a special cut if need be.
My Stewart Batty grind always stays the same but I grind that by hand.
I haven't tried out the new Michelson grinding jig. I don't have one but I"m sure I can build it. I'll try that hopefully between now and Christmas.
 
Odie You system is very good. I could have used that years ago when I had a bunch of different grinds. Now I use just one grind for most things. The tools that I use special grinds for I just hand grind now because I may change it for a special cut if need be.
My Stewart Batty grind always stays the same but I grind that by hand.
I haven't tried out the new Michelson grinding jig. I don't have one but I"m sure I can build it. I'll try that hopefully between now and Christmas.

Hi John........

Yep, I can understand your viewpoint. If you have simplified your tool grinds to a single grind, then it would make sense that you have the hole and pin in your Vari-grind jig.

It's true that I have many grinds, and they are constantly being modified for the current need. For me, it works well.......and, I hope you and others understand that I'm not suggesting my methods are best for everyone......but, they are for me, as applied to my style. I think my grinding methods might apply to a few other turners, and might serve to make their turning experience a little better.

Then again.......My tool maintenance gets complicated sometimes. I will have to face the facts and admit that. I often find myself living the old adage that the things truly important to the final 10 percent of the total sum, are ninety percent of the overall effort. I believe that proverb, or thought, can only be truly understood by those who have tread that ninety percent of the effort to realize the final ten percent of gain! Once they do, then nothing else will satisfy.

ooc
 
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