Sorby Groove Cutting Tool

[Dave Fritz]

I wondering if this tool is difficult for others to use?

http://www.chefwarekits.com/robert-...-cutting-tool-woodturning.html?search=Sorby n

I'm making a mill out of curly white oak and having a difficult time cutting the groove. Anyone have any tips on using this tool?

Thank you.

PS I know there are those that don't cut a groove, rather cut off the tangs and glue it in. I'm wondering about using the tool.

 

[John King]

Tool Level

Hold the tool level on the tool rest with the top of the groove cutting edge just slightly above center. Ease the tool into the wood. It should easily cut groove. - John

 

[hockenbery]

Dave,

This tool is a scraper.
sharpen it with a light touch and use it off the grinder.
After a while you will need to remove metal from the long opening as the tip gets too short

Use it flat on the rest, handle level with the floor, keep the handle parallel to the ways, tool,rest set for the tool to make contact slightly above center.

 

[Dave Fritz]

Thank you gentlemen.

 

[John K Jordan]

Anyone have any tips on using this tool?

Hi Dave. I always cut a grove, then use epoxy.

As mentioned, use it like a scraper, very much like a box scraper. If you have a small flat box rest that will fit inside the hole the it's even easier.

If you haven't bought one yet you can make one pretty quickly (and maybe for free) from any underused flat tool, scraper, skew, etc. Grind away at the side then sharpen the cutting part exactly as you would a scraper. (you can round over the rest with a file to prevent accidental catches and wood removal!) Note that since you don't have to do beautiful finish cuts you can get away with repurposing even an old rusty carbon steel tool. (I have a box of old tools like this when I find them. just for making special-use tools.) I made one in about 10 minutes.

JKJ

 

[John King]

Pass on the Epoxy

Hi Dave. I always cut a grove, then use epoxy.JKJ

I recommend taking a pass on the epoxy. It's really unnecessary and severe overkill. If the hole in the mill body for the Crushgrind@ mechanism is drilled to proper size (1 1/2" diam), the Crushgrind@ mechanism can be pressed into the mill body using the tailstock until the locking tabs on the mechanism engage the groove in the mill body. It's a really tight fit. With this technique there is no/zero chance of the grinding mechanism working loose and coming out of the mill body. So, pass on the messy and unnecessary epoxy and go with press fit and locking mechanism tabs. - John

PS - Get a copy of Turning Salt & Pepper Shakers and Mills by Chris West. Everything you ever wanted to know on the subject. - J