Well I ordered the $85 HSS tool set from amazon. Do I really need a crazy expensive low speed sharpener? Can I just use a regular one and put a good wheel on it?
I used a 3600rpm 6" grinder for years, so you can get by with one. I wouldn't go back to that, though.....Well I ordered the $85 HSS tool set from amazon. Do I really need a crazy expensive low speed sharpener? Can I just use a regular one and put a good wheel on it?
By “regular” I’ll assume a 6” 3600 rpm, grey wheels. Yeah you could that. In part it depends on your vision of turning - where does it fit in your scheme of things. Just piddling around, fully immersed, or where in between?Well I ordered the $85 HSS tool set from amazon. Do I really need a crazy expensive low speed sharpener? Can I just use a regular one and put a good wheel on it?
This is a very good post by Doug, Joe....in many ways.By “regular” I’ll assume a 6” 3600 rpm, grey wheels. Yeah you could that. In part it depends on your vision of turning - where does it fit in your scheme of things. Just piddling around, fully immersed, or where in between?
Having properly sharpened tools is #2 on the list after "lathe", so it's kinda high on the list. How much time, and frustration, do you want to put into your turning journey only to find out your tool sharpening is a major culprit - it's a common issue with new turners in my club, much more of an issue than "cheap tools", which can work quite well properly sharpened (some just don't hold an edge well).
There are alternatives - a large disc grinder, belt sanders - that have been used with success. The 8" slow speed grinder, and the various jigs that work with them, evolved as the primary choice because it's the overall best fit for the job. Sometimes it is best to "follow the herd", other times not. Particularly if you will turn faceplate work and use bowl gouges, it's wise to follow the herd with the abrasive and jig setup. There are quite a few different grinds that can be used for "bowl turning", which require set up of the sharpening station. Using common tools (grinder and jig) makes it easier to get help with how to do a certain grind. All the other tools combined don't get as much discussion as bowl gouges (the skew is probably #2).
At the end of the day, it depends on your approach to turning. Where does it fit and what "battles" do you want fight your way through. There are many skills to learn in turning.
Great advice! Could not have said it better.OK, Joe. Now that you have come to grips with what might be needed to pursue this endever, be aware of the trap, "I'm one tool (or accessory)" away from from the Glory Land. If I could go back and give my new turner self advise, I would urge him to resist purcasing all things and spend those dollars on instruction. You might have a near by club that offers classes: or that club could hook you up with a mentor. There are schools that you could attend. We don't know what your experience might be or what tools that are already in your shop. Developing good habits is a lot easier than changing bad habits. All the above advise is great, but hands on guidance will speed up your learning curve.
yes! I want to connect with some people who do this near me.OK, Joe. Now that you have come to grips with what might be needed to pursue this endever, be aware of the trap, "I'm one tool (or accessory)" away from from the Glory Land. If I could go back and give my new turner self advise, I would urge him to resist purcasing all things and spend those dollars on instruction. You might have a near by club that offers classes: or that club could hook you up with a mentor. There are schools that you could attend. We don't know what your experience might be or what tools that are already in your shop. Developing good habits is a lot easier than changing bad habits. All the above advise is great, but hands on guidance will speed up your learning curve.
I wish I had; you can delay the gluttony of tool collecting for a while. I have a high shelf in the shop, where impulse bought tools collect dust.…..likely most of us do!OK, Joe. Now that you have come to grips with what might be needed to pursue this endever, be aware of the trap, "I'm one tool (or accessory)" away from from the Glory Land. If I could go back and give my new turner self advise, I would urge him to resist purcasing all things and spend those dollars on instruction. You might have a near by club that offers classes: or that club could hook you up with a mentor. There are schools that you could attend. We don't know what your experience might be or what tools that are already in your shop. Developing good habits is a lot easier than changing bad habits. All the above advise is great, but hands on guidance will speed up your learning curve.