Sharpening Set up

[Joe Greiner]

Both bevel types

If you have a belt sander (and you probably should anyway), you can build a jig or support table to hold the tools in the right orientation. Most belt sanders provide easy replacement of belts with different grits. Regular hand-held belt sanders are usually 3 or 4 inches wide, stationary even wider.

It's possible to create a flat bevel from a wheel grinder, by holding the tool horizontal at the preferred angle, and twirling it against the wheel (properly dressed, of course). Then switch to the "normal" orientation for the spark test to sharpen the edge. This is an easy and inexpensive way to try both bevel types.

I haven't found that sparks indicate a "proper" bevel angle; I can get sparks at a variety of angles.

In the Summer 2009 Journal, Alan Lacer and Jeryl Wright present some studies on sharpening techniques. "Refining the Edge," pp.22ff. Their principal "axe to grind" (pun intended) is the benefit of honing. They don't directly address the question of hollow grinding, but it's a good read anyway.

Hollow grinding seems to work best for knives, axes, and flatwork chisels. In flatwork paring or slicing, you don't ride the bevel; you ride the flat side of the chisel.

A 5" wheel at high speed has almost the same surface speed as an 8" wheel at low speed, within an order of magnitude..

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[waltben]

As I said in my first post, while I use a low speed grinder for sharpening, I use a belt sander for shaping - especially new tools. The reason is that a belt sander doesn't cause heat buildup any where near like a grinding wheel. I can take off a considerable amount of metal before having to cool a tool off.

 

[Odie]

....a belt sander doesn't cause heat buildup any where near like a grinding wheel. I can take off a considerable amount of metal before having to cool a tool off.

There is another aspect of premium grinding wheels that many don't realize......because you have to dig deep into your pockets to find out! The premium SG Norton wheels run much cooler than any other wheel I've tried before.

I converted over to the Norton SG blue wheels......and, I've decided that this is an expense I will absorb......forever! These wheels really do run much cooler, and their speed of grinding all your tools is a great improvement, as well.

At a hundred bucks apiece, two 80gt Norton SG wheels cost me as much as my Delta slow speed 8" grinder!......just pay the price, bite your tongue, and thank yourself for doing this every time you sharpen the next few years. 😀 These wheels cut so fast, and so cool, that I seldom have to dunk the tool in water until after I'm done resharpening......and, even then I don't always bother! :cool2:

I use one on each side....one remains set up for gouges, and the other stays set up for scrapers......This gives me great convenience while turning, with a minimal amount of manual adjustments when preparing for a re-grind.

ooc