Grinder for woodturning tools

[Mike_Maple]

Hi folks,

I got my second hand Charnwood lathe last year, and have been enjoying using it with the carbide chisels and some of the other chisels that came with it that were still sharp. Now however I think I need to get some sort of sharpening system set up, not to mention all those sharpening jigs! I already have my Dad's old 5 inch bench grinder, but when I dipped into this subject last year I found that most jigs are set up for a 6 inch wheel, so it's pretty useless for what I need.

Does anyone have recommendations please as to a good grinder and suitable jigs for all the usual lathe tools? Ideally not top of the range, I hear great things about Tormek(?) but I'm just starting and don't want to spend more than necessary. Likewise with the diamond wheels, I'm happy to start with the white grinding wheels and upgrade later, unless there's a good offer to begin with.

Thanks!

 

[Sachakins]

I have the 8" axminster, served me well so far, but only had it couple of years, but never let me down yet. It replaced an 8" cheapo screwfix one, at least 1000% better than that. Fairly quiet and vibration free. This is the one,
https://www.axminstertools.com/axminster-workshop-aw200wsg-wide-stone-grinder-230v-107685

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Pay more attention to the wheel than the grinder. A Sorby 447.

 

[Stigmorgan]

I also have an 8" grinder with the sorby 447 sharpening jig set, currently have the stock white stone wheel but plan to replace it with a CBN wheel eventually.

 

[kinverkid]

I have three old 6" TULL bench grinders. Minimum age is 35 years. I got them for free and they work perfectly. Saying that, if I had to put my hand in my pocket I would go for an 8" model. I'm used to working straight off a white wheel but if the money is there, a diamond wheel does seem like a nice luxury.

 

[Eshmiel]

A machine dedicated to the tasks of sharpening turning tools by a manufacturer that makes both - The Sorby ProEdge. This is also a flat-platen belt grinder so doesn't make a hollow grind. The belts of many different kinds and grades of grit cost far less than grinding wheels and are quickly swapped out, unlike a wheel on a standard grinder. The machine also has a take-off on which to mount rotating buffing, polishing and other round wheels used as in a normal round-wheel grinder. It'll sharpen many other items besides turning tools.

The machine has a built-in angle setter and tool rest although there are various add-on gubbins to put on the tool rest to sharpen specialist tools in various ways. Compared to likes of a Tormek, the machine and its gubbins are far less expensive. Its also very quick and easy to make wee jigs yourself to mount on the angle-setting platform. Many British on-line WW emporiums sell this machine and its gubbins.

https://robert-sorby.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/PROEDGE-BOOKLET-WEB-21.pdf

Round wheel grinders are often crude things needing all sorts of fettling. Most also go too fast and will easily blue an edge. People manage with them but why not get the right tool for the job? ;-)

I sold a Tormek and its gubbins 6 years ago as I was fed up with the time it took to grind anything. It was good for maintaining edges but too slow at major regrinds; and the many gubbins (one for each blade type, almost) were far too expensive. I find the ProEdge a far better machine in just about every way.

Axminster do a similar and perhaps more sophisticated version of the ProEdge but its also much more expensive:

https://www.axminstertools.com/axmi...0859?queryID=e2bb3e91c5b58d156b91a8a70586e479

 

[Duncan A]

Hi Mike I have a grinder setup that you may be interested in.
PM sent

If asked to I'll put it in the For Sale section, but Mike will get first dibs.
Duncan

 

[Phil Pascoe]

(The ProEdge) This is also a flat-platen belt grinder so doesn't make a hollow grind.

I knew very good turners who didn't like using one for that very reason. Horses for courses.

 

[Mike_Maple]

I have the 8" axminster, served me well so far, but only had it couple of years, but never let me down yet. It replaced an 8" cheapo screwfix one, at least 1000% better than that. Fairly quiet and vibration free. This is the one,
https://www.axminstertools.com/axminster-workshop-aw200wsg-wide-stone-grinder-230v-107685

Thanks Sachakins, I had been looking at the Axminster workshop range last time, looks decent.

 

[Mike_Maple]

Pay more attention to the wheel than the grinder. A Sorby 447.

Yep good point, must admit, did a little grinding with grey wheels, won't be doing that again. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[Mike_Maple]

I also have an 8" grinder with the sorby 447 sharpening jig set, currently have the stock white stone wheel but plan to replace it with a CBN wheel eventually.

Ok, another Sorby recommendation, thanks, looks like 8inch is the way to go too.

 

[Mike_Maple]

I have three old 6" TULL bench grinders. Minimum age is 35 years. I got them for free and they work perfectly. Saying that, if I had to put my hand in my pocket I would go for an 8" model. I'm used to working straight off a white wheel but if the money is there, a diamond wheel does seem like a nice luxury.

Yes there's something to be said for longevity! And diamond wheels!

 

[Mike_Maple]

A machine dedicated to the tasks of sharpening turning tools by a manufacturer that makes both - The Sorby ProEdge. This is also a flat-platen belt grinder so doesn't make a hollow grind. The belts of many different kinds and grades of grit cost far less than grinding wheels and are quickly swapped out, unlike a wheel on a standard grinder. The machine also has a take-off on which to mount rotating buffing, polishing and other round wheels used as in a normal round-wheel grinder. It'll sharpen many other items besides turning tools.

The machine has a built-in angle setter and tool rest although there are various add-on gubbins to put on the tool rest to sharpen specialist tools in various ways. Compared to likes of a Tormek, the machine and its gubbins are far less expensive. Its also very quick and easy to make wee jigs yourself to mount on the angle-setting platform. Many British on-line WW emporiums sell this machine and its gubbins.

https://robert-sorby.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/PROEDGE-BOOKLET-WEB-21.pdf

Round wheel grinders are often crude things needing all sorts of fettling. Most also go too fast and will easily blue an edge. People manage with them but why not get the right tool for the job? ;-)

I sold a Tormek and its gubbins 6 years ago as I was fed up with the time it took to grind anything. It was good for maintaining edges but too slow at major regrinds; and the many gubbins (one for each blade type, almost) were far too expensive. I find the ProEdge a far better machine in just about every way.

Axminster do a similar and perhaps more sophisticated version of the ProEdge but its also much more expensive:

https://www.axminstertools.com/axmi...0859?queryID=e2bb3e91c5b58d156b91a8a70586e479

That looks to be the creme de la creme - the flat belt sounds like a good idea, also like the take-off bit, but it's alas too much for me at the moment. Thanks for the detailed recommendation though - will remember it if this becomes more than a casual hobby!

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Yes there's something to be said for longevity! And diamond wheels - why I'm stoked I've just been offered a setup that has one!

Diamond or CBN? They're different. Most turners use CBN.

 

[Mike_Maple]

Hi Mike I have a grinder setup that you may be interested in.
PM sent

If asked to I'll put it in the For Sale section, but Mike will get first dibs.
Duncan

Very good of you Duncan. For everyone else's benefit, I've received the offer and accepted it, it's just what I need! Axminster 8inch machine with white and CBN wheels, Wolverine table, jig and attachments.

Thanks again everyone for your input, this community is so good!

 

[Mike_Maple]

Yes there's something to be said for longevity! And diamon

Diamond or CBN? They're different. Most turners use CBN.

wheels - why I'm stoked I've just been offered a setup that has one!

Sorry Phil, was confusing the two, I did my research >6 months ago! It's a CBN wheel.

 

[Sachakins]

Got wolverine jig myself, not expensive, but great bit of kit.
I am leaving the CBN upgrade till my white wheels die.