Hand Sharpening

I generaly don't worry about it too much, my hands aren't that dull.

I strongly recommend the Lee Valley treatise on sharpening as has already been mentioned.

Also, do a Google search on "scary sharp"

Having said that... I recently purchased the WorkSharp system, and with the exception of a couple small complaints, it works VERY well for lathe tools and just about everything else in my shop.

Best of luck!

I second the Leonard Lee book on sharpening. None better written.

For basic Woodturning, I recommend Woodturning: A Foundation Course (New Edition) (Paperback) Keith Rowley (Author)

Also a video available done by him.

Places a high emphasis on safety.

I'm not entirely sure you need one. But if you do, or if you just want one anyway, Leonard Lee's is the best around. Maybe Leon Kapp's, if you really want to know waterstones 8-)

IMHO, turning tools should be solid HSS these days, and you sharpen that on a big powered wet wheel (the worm drive grinders are cheap), not by hand. You don't need the same quality of edge you'd want on a bench chisel.

I have a copy of this one and I like it:

Sharpening: The Complete Guide (Complete Guides) Jim Kingshott ISBN: 0946819483 Publication Date: 1994-05 Publisher: Sterling Pub Co Inc

Sharpening a HSS gouge by hand, especially one with a fingernail type profile, is extremely difficult. Not impossible, but you'll grind away a lot of metal learning to do it.

I finally broke down and bought the Wolverine sharpening jig. There are others out there that are similar. The first time I got a perfect single facet bevel all the way around my superflute bowl gouge I just stood there admiring it with a big grin :-).

For sharpening anything, get the Lee book as others have recommended. I keep that one in the bathroom bookcase for ready reference. Ron Hock has a new book out (since Christmas) that I am sure is worth looking at. I have not seen a copy yet. Check his site for info.

Second the Scary Sharp suggestion. That's my go-to method for about everything except lathe tools and fish hooks.

Take a look at the Wolverine lathe chisel jigs made by Oneway. I bought this when I got my first lathe. They work well. I still use the rest, but mostly freehand now. You can find sites that show how to build your own if you spend a couple minutes on Google. You might get some additional response if you also post over on rec.crafts.woodturning for turning questions.

Regards, Roy

On Sun, 24 Jan 2010 20:17:27 -0800 (PST), the infamous rich scrawled the following:

Leonard Lee's the man to see.

Or just Google "Scary Sharp". It's the bee's knees.

Thanks to all. Ordered the book from Amazon by Lee.

Norton has a video on sharpening. It will show you the technique.

You can learn it in an afternoon.

You got one the best books on sharpening. You will learn a lot from watching others and videos too. Sharp tools make a big difference.