What is the cheapest way to sharpen woodturning tools?

[theyoungwoodworker]

Just started woodturning and woodworking so I don't know what sharpening system to get that is good and cheap

 

[Spindle]

Hi

Mount an MDF disc on a faceplate and attatch self adhesive 'Velcro' - get a series of Velcro backed discs in varying grits.

Make as many jigs out of MDF and 'shed' hardware as you need

Not the best method but probably the cheapest

Regards Mick

 

[Dalboy]

I use a 6" record bench grinder with one wide wheel and a home made platform that sees me for all of the sharpening that I need.

 

[woodpig]

A cheap 6" bench grinder is probably your best bet if you're on a tight budget. They start around £20 I was told the other day, probably from Aldi or Lidl?

 

[NickWelford]

A cheap 6" bench grinder is probably your best bet if you're on a tight budget. They start around £20 I was told the other day, probably from Aldi or Lidl?

Don't forget to change the wheel to a white or pink one though. The wheels that come with grinders are not suitable.

 

[AndyT]

One of the bargain Trend double sided diamond bench stones (£5 delivered) would be even cheaper and would cope well with HSS turning tools.

 

[theyoungwoodworker]

Thanks guys

 

[Rhossydd]

One of the bargain Trend double sided diamond bench stones (£5 delivered)

No longer available.

Sharpening turning tools on a bench stone ?? possible, but a bit 'hair shirt' and tricky for a novice.
A bench grinder is the way to go.

 

[AndyT]

The OP has asked for the cheapest, not the easiest or quickest.

 

[Rhossydd]

The OP has asked for the cheapest, not the easiest or quickest.

No, read the OP; "good and cheap" not 'cheapest'.

In a forum that often discusses the merits of £350+ sharpening systems like Tormek and Sorby Pro Edge, £70 for a good bench grinder IS cheap. It's also a GOOD choice that will be relatively easy to use for a novice.

Sharpening HHS gouges with a small flat bench stone wouldn't be easy and I've never read that recommendation for a novice before.

 

[AndyT]

I read the title of the thread, ie "what is the cheapest way to sharpen wood turning tools?".

People's budgets and attitudes vary.

I don't use my lathe much, but when I do, if a tool needs sharpening I will use a stone rather than a grinder. I do have both.

I'm not disagreeing with you!

 

[Selwyn]

Screwfix titan 200mm grinder looks a good buy for £35

 

[Jacob]

Hi

Mount an MDF disc on a faceplate and attatch self adhesive 'Velcro' - get a series of Velcro backed discs in varying grits.

Make as many jigs out of MDF and 'shed' hardware as you need

Not the best method but probably the cheapest

Regards Mick

Yep works really well.
If you have a double ended head stock and can leave the disc in place it becomes the only sensible, best possible, sharpening system, as well as the cheapest. You can glue paper straight on if you haven't got velcro.
If you round off the edge you can use this to polish up the inside of gouges.
Madness to spend money on an alternative, unless you have to.

Next best is a belt sander or linisher.
Almost worst is small bench grinder.
Very worst of all is trying to do it by hand on a stone.

 

[Emanuel]

I use a 6" record bench grinder with one wide wheel and a home made platform that sees me for all of the sharpening that I need.

That's what I use as well. I got it as a present from someone and it's really good. The problem is that its shape doesn't allow you to sharpen larger items. A grinder comes handy in those cases.

 

[theyoungwoodworker]

Would a buffing wheel with a compound on it work?

 

[Phil Pascoe]

No. It would be like a strop, that's all.

 

[Rhossydd]

Would a buffing wheel with a compound on it work?

No. Fine for honing up carving tools perhaps, but woodturning tools have a huge amount of work to do and need significant sharpening very regularly.

 

[Dave Brookes]

Not sure whereabouts you are, but see if there are any Woodturning clubs nearby and go along and meet the folks there. You are bound to get advice and hands on experience; sharpening is perhaps the most important aspect of turning.
If you are near Didcot then call at the Toolpost as Peter will gladly help you.

Dave

 

[timber]

Just started woodturning and woodworking so I don't know what sharpening system to get that is good and cheap

A lathe with a left hand threaded faceplate on the other end of the headstock. That is what I had on the lathe that I have just sold i:e Plates with sand paper stuck to the MDF screwed to them
Worked a treat, I now have a Record CL4 and what a stupid spindle set up. Record want to get their act together. I Have to delve into the headstock with a spanner just to hold the spindle from turning for a change of chuck Would not have bought it if I had known. My fault entirely !!
Timber

 

[Jacob]

Just started woodturning and woodworking so I don't know what sharpening system to get that is good and cheap

A lathe with a left hand threaded faceplate on the other end of the headstock. That is what I had on the lathe that I have just sold i:e Plates with sand paper stuck to the MDF screwed to them
Worked a treat, I now have a Record CL4 and what a stupid spindle set up. Record want to get their act together. I Have to delve into the headstock with a spanner just to hold the spindle from turning for a change of chuck Would not have bought it if I had known. My fault entirely !!
Timber

Yep it's dead simple.

I made the same mistake - sold my lovely Arundel J4, bought Hegner 200 xl (rubbish), sold it, bought Record C4. Actually it's a chunkier and heavier machine than I expected and has some strong points and some weak; spindle one-ended and difficult to dismantle but otherwise OK, tommy bars also single ended and don't slide through.
Made me realise that the J4 was a very classy bit of engineering design. You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone!