Vari grind size

[Michael Perez]

I need this jig atachment it for grinding a 3/8 spindle gouge and 1/2 bowl gouge.

I’m about to buy the vari-grind # 1 and there are 2 sizes, one small that is for 1/8 to 5/8 and a larger one that goes from 1/2 to 1 1/8.



So it looks obviously that I need the small one, but when looking for info about the jig some people complain that the small one that not hold very well the 3/8 shafts so it needs to upgrade the adjustment knob.

Then I also received the recommendation from Lee Valley to buy the large and use a spacer for clamping smaller gouges.

I don’t know if you have any experience or recommendation. Thank you in advance

 

[Dave Landers]

I didn't even know they came in 2 sizes. It seems I have the smaller ones. I use it for 5/8 and 1/2 bowl gouges and 3/8 spindle gouge - no problems.

 

[Michael Perez]

I didn't even know they came in 2 sizes. It seems I have the smaller ones. I use it for 5/8 and 1/2 bowl gouges and 3/8 spindle gouge - no problems.

Thank you so much, i just realized that there are 2 size and the one that Lee Valley is selling is the larger
item 3074 from OneWay. It is specified for tools from ½” to 1 1/8”.

 

[Lance Mirrer]

I also didn't know there were two sizes. Being that mine easily fits 3/8 - 5/8, and won't do 1-1/8" I suspect that is a new development.
I know I have a spacer for smaller ones. do you know if they are marked?

 

[Michael Perez]

I also didn't know there were two sizes. Being that mine easily fits 3/8 - 5/8, and won't do 1-1/8" I suspect that is a new development.
I know I have a spacer for smaller ones. do you know if they are marked?

No, I don’t know if they are marked, i just realized because before I buy I wanted to be sure of the basic kit and looked at the oneway web that were 3 Vari grind: 2 traditionals and 1 vari grind 2.

 

[Pat Patterson]

The smaller one is the standard. Based on the way the a reads is pect it is made by a different manufacturer.
Pat

 

[Roger Wiegand]

I already graze the wheel way too often with the standard size so I wouldn't get the bigger one unless you use a monster bowl gouge. I think it would just be in the way for most uses.

 

[Lance Mirrer]

Thanks Mike for the pic. May have to go measure my Vari Grinds.
In Answer to the original post question, I believe the small one is what is commonly used with the large one being a newer offering.
As to gouge sizes, I regularly hear of people using 3/4" gouges, but who has bigger ones? Are 1" - 1-1/4" gouges common or custom?
Note, I do not use this jig for either spindle roughing gouges or bottom finishers. The SPRG has a straight profile that is accomplished without the VariGrind.

 

[Lance Mirrer]

While you are looking at sharpening systems, Ron Brown sells a Pro-Grind system that is very similar to the Wolverine and has a few extra parts.

Pro Grind Sharpening System For Lathe Turning Tools, Chisels, Skews, Gouges, Bowl Gouges, Spindle Gouges and More. Includes the Multi-Grind Jig for Gouges, Slotted Platform and Tool Rest

www.ronbrownsbest.com

Also Hannes Tools has a very interesting fixture for the Wolverine. I use both the Brown and Hannes pieces.

"Vector Fixture" for the Michelsen Grind | HannesTool.com

With these on your grinder you can perfectly replicate the Michelsen grind every time and replicate any other grind out there as well.

hannestool.com

Lastly Woodturners Wonders is a great guy to do business with. He also has a popular system but I haven't personally used it.

Kodiak Sharpening System | Wood Lathe Tool Sharpening System

Your tools will inevitably wear down, but with the use of a wood lathe tool sharpening system, you can maintain the sharpness and reliability of your equipment.

woodturnerswonders.com

 

[Michael Perez]

I already graze the wheel way too often with the standard size so I wouldn't get the bigger one unless you use a monster bowl gouge. I think it would just be in the way for most uses.

Thank you, im planing to do small products im going to buy a 3/8 spindle and 1/2 bowl gouge I aldo think that the small one is the right one .
my doubt was because I read a complain that the small one didn’t secure well 3/8 shaft.(maybe just particular experience)

 

[Michael Perez]

The smaller one is the standard. Based on the way the a reads is pect it is made by a different manufacturer.
Pat

Thank you, didn’t realize it.

 

[Michael Perez]

While you are looking at sharpening systems, Ron Brown sells a Pro-Grind system that is very similar to the Wolverine and has a few extra parts.

Pro Grind Sharpening System For Lathe Turning Tools, Chisels, Skews, Gouges, Bowl Gouges, Spindle Gouges and More. Includes the Multi-Grind Jig for Gouges, Slotted Platform and Tool Rest

www.ronbrownsbest.com

Also Hannes Tools has a very interesting fixture for the Wolverine. I use both the Brown and Hannes pieces.

"Vector Fixture" for the Michelsen Grind | HannesTool.com

With these on your grinder you can perfectly replicate the Michelsen grind every time and replicate any other grind out there as well.

hannestool.com

Lastly Woodturners Wonders is a great guy to do business with. He also has a popular system but I haven't personally used it.

Kodiak Sharpening System | Wood Lathe Tool Sharpening System

Your tools will inevitably wear down, but with the use of a wood lathe tool sharpening system, you can maintain the sharpness and reliability of your equipment.

woodturnerswonders.com

Hello, thank you so much I also think the smaller is enough for me just wonder if I need to buy it with a replacement retrofit adjusting knob.
Thanks for the links im going to check them right now, I only viewed the Kodiac, but it says that is exclusively for CBN wheel and couldn’t find it in stock but look that its a expensive one.

 

[Clifton C]

The old style Vari-Grind indexed the flute with a knob clamp and leaf spring, the new knob clamp with bearing is much more user friendly and comes already installed so you shouldn't need to buy the #3916 retro fit kit. Just as an FYI, I measured the openings of my old #2480 Vari-Grind jig at about 13/16. I don't have a 3/4" gouge to try, but I'm sure it would clamp with no problem.

 

[Michael Perez]

The old style Vari-Grind indexed the flute with a knob clamp and leaf spring, the new knob clamp with bearing is much more user friendly and comes already installed so you shouldn't need to buy the #3916 retro fit kit. Just as an FYI, I measured the openings of my old #2480 Vari-Grind jig at about 13/16. I don't have a 3/4" gouge to try, but I'm sure it would clamp with no problem.

Thank you so much the one that is in Amazon is the #2480 I think I’ll buy it, I just need for small gouges 3/8 and 1/2. I don’t know if it comes with spring or bearing.
This is the one I’ve seen:

https://www.amazon.com/Oneway-Manufacturing-2480-Vari-Grind-Attachment/dp/B000CSSIOK/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=c0vhl&content-id=amzn1.sym.716a1ed9-074f-4780-9325-0019fece3c64&pf_rd_p=716a1ed9-074f-4780-9325-0019fece3c64&pf_rd_r=PGT0JF3AAKWW5TXTV512&pd_rd_wg=B0KCK&pd_rd_r=cee5a150-9a68-4c25-b51b-c2512f83e983&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m

 

[Clifton C]

That's the one you want, I haven't seen the old style sold in a long time. Here is a pic of the bearing...

 

[Michael Perez]

That's the one you want, I haven't seen the old style sold in a long time. Here is a pic of the bearing...

View attachment 45944

Sincerely Thank you so much now I know this is the one I was very confused.
Now I understand the people that were complaining were talking about the small old one that used to come with spring.

 

[Pat Patterson]

My 3/8" gouge fits just fine. Not to worry

 

[Michael Perez]

My 3/8" gouge fits just fine. Not to worry

Thank you so much now im confident to buy the Wolverine and the vari-grind then finally have to decide the grinding wheel and almost done. Just wait for the tools to arrive to Peru.

 

[Bill Boehme]

I would get the smaller of the two sizes of the original Varigrind. I don't like the Varigrind 2 because it appears to have a limited range of motion.

 

[Michael Perez]

I would get the smaller of the two sizes of the original Varigrind. I don't like the Varigrind 2 because it appears to have a limited range of motion.

Thank you so much , yes, I’ll buy it , i already placed the order for the wolverine basic system.
Now I’m going to buy the small Vari-grind.
greetings

 

[Lance Mirrer]

Just measured and tried. My 3/4 Thompson Bowl gouge fits easily into my old Vari-grind and the Johannes Vector Jig. Didn't try them but looked like an easy fit into the ProGrind & Ellison jigs.
Interested when you get the new one if the hole is smaller making the second size necessary.
Side note, the two pics show one old spring style and one bearing style.

 

[Michael Perez]

My 3/8" gouge fits just fine. Not to worry

Just measured and tried. My 3/4 Thompson Bowl gouge fits easily into my old Vari-grind and the Johannes Vector Jig. Didn't try them but looked like an easy fit into the ProGrind & Ellison jigs.
Interested when you get the new one if the hole is smaller making the second size necessary.
Side note, the two pics show one old spring style and one bearing style.

Hello, thank you so much I already bought the Wolverine basic system now Im about to place the order for the small varigrind.

 

[Rusty Nesmith]

I need this jig atachment it for grinding a 3/8 spindle gouge and 1/2 bowl gouge.

I’m about to buy the vari-grind # 1 and there are 2 sizes, one small that is for 1/8 to 5/8 and a larger one that goes from 1/2 to 1 1/8.



So it looks obviously that I need the small one, but when looking for info about the jig some people complain that the small one that not hold very well the 3/8 shafts so it needs to upgrade the adjustment knob.

Then I also received the recommendation from Lee Valley to buy the large and use a spacer for clamping smaller gouges.

I don’t know if you have any experience or recommendation. Thank you in advance

I also didn’t know about the 2 sizes. I have the small one. When I sharpen my 5/8” bowl gouge it looks like there is enough room to get at least a 3/4” gouge in it.

 

[Michael Perez]

I also didn’t know about the 2 sizes. I have the small one. When I sharpen my 5/8” bowl gouge it looks like there is enough room to get at least a 3/4” gouge in it.

Thank you, now I’m confident that the small one is better for me.