Interested in any opinions/experiences with the Wolverine Grinding Jig for sharpening lathe tools.



Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Let me know too; I've got about 40 tools laying here with my grandfather's old lathe that need some work on them. I can use all the help I can get sharpening those...

Putter
Williston, ND

While it may seem (heck, it actually is) steep initially, it makes getting a good edge so easy I would recommend it - spend your time turning with sharp tools without any aggravation trying to get a good edge. I do not have any experience trying to freehand grind tools, as I purchased a grinder at the same time. So, even with no experience I was able to sharpen all my tools quickly, easily and well. As I have only about 6 that I use (just starting to play with turning wood) I was initially a little disappointed that the sharpening was over so quickly...My dad brought his dull tools over and we had those like new in another 30-40 minutes. Oneway also has instructional videos you can watch on their website that help - watch 'em now to see the thing in action. The vari-grind jig comes in two sizes, something I didn't notice til I had ordered one (the smaller); had I known, I probably would have opted for the larger one. I'm now considering getting the wheel balancing kit since this other stuff worked so well.
Setup was pretty straightforward. I used a sawhorse kit from home depot and made it with longer legs using 2 x 4s, close together with a 2 x 10 top, then attached the jig and grinder to a piece of 3/4 plywood mounted on top (through the 2 x 10). My only issue now is moving the thing around, as the grinder I purchased weighs almost 100 lbs by itself...could probably post pics if there's any interest.
==dave==

The instructional videos that can be downloaded from their site give good basic info on the use of the jig.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

i have had one for awhile and it is well worth the money. it is amazing how long it takes to sharpen a gouge or other tool. seconds. i dont think you will be dissapointed.

I considered the Kelton jig but the tech folks at Craft Supplies talked me into the Oneway Wolverine. For someone who was turning the tips of my tools blue in an attempt to get a good grind it has been a lifesaver. I bought the basic system with the vari-grind and skew grinding jigs and am slowly returning my turning tools to a condition I'm not ashamed to have my friends see. At roughly the cost of a good gouge it is one of the best investments I've ever made.

Thanks Guys!!! That'll be my next purchase!!

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Most anything that OneWay makes is going to be an excellent tool.

I would recommend replacing the cheap wheels that come on most bench grinders with friable AL or SIC wheels. They don't clog with metal particles and continually expose fresh cutting edges. They cost a little more upfront, but sure save you time down the road. They also reduce heat build up on the tool edge.

............



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/05/2006 08:43AM by Tom Kirkman.

Mike,

I've heard this jig is also very good....FYI

[www.shop.woodcut-tools.com]

I have the wolverine jig and one of the cheap, low speed grinders with the white friable wheels from woodcraft. Nice setup that does a good job. But overall I like it. I am a sorta 'grind it and go" type of turner and this tool is great for that. You can leave the jig set up and just touch the tool to it every once in a while and go right back to turning with a sharp tool. Takes about 60 seconds.

If you have a bit more money and really like precision grinding and fancy bevels and use a wide variety of woodworking tools you might consider the Tormack system.

I also have access to one of the old Makita water wheel sharpening systems. That is also a very easy to use system for lots of woodworking tools.

Thanks to all of your input here and by e-mail, I took the plunge. Hopefully I'll have it in a few days. If you haven't seen the instructional videos on their site, they're great [www.oneway.on.ca] Thanks, Stan.

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!