On Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:55:08 -0500, Dan Jefferson wrote
(in message ):

Does anyone sharpen their lathe tools by hand, without jigs, guides or other
aids. Just a grinder and holding the chisel by hand. Would like to hear
about you experience. Thks in advance.


Dan J



I sharpen my tools freehand. I am very satisfied with the results and have
not burned an edge yet. Use a light touch, do not be too eager to remove
metal, have a container of water near the grinder to keep the metal cool. I
do not even use the tool rest directly. A right-handed person, I cradle the
tool in my left hand (resting or lightly touching the tool rest with the
backside of my left forefinger) and manipulate the tool with my right hand,
holding the tool wherever works best, to get the angle I want at the time. I
can tell just where the edge is in relation to the stone by watching where
the sparks are going. When it seems like I am splitting the stream of sparks,
with some going under the chisel and the rest coming just over the top of the
edge, I know that I am actually grinding on the cutting edge. My touch is
light enough that I think I can count the sparks when I am finishing.
Please note that I am not disparaging the use of jigs for sharpening. I
simply prefer to do it my own way, that's all.
tom koehler

--
I will find a way or make one.