Bench Grinder Basics for Woodturners

[@user-hy7ec5ku9v]

Thank you Mike for sharpening your experience and knowledge with us newbies!!! Keep it us, love to watch your videos

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I appreciate you taking time to comment.

[@tompuskar4426]

Perfect timing, Mike. I decided to upgrade my 6" slow speed to an 8" and found your comments valuable. Tanks

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Glad to help.

[@glencrandall7051]

This is an excellent overview Mike. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, Glen.

[@jorgecastro474]

Thanks from Venezuela, I really appreciate your advice on buying and doing work.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

My pleasure!

[@davidkuhns8389]

I upgraded to a Rikon 1hp several years ago, when Woodturners Wonders had them on sale. Not necessary, but nice, as you say. Mine is equipped with an 80 and a 180 grit CBN wheels from D-Way. If I really think I need something sharper, I touch the edge up with a diamond card.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I do not think you wil see a noticeable improvement moving up to 600.

[@TimRobertsonWoodturning]

Very good informative video.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, Tim. I appreciate that.

[@edmorse3529]

Excellent video!! I purchased mine from Woodturners Wonder a couple of years ago. Absolutely love my 1/2 hp with CBN wheels. Spoke to Ken and explained my situation and I went with his recommendation. Very pleased!!!

[@randyrockwell6136]

Great video Mike! I’m trying to decide about which grinder I need, and this was very helpful. Now I just need to wait for the videos on CBN wheels and sharpening systems so I will be even more educated when I make a purchase 🇨🇱🤠

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, I am working on it.

[@williamdodds6104]

Hi Mike, so I was looking for a grinder with a 8" wheel . I found harbor freight had a variable speed 8" and it seems ok and I added a CBN wheel. I just run it at the lowest setting.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Glad it working for you.

[@jarmstrong2843]

IMHO I have found the .5 hp Rikon grinder more than adequate. I have found the startup quicker than indicated in this video. Though I have not timed it, I would say 3-5 seconds to full speed. What’s the big deal if it’s a little longer? Is it worth the extra $130 or so for the bigger grinder? If it gets the job done is really all we need to be concerned if one isn’t worried about instant gratification. I have the Wolverine sharpening system and using the Raptor jigs for setting the angle. But, if I had to do over again, I think the Kodak system is a little nicer and would have bought it instead. But, I am happy with what I have and will stay with it.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Stick with what works for you. I am satisfied with my two 1/2HP grinders. Do wish I had upgraded to a 1 HP when they were half the current price and could have sold my 1/2 hp to a new turner at a fair price. But not worth it to me at the current price at twice as much as it was sometime pre covid.

[@krperry2007]

Hi Mike, what’s best, grinders that turn toward the cutting edge (like your Rikon) or turn away (Tormek)? Have you ever used the Rikon from the other side? I like the idea that the wheel is pushing the tool away rather than pulling it in.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

The standard grinder movement of the wheel coming forward works fine for every turner I know that demonstrated sharpening. Don't over think it.

[@MarklTucson]

Nice overview. This might be in your future video on jigs, but I'm curious about you having the Wolverine jig on the grinder with what appears to be an Aluminum Oxide wheel. It seems like the diameter change over time due to wearing away the wheel would affect the settings for the jig.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Good question. I keep that old coarse AO wheel for cutting softer steel that might embed in a CBN wheel. I do not use it to sharpen turning tools.

[@brianrajala7671]

These were three questions, not two. Sorry sb CBN!

[@brianrajala7671]

Two questions: 1) is 3400 RPM too fast for an 80 grit CBM wheel? 2) If not, would the slower speed of a Tormek knockoff grinder be appropriate for an 80 grit CBM wheel? 3) What CBM grit is an appropriate companion for the 80 grit CBM used to sharpen HSS turning tools?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Most turners prefer a slow speed grinder but some like a 3400 rpm grinder. People use 1000 grit CBN wheels for a Tormek I use a an 80 grit and a 180 grit CBN wheel.

[@brianrajala7671]

​@@MikePeaceWoodturningThanks!

[@pjseiber2774]

I have a Rikon half HP with a 180 cbn wheel and a white stone wheel. I am wondering if a higher grit cbn would give me an even sharper better cutting edge? Enjoyed the video. Very helpful 👌

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I am still getting used to my 600 grit wheel. My current feeling is that a 180-220 grit is probably fine for most turners. Not sure how many turners would notice the difference in a 180 grit edge and a 600 grit edge. But it might be worth a try if you do not need you AO wheel for softer metals and you feel like the 180 would do ok as your couarse wheel. I do enough reshaping of student tools and making tools so the 80 grit works best for me as the coarse wheel.

[@richardwilson1702]

I feel really stupid for having to ask this question. I have not figured out how to determine or set up the angle of a grind on a gouge using the adjustable platform. It is strictly trial and area on my part. I haven't found a video which is much help. I know you can help. Please do!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Many start with their current grind bevel to set their platform or Varigrind accessory. Then based on how it works for them they change the angle at next sharpening. You should have some idea of a common grind angle, typically 35 -40 degrees for a SG. Keep in mind there is no perfect bevel angle. All agree the tool just be sharp. Check out my videos on a SG and BG where I provide some Sharpening instruction. Check my Amazon shop to find a compass to measure your bevel.

[@jcjamlig]

Hi can i use this for sanding wood?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Not a good idea to clog up your wheel with resin and pitch.