"Tom Storey" wrote in message
news:BaBpc.467422$Pk3.22950@pd7tw1no...
First, I'm a newbie. I've turned three bowls and IMHO they are 'works of
art'. However, I don't think the wife will have them in the living room
Sooner or later I'll have to sharpen my tools. I'm slowly gathering a
few of the basic gouges, scrapers and, most recently a pretty good - thin-
parting tool. I'm going to try and work with one popular grind/bevel and
if
I get that right, I'll branch out. If I understand current thinking,
'fingernail' grinds are the way to go?? Rob't Scorsby (sp?) quality is my
direction.

I have a basic 6" grinder. Wheels that came with it.

I have seen the Wolverine jig in action and it seems to do the job the
operator had in mind. A 'repeatable' grind was his take on the jig.
However, the Wolverine, with all of its attachment fetches over $225 Cdn.

My question is: What is the best sharpening jig? bearing in mind, I only
want to buy one, once. I don't think that I can freehand a fingernail
grind.

Thanks for any suggestions, Tom

--
Remove the 'p' from 'shaw' to e-mail me.



You probably can freehand a fingernail grind or at least a very satisfactory
facsimile with a bit of practice. However, I bought a Oneway Varigrind jig
after freehanding and do like the repeatability I can get. I made the
angle-iron looking support myself.

If you want to make a jig rather than buy one go to this site and click on
the link to request plans by email. Lots of turners use his jig and if you
look at the site which is in both English and French you'll find all sorts
of real clever stuff you might want to make.

http://www.jeanmichel.org/woodturnjigs.htm

You indicated your grinder has the wheels that came with it. If these are
the grey wheels you will be better off getting the white aluminum oxide
wheels. They wear faster but give better results with less heating.

Billh