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Sharpening small detail gouges?

small jigs/Peter Toch

Peter Toch makes small jigs that I use for small gouges instead of the Vari-grind attachment in the Wolverine jig. These are inexpensive, well-made, and very effective. I recommend them for 3/8 and 1/4 inch gouges.

Peter's e-mail address is ptoch@adelphia.net

Possibly he could provide a picture of these handy devices.
 
Norm
I built my version of the Ellsworth jig small enought to hold tools down to 1/4" For really small tools I sharpen by hand. I turn the wheel off and when it starts getting pretty slow I sharpen the tool. It takes off a lot less metal at that speed so it's more controllable on small gouges.
On really small gouges ( turn miniatures) I use my dremel. I sharpen on a 1" grinding wheel but I use the flat side and sharpen near the center. This lets me have much more control.
 
Like John, I have an Ellsworth style jig that was made for me by a friend. I can easily hold a 1/4" gouge in it. I also like John's idea of slowing the grinder to sharpen small tools. I often place my tools to be sharpened in ice water prior to touching them to the grinder. It allows me a few more seconds before the heat begins to discolor the steel. This probably doesn't mean much in highspeed steel but it helped me develop a lighter touch when at the grinder.
 
Jigs for Sharpening Gouges

Hi:

I'm Peter Toch, the fellow Ed Moore mentioned as the one who makes and sells sharpening jigs for gouges. These jigs work for gouges from less than 1/4" dia. to up to 3/4" dia. and are very modestly priced. I have sold well over a hundred of them with no returns. For more detailed information you can see pictures and a brief description of what I offer in the classified section of the website for the Association of Revolutionary Turners, a local chapter of the AAW in the Boston area. Their web address is www.revolutionary-turners.com/classified.html. Or you can contact me directly and I can email to you a flyer showing the turning products I make and sell. I can be reached at: ptoch@adelphia.net, or by phone: (540) 774-4152.

Hope this will help, Peter Toch
 
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