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First grind of a new tool

D

dwalker01

Joined
Mar 12, 2005
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Location
NE Indiana
I am just getting started in wood turning, and am about to sharpen my new chisels for the first time. I purchased the Tru-Grind jig to help out. My problem is that no matter how I set it up, the bevel of the grind near the edges won't line up with the angle at the tip. Should I just regrind the tool to what the jig is setup to do, or am I missing something in the setup? My primary problem is with spindle and bowl gouges.

Dennis
 
Sharpening

I have the same tru-grind jig. The trick is the have the adjustable bar mounted under the grinding wheel so that the small cup into which you put the tool holder is lined up w/the centerline of said wheel. If you have it lined up even an 1/8" from the centerline of the wheel it will cause an uneven grind.
The instructional dvd that comes w/the jig shows one how to do this.

It took me about 30 min. to get the proper alignment. Don't drill holes until you've everything as it should be. Also note your "settings" in the instruction book; there's a page on which to write said settings.

I also glued a "stop block" 2" from the edge of my bench and in front of the grinder on/off switch. I put the tool in the tool holder, place the tool holder w/tool against the edge of the bench, push the tool forward until is hits the stop block, then tighten the tool retainer. The stop block will assure that you always have a uniform distance from the cutting tip of the tool to the tool holder. This is important to insure an accurate grind.

You don't need to force the tool against the grinding wheel--a light touch is all that's required.

The Tru-grind jig is a great piece of equipment if you get everything lined up per the instructions. Take your time and if you have an old, cheap, tool use it for a practice piece.
 
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