Turning tool tuning tools
Yeah, I think I said that right. 10 times now... quickly!
Soon, I will start in on a stairway restoration in my house. The existing spindles are painted and may are beat up pretty badly (1860 vintage). The newels and the rail are pretty cool, so I am going to save those. The wife would like natural wood, so I will be remaking all the spindles.
The plan is to fume white oak for a rich dark color.... Am I asking for trouble trying to turn Oak?
I have not done a lot of turning, but I have found that my POS crapsman lathe has performed surprisingly well for my prior spindle turning projects.
I have never really solved the problem of sharpening turning tools. Not that I am facing 60 spindles, I think I have to address that issue. Turning is NOT the focus of my hobby, so I can't see speding most of my annual tool budget on a fully decked out Tormek.
For chisels and plane irons, I'm happy with scary sharp for the major sharpenings and a water stone for freehand touch-ups inbetween. It is my understanding that a micro-bevel is a no-no for turning tools, so sume sort of jig is required.
Is there a fixture/system out there for < $200 that will do a decent job?
The LV Kelton looks interesting
Any comments? It almost looks like a facimile could be built, except for the "multi-grind" and is that really necessary.