Sharpening Essentials

Let’s begin with why we have to sharpen High Speed Steel lathe tools so often. At normal wood turning RPM, over 1 mile of material will pass by the cutting edge every 2–1/4 minutes*. Do the math for a 6” dia vessel at 1,500 RPM.

Sharpening JigBasic jig – OneWay Wolverine is most popularGouge Holding Fixture – OneWay VariGrind 1 is most popular2” gauge block – Use in setting tool projection, or Stick Out of gouge holding fixtureNose Angle Gauge – 30 to 60 degreesBasic discussion 6 types, 4 use platform, spindle and bowl gouges use arm with gouge holding fixture.Other handy fixturesUniversal Setting Jig for Bowl and Spindle GougesQuad Setting Jig – Use for setting Platform AnglesGouge Setting Blocks for use with OneWay VariGrind 1 FixtureProGrind Sharpening Jig has it all included for less.

*Diameter X RPM = Acceptable Range (6000–9000 arbitrary units). 6000 is considered slowest practical, 9,000 is the fastest safe speed. RPM Range should be between 1,000 & 1,500.

6” dia X 1,500 RPM = 9,000. 6” X 1500 RPM X 3.14 (Pi) = 28,260 inches per minute. There are 63,360 inches in 1 mile. Each minute you will cut .446 miles of material. Or, in 2.24 minutes 1 mile of material will have gone by the cutting edge.