Sharpening & Woodturning Resources

Sharpening Tips
Woodturning Resources

Overview
Bowl Gouges
Spindle Gouges
Skews & Scrapers
Spindle Roughing Gouges

How to Sharpen Your Bowl Gouge & Fix 4 Common Mistakes

Your best woodturning begins at the grinder. Razor sharp tools are not only safer - they create smoother cuts and an easier learning curve. And as with any skill, every sharpening master began as a rookie. Use the videos above, and the following information to hone (pun intended!) your skills. And give us a call anytime!

Equipment For sharpening your high speed steel tools we suggest a slow running grinder, Raptor Set Up tools, the Wolverine Jig and the Oneway Varigrind. While these jigs and tools are not required, they will help ensure that you end up with the same grind geometry every time.

CBN Wheels In our shop, we use CBN wheels. There are a myriad of videos and articles regarding these wheels and their specific benefits. If you're looking to invest in sharpening equipment, CBN wheels are an excellent place to start. We suggest 320 grit or higher. The higher you go (up to 400 or 600 grit) the finer your edge will be. Please give us a call for further CBN wheel recommendations.

Questions? Give us a call, we're happy to help. We're available Monday through Saturday, 8am - 5pm. at 206-878-7672, or visit our contact page to message us anytime.

Click here to order our FREE Shapening Guide! Available for Tormek and Oneway Wolverine Systems!

Your best woodturning begins at the grinder. Razor sharp tools are not only safer - they create smoother cuts and an easier learning curve. And as with any skill - every sharpening master began as a rookie. Use the videos above, and the following information to hone (pun intended!) your skills. And give us a call anytime!

Equipment

For sharpening your high speed steel tools we suggest a slow running grinder, Raptor Set Up tools, the Wolverine Jig and the Oneway Varigrind. While these jigs and tools are not required, they will help ensure that you end up with the same grind geometry every time.

CBN Wheels

In our shop, we use CBN wheels. There are a myriad of videos and articles regarding these wheels and their specific benefits. If you're looking to invest in sharpening equipment, CBN wheels are an excellent place to start. We suggest 320 grit or higher. The higher you go (up to 400 or 600 grit) the finer your edge will be. Please give us a call for further CBN wheel recommendations.

Questions? Give us a call, we're happy to help. We're available Monday through Saturday, 7am - 7pm. (206)878-7672.

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Step 1: Set Wolverine Jig Arm

Using the raptor set up tool, set the wolverine jig arm to the appropriate angle. Ensure that the raptor tool touches the wheel at two points and is resting firmly in the wolverine jig.

Step 2: Set Varigrind Jig

Next, fasten your tool into the varigrind jig. The tool should protrude 2" from the jig, and your varigrind should be set at a 23º angle.

If you'd like to grind a relief angle, allow the tool to protrude 2-1/2" from the jig.

Step 3: Grind!

Place the varigrind in the wolverine jig arm and rotate the tool back and forth to restore the edge.

Tool	Angle
V-Flute, Fingernail Grind	50º angle
U-Flute, Traditional Grind	60º angle
Parabolic Bowl Gouges Specifically, the parabolic wood beater and cleaner.	40º angle
Parabolic Bottom Feeder Specifically, the parabolic bottom feeder.	50º angle
Parabolic Shear Shaper Specifically, the parabolic shear shaper	35º angle

Fingernail Grind Sharpening Tips

Before you begin, it's important to have the fingernail profile fresh on your mind. Remember that the nose of the gouge should be oval, not too pointy. And the side profile of the wings should be straight or convex, never concave.

Split the tool into three sections: left wing, nose, and right wing.
Keep the tool moving, stalling at any one point will impact your profile.
Work on the left and right wing first, then blend the nose.
Use consistent pressure on each section. Too much pressure may result in a concave wing.
If the wings are concave, muster your patience, bring the nose down, and start again. Practice makes perfect!
Use light pressure until you're confident in the motion. This will save you tool stock.

Step 1: Set Wolverine Jig Arm

Using the raptor set up tool, set the wolverine jig arm to the appropriate angle. Ensure that the raptor tool touches the wheel at two points and is resting firmly in the wolverine jig.

Step 2: Set Varigrind Jig

Next, fasten your tool into the varigrind jig. The tool should protrude 2" from the jig, and your varigrind should be set at a 23º angle.

If you'd like to grind a relief angle, allow the tool to protrude 2-1/2" from the jig.

Step 3: Grind!

Place the varigrind in the wolverine jig arm and rotate the tool back and forth to restore the edge.

Tool	Angle
Traditional spindle gouge (e.g. 1/2" and 3/8")	45º
Detail spindle gouge	35º
Low Profile Spindle Gouges	40º

Step 1: Mark the Edge

We demonstrate sharpening the skew without the use of the wolverine jig. This process is optimal if you'd like to replicate your tool's factory grind. First, we'll color the cutting edge of the tool to determine if our grinding platform is set at the desired angle.

Step 2: Set The Angle

With the machine turned off, lay the skew on the flat platform and rotate the wheel slowly. If the wheel is removing the black mark, we know that we have the correct angle. Adjust the grinding platform until the mark is removed.

Step 3: Grind!

Once you've established your angle, simply rotate the tool back and forth to restore the edge.

Tool	Angle
Skew chisel	30º
Square nose and bowl scraper	80
Negative rake scraper	25º on the top, 40º on the bottom

Step 1: Mark the Edge

We demonstrate sharpening the roughing gouge without the use of the wolverine jig. This process is optimal if you'd like to replicate your tool's factory grind. First, we'll color the cutting edge of the gouge to determine if our grinding platform is set at the desired angle.

Step 2: Set the Angle

With the machine turned off, lay the gouge on the flat platform and rotate the wheel slowly. If the wheel is removing the black mark, we know that we have the correct angle. Adjust the grinding platform until the mark is removed.

Step 3: Grind!

Once you've established your angle, simply rotate the tool back and forth to restore the edge.

Tool	Angle
Spindle roughing gouge	35º

Overview
Choosing Your Tools
Projects & More
Equipment

I've had the opportunity to work on many pieces over the years, but I'll never forget my first project - a bowl. It didn't make it off the lathe (my tool caught, resulting in a large crack), but it was the start of a great journey. I've turned many projects since. Some I love, some are firewood. But with each, my methods and confidence improves. In many ways, that's the secret. Jump back on the lathe knowing that every mistake stands for a lesson learned and technique improved.

I hope these resources are helpful, wherever you are on your woodturning journey. With patience and the ability to laugh at yourself, you'll soon have more pieces of wood turned art than you know what to do with! Happy turning, Paul Carter

I've had the opportunity to work on many pieces over the years, but I'll never forget my first project - a bowl. It didn't make it off the lathe (my tool caught, resulting in a large crack), but it was the start of a great woodturning journey. I've turned many projects since. Some I love, some are firewood. But with each, my methods and confidence improves. In many ways, that's the secret. Jump back on the lathe knowing that every mistake stands for a lesson learned and technique improved.

I hope these articles and videos are helpful as you begin your woodturning journey. With a little patience and the ability to laugh at yourself, you'll soon have more pieces of wood turned art than you know what to do with! Happy turning, Paul Carter

New to Woodturning? Start Here!

The 7 Essential Tools

Top 5 Turning Youtube Channels

5 Beginner Projects to Try

Featured Articles

A Quick Overview of Scrapers

Bowl Gouge Flutes & Grinds

5 Sources for Free Wood

Ready for more tips?

Sign up for curated woodturning knowledge delivered to your inbox, from our lathe to yours. We value your privacy. No gimmicks, just wood chips.

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Sign up for curated woodturning knowledge delivered to your inbox, from our lathe to yours. We value your privacy. No gimmicks, just wood chips.

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6 Fingernail Grind Sharpening Tips

The fingernail grind is a versatile profile, mastering it will pay dividends at the lathe!

How to Maintain Your Lathe

Keep your lathe in tip top shape with these 5 critical areas of maintenance.

Why You'll Love CBN Wheels

Our favorite benefits of CBN, and tips for your first wheel.

Polished Flute - Sharper Edge!

Common in the machining industry, flute polish is a strategy to elevate edge life.

Overview

I've enjoyed woodturning for years, but I'll never forget my first project - a bowl. It didn't make it off the lathe (my tool caught, resulting in a large crack), but it was the start of a great woodturning journey. I've turned many projects since. Some I love, some are firewood. But with each, my methods and confidence improves. And that's the secret. Jump back on the lathe knowing that every mistake is another lesson learned and technique improved.

I hope these articles and videos are helpful as you begin your woodturning journey. With a little patience and the ability to laugh at yourself (and those mistakes), you'll soon have more pieces of woodturned art than you know what to do with!

Articles hot off the press....

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