Simple question. How do I sharpen my wood turning tools? My tools are getting dull and I don't have a clue on how to sharpen them. I sharpen my pocket knives but I don't know how to sharpen these

 Any help would be great

 

I will tell you my preferred method and probably what the majority of turners use. I use the Wolverine system and VariGrind Jig by Oneway. With this system grinds are repeatable and making cuts easier to accomplish.

    Now for how to use this and other methods here are three videos.

 

This is my favorite and look for another video where he explains more about steels.

 

 

Lyle is very knowledgeable and will always give you tips no one else has.

 

 

John has lots of basic knowledge and will show do-it-yourself ideas.

 

What @Gerald  said.

 

I have a Tormek wet grinder and jigs that have a similar function. Also, there are videos on YouTube that show shop built jigs. Check out Capt. Eddie's site- http://eddiecastelin.com/ and his YouTube channel for even more information.

1 hour ago, lew said:

What @Gerald  said.

 

I have a Tormek wet grinder and jigs that have a similar function. Also, there are videos on YouTube that show shop built jigs. Check out Capt. Eddie's site- http://eddiecastelin.com/ and his YouTube channel for even more information.

 

Lew, I have been sharpening with the wolverine for several years. Finally bit the bullet and bought a Tormek T8 last week. The only jigs I have are what came with it, the bowl gouge jig, and the doodad that sets the distance for the toolbar. Have only used it a few times but I already wonder why I waited so long. It is a nice machine. In the next month or so I intend to get the knife jig and a 600 grit CBN for it.

 

Steve

I made my own and posted it here.  Works well for me.

 

 

5 hours ago, Steve Krumanaker said:

600 grit CBN for it.

I’m still using the Tormek wheel. The CBN would eliminate the diameter change due to wear but you could not re-grade the wheel “courseness”. Is there a special alloy CBN wheel that the water bath will not damage?

7 hours ago, lew said:

I have a Tormek wet grinder and jigs

the Tormek is in a class all it's own....

7 hours ago, lew said:

I’m still using the Tormek wheel. The CBN would eliminate the diameter change due to wear but you could not re-grade the wheel “courseness”. Is there a special alloy CBN wheel that the water bath will not damage?

The CBN doesn't require a water bath and will actually void the warranty on it if a water bath is used.

tormek CBN wheel

 

Tormek does offer a diamond wheel that uses the water bath for about the same price.

 

Steve

Steve, what grit would you get on the Tormek CBN?

53 minutes ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

Steve, what grit would you get on the Tormek CBN?

Fred, I'm leaning toward a 600 grit. That is based solely on what others have recommended. My intended use is for turning tools, if it were for carving tools I'd probably go as fine as I could. I'll go ahead and add, A Tormek, IMO, is not a replacement for a bench grinder. Sharpening is very fast and precise with the Tormek but it would be very slow at reshaping to a different bevel or grind.

 

Steve

When I started turning, I bought the turning tool set from HF, knowing that my efforts would probably ruin some, and I did. I built jigs and for the most part, they worked OK. Then when the carbide tip tools came out I liked them a lot. I sharpen them on a diamond hone and it works well. 

 I did learn to sharpen the small turning tool that came with my lathe. Not perfect. But Ok

15 hours ago, Steve Krumanaker said:

CBN doesn't require a water bath

Thanks!

Wow... Another tool I need to build... Gouge grinder holder...