As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You’ll slowly build up a layer of compound and your belt will turn black, this is normal and evidence that the Leather belt is working. As I have done extensive research on the users, people find it challenging to find a position to hold the lathe tool on a belt sander. Welcome new registering member. I use the Eddie Castelin home made Elworth grind holder and it makes a beautiful edge. Because it was so successful for me with knives, I've tried the belt sander on HSS tools, and so far have been unsuccessful, because of this radius effect. The bevels produced may not have the same curve to them depending on what part of the belt you are using but the quality can be just as high as in any other technique. when an area gets dull on the wheel just move out or in a little. I started out sharpening with same style belt sander, made a little wooden stand that could clamp to work bench which worked okay. The flying metal pieces may harm your skin in the long run. Now let's jump into the process: To get this method done, you will need a belt sander with a 2-inch belt, belt grit (grits from 80 to 120 may work fine), and the dull lathe tool you are going to sharpen. Slightly turn the tool so that the belt sander hones the tool all the other sides. There is also a backup platen. Using Belt Sanders To Sharpen The Lathe Tool You also have to figure I have hundreds of hours of experience. If you put pressure on it, the sander might just unnecessarily eat away much of the metals. The Tormek is a step up in quality from these. And when you are satisfied with the sharpness attained on your lathe tool, dip the tool in a bowl of water. I had never thought about using a belt sander to sharpen a knife until now. The smaller machines with 1” wide belts don’t have enough width to grind a tool evenly, the platen is too flexible, the belts wear too quickly, and coarser belts are harder to find. I used a standard 3" hand held belt sander for a while. Plus, it is much cheaper comparing to grinders. I would forgo the V block and just rig up a good tool rest. Questions or for David? The rest needs to be one inch f… A very thin layer is all that is needed. Step-3: Sharp the lathe tool Now, with gentle pressure, put the lathe tool on the belt sander. Explore sharpen a knife with a belt sander to learn more abut belt sander usage. From foxiness Sharpening wood lathe chisels belt sander Supplies. Nonetheless, In this article, I'm going to explain why a belt sander is a better option. Tormek makes a clear distinction between shaping and sharpening. The smaller machines with 1” wide belts don’t have enough width to grind a tool evenly, the platen is too flexible, the belts wear too quickly, and coarser belts are harder to find. As you know, the sense of control and flow at the lathe starts with sharp tools. Your username must be your real First and Last name (for example: John Doe). If you don't consider cooling it down, the tool may dampen a bit. Belts are comparatively cheap, available, and give the best service while using wax lube with it. Once your leather strop belt is installed and running smoothly on your belt sander, apply a thin layer of the Super Strop sharpening compound to your belt as it runs. I use a Klingspor 4" x 36" Alumina Zirconia belt and I have never had a ketch. Only tip have for you is use a light touch when sharpening your tools whether use belt sander or bench grinder. As well - at least for me - this runs more slowly than the knife grinding 2 inch wide belt machines. A height adjustment in the center front with one knob would make a nifty improvement to the ease of using this type of tool. Copyright © 2021 — Tools Pro Kit • All rights reserved. So the decision comes down to you whether you are willing to choose it or not. I have a grinder, but right now it doesn't work, so I built this jig from the remains of a homebuilt router table. It’ll get knocked off as soon as the tip touches the blank.) You can get a knife with a blunt edge and turn it into the sharpest edge in only a few minutes. The Grizzly, Jet and sheppac grinders are all about the same. Mine has a tilting table & a protractor to achieve the necessary tilt-in-2-directions for clearance angles. Sharpen less – turn more! I have a grinder, but right now it doesn't work, so I built this jig from the remains of a homebuilt router table. A far better option for grinding lathe tools is a simple belt sander, preferably one that uses 2” wide belts. You also have to keep adjusting the V block for different tool lengths. Moved on to 6” 3450 RPM bench grinder & wolverine system, been using that set up for over twenty years. I am pleased to see such a great design to use with a lathe. Jan 10, 2015 - Tool Rest for a Belt Sander for Sharpening: Now that I have a lathe, I had to buy lathe tools, having bought lathe tool I needed to sharpen them. Must safer than the V blocks and it takes up a lot less room. Just install a two-inch belt in the belt sander, there you go! Do not install the belt too tightly; keep the belt between not too tight and not too loose. Heptad of 7 Using 5 dim-witted tips ace show how to headmaster sharpening How to sharpen woodturning tools wood turning tools freehand without the use of any jigs. Fortunately, as this volume will show, there are several good technologies and approaches. I have a belt sander and mostly use 320 grit on it. It is easy to change grits in a belt sander. Now, with gentle pressure, put the lathe tool on the belt sander. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Removing it forms a radius (you sharpen knives without the platen), and adding the platen causes so much friction when working the HSS that it can stall the machine. Remember, a belt sander cuts fast. Do not touch the belt with your hands while your belt sander knife sharpeners are running. Because avoiding facet is very important here. The rest needs to be one inch f… Sharpening lathe tools using a jig and a bench grinder How To Sharpen Lathe Turning Tools Using A Belt Sander. I would recommend sharpening the tool keeping it away from cutting edge. That is why it is important to check after every stroke. It is a very fast way to sharpen your knives. Nov 6, 2019 - Pro Grind Sharpening System For Lathe Turning Tools, Chisels, Skews, Gouges, Bowl Gouges, Spindle Gouges and More. When you sharpen, you remove just a small amount of steel, with the goal of creating a sharp edge. The wide flat pattern on the belt does not require frequent dressing. https://www.facebook.com/beasleyturnings/, View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-nTHpfcwkQ, View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCS2zUZvIxE&t=75s, https://www.johnjordanwoodturning.com/articles.html, (You must log in or sign up to reply here. Recently I have learned how to grind really sharp tool bits for my lathe using a delta 1x42 belt sander with a light touch up with one of the stones from my kids. Belt sander is affordable than a bench grinder. No steel could stay sharp for very long. You can trial the lathe on some wood piece or walnut once it is sharpened. These machines are cheap, widely available and surprisingly capable for home shop use. This description is for a Viel Tools S-5 sander/grinder but can be adapted to any belt sander: 1. Then, gently push the edge against the wheel. If you don't have tons of wood turning works on your shoulder the choosing a belt sander can be an ideal choice in this situation. Do not increase the angle of the knife while sharpening; otherwise, you’d end up making it more blunt. So you need to cool down the tool after finishing the job. If you are not a first-timer using a belt sander and willing for a faster yet finer result, then go for a belt sander to sharpen lathe tools. I have tried most sharpening methods. Hold the tool lightly. I would imagine those work great. ... Can I have it repaired or can you send me a replacement handle with accompanying blade? Slightly turn the tool so that the belt sander hones the tool all the other sides. Install belt of two-inch.