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Help with Sorby sizing tool

B

BobbyF

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Dec 3, 2004
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I am new to turning and to this Forum. After looking at this site, I am almost embarrassed to ask this question. I turn fishing plugs for myself and friends. I just bought a Sorby sizing tool and a 3/16 diamond parting tool with the idea of cutting diameter grooves so I don't have to turn off the machine to measure same. When I tried it, it wasn't so simple. I start off ok with a shearing cut and then end up with a scraping cut pinching the piece between the parting tool point and the end ot the arc of the sizing tool. I assume the tool works and I am not using it correctly. Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am afraid of the trial and error method and pinching the piece again. Thanks, BobbyF
 
One of the things I found with the sizing tool is that I have to slow my feed down when the sizing end gets close to going over center, indicating the piece is at the size I wanted.
Also, I feel like I am putting a slight back (towards me) pressure on it at the same time to keep the sizing end rubbing firmly which I guess minimizes the presentation of the parting tool.
Anyway, it works for me.....

Tom Hintz
www.newwoodworker.com
 
BobbyF,

I make fishing lures (even some display ones that are 3 feet long!) too for some pro buddies of mine. This is BASS country. :D Unfortunately, I've been too busy for far too long to do much fishing myself. What kind of lures do you make?

Anyway, I don't have a specific answer to your Sorby Tool as I've never used it myself. If that tools' sizing edge (the part that touches the wood on the other side of your parting tool edge) is directly across from the edge of your tool, then there's just no way to get a cutting action when you get close to your chosen measured diameter, I don't think. It's going to scrape no matter what you do. That can either be good or bad depending on your situation of course.

I do have a little video clip of a different method that many professionals use at...
http://www.hiltonhandcraft.com/woodturningvideos.asp

Scroll down to the Spindle Sizing Cut clips. If you can't view these videos, let me know and I'll rip out a few screen shots for you.

It's the method I use in my production spindle turning business.
 
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