SHARPENING JIG’S –ARE THEY WORTH THE TROUBLE?

When I first started turning I was on a very limited budget and watched my pennies as I acquired new Woodturning accessories. Just as I had learned to hand cut dovetail joints, I reasoned everyone should know how to sharpen their lathe tools by hand. After all, it would save me somewhere over $300 if I didn’t have to have a special grinder, special wheels and one of those fancy sharpening jig’s. So I learned how to hand sharpen all of my tools.

As many of you know, Nick cook and I both live in Atlanta, Georgia, so our paths cross frequently. I asked my friend Nick at one of those chance meetings if he sharpened with the jig or freehand? Nick said he preferred to use the jig and I was flabbergasted! A lifetime member and former director of the board for the AAW admits to cheating by using a jig to sharpen his tools! This had to be blasphemy. When I expressed my surprise Nick said he had three very good reasons for using a jig:

he achieved more consistent resultshe removed less material so his chisels lasted longer which saved him moneyusing a jig actually took less time than sharpening freehand because with the jig you pretty much get it right the first time and don’t have to be bothered with three or four do–overs.

Wow! Faster, easier, tools last longer so it saves me money, I can’t miss! So I bought a one–way Wolverine sharpening jig (which was pretty much my only choice back in those days), a nice Delta 8 inch slow speed grinder and some good wheels. Then I learned how to use them.

Since those early days I have had the privilege of using several other brands of lathe tool sharpening jigs including the sharp fast system (which I also own), Penn State’s version of the Wolverine, Peachtree’s version of the Wolverine, and the True Grind system. I have used the Vari–Grind 1 and the Vari–Grind 2. My conclusion on jigs is that you really need a jig for spindle gouges with a fingernail grind and most bowl gouges. To sharpen everything else all you need is a good solid platform. A bowl gouge requires a compound grind, that is you must swing an arc with the handle while rotating the gouge to achieve a proper grind. Although this can be learned, it can be most difficult and is not easily repeatable. The same thing holds true for a spindle gouge with a fingernail grind.

Sharpening my gouges today using a jig usually takes no more than 35 or 40 seconds and I usually get it right on the first pass. That saves time, reduces stress, saves me money and allows me to turn with tools that are always razor–sharp. Thus, I turned faster, better and sand a whole lot less than I used to.

In conclusion, regardless of the brand, a good sharpening jig is one of the very important parts of your sharpening system. The other parts are made up of the grinder, the wheels, a solid platform (sometimes included with the jig), set up blocks or jigs and a stop gauge which will enable you to achieve the same tool projection every time. All jigs function basically the same, the most popular one being the One–Way Wolverine. Everything else appears to be a variation on a theme so pick the one that is in the color you like and is on sale.

Here’s hoping you are always sharp,

Your Friend,

Ron Brown

A quick reminder that our 20% off tool sale has been extended through Monday, June 9, 2014. I’m taking my entire office staff to the AAW symposium in Phoenix on the 11th, so the office will be closed until I return on Monday, June 16. Although I will be out of pocket for phone calls I will be checking my email on a daily basis. If you have a question don’t hesitate to write, but be patient it may take me a little longer to respond.

Luke 6:38 NIV

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Good friends are hard to come by. When you are lucky enough to find one, be a good friend back to them.