Fri, Dec 3, 2004, 8:37pm (EST-1) snipped-for-privacy@business.org (Prometheus) waves and says: Hello all, The wife is getting me a a Delta Midi Lathe
I got HF turning tools too, several years ago. Except I got the $10 set. Figured I could learn how to sharpen, and move up to a better set after I wore them out. And, if I screwed one up learning sharpening, no biggie. Well, I did learn sharpening of lathe tools, found out I prefer using a small belt sander for that, no particular grit. But, haven't worn the damn tools out yet, so still using them. I will admit I don't use them an immense amount, got other things going, but they're holding up nicely, and work for what I want.
I'm of the opinion that lathe tool sharpening doesn't need a jig. And, that angles and all aren't so critical, as a plane blade would need to be. Reason, you aren't working at fixed angles. You're hand holding the tool, so your angles aren't going to be consitent. Close maybe, but not consistent. So, sharpening on a belt sander is faster, easier, and does the job. Sure, you can use a jig, and put the same angle back on time after time. Then, when you use it, you're going to constantly be changing the angle it cuts at. I figure that close, is all you need, as far as sharpening angles for lathe tools. If it looks right, it's good enough. If I was making a living at turning, maybe I'd change my mind; but, I'm not, and I'm happy with results I get.
Huh. I just checked HF for their $10 lathe chisel set. And, it's now just 3 chisels.
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got 5 in mine. But, I'd still got with it; then, like I said, if you screw up one, not out much. You can always upgrade later.
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