Everything you need to know about grinding woodworking tools on a bench grinder

[@StumpyNubs]

CBN wheels and the rest system I use (sponsor link)► Woodturners Wonders woodturnerswonders.com/

[@waynelewis881]

Great tutorial, James. One thing I would add is a reminder that we grind to shape, then hone to sharpen. I’ve seen too many people go directly from grinder to wood, which doesn’t usually work out too well.

[@StumpyNubs]

Yes, that is very important as I in the video. :)

[@SeanFoushee]

I bought an 8" slow speed grinder a year back and it's been a frustrating relationship, but after watching this I'm excited to get back to the shop tomorrow to readdress my bad habits you illuminated in this video. Thank you for this comprehensive guide.

[@luisurbina5115]

One of your best videos. Thanks, James!

[@eighmie27]

This is the most comprehensive guide to sharpening that I have ever watched. You covered everything in minute detail. Thank you!

[@williamcopper4072]

James this one if not the best tutorial I’ve watched on sharpening. Thank you

[@markgado8782]

That scratch test technique is going to be very helpful. Thanks for the great tip. 🤠👍

[@joeleonetti8976]

Thanks a lot for this video Stumpy. I'm a hand tool woodworker. Will eventually do wood turning. I've been using diamond stones a la Paul Sellers method to sharpen. I've been using the Lie Nielsen jig and have resisted free hand sharpening as I don't have a grinder. This video tells me what I need to know. I will get a 1 hp grinder, likely the Rikon I see you using. I will get the 320 grit CBN 8" wheel. I will get the Wolvarine tool rest. I will get what I can via the sponsor of the video. I don't want to spend days agonizing over all of this. You give great advice and I trust you. Plus, recently I saw Rob Cosman use a CBN wheel. I was amazed at how long you could grind. I once needed to make a curved blade for a scrub plane and went to my dads and used his 1950s grinder. It did the job but you really had to pay close attention to how much you ground. CBN wheels could,probably use more side by side demo to show how much cooler they operate.

[@wizardwillbonner]

Thank you for this tutorial, in my encounters with grinders it was about 80% the old grey stones with the occasional white weather thrown in. Most of my grinding was for drill bits and some sort of large blade. In my collection of chisels most, ok All have blue corners, screwed up edges and beveled. My good ones I was paying out the wazoo to have sharpened and a few days of waiting shot to hell! I hardly knew the joy of using my grandpa's handplanes, mainly because I was never taught. Thanks to the likes of you, Rex Kruger and a few others I now enjoy "woodworking" not construction.

[@thorritz8520]

I keep coming back to these videos from James Hamilton. I find these tutorials so informative. I had purchased a 1/2 rikon grinder with Kodiak tool rest and was trying to figure out a few things. James advise and watching the actual video was super helpful. I also appreciate that he doesn't sell pitch things like some other utubers but rather explains advantage of certain systems but then gives alternatives.

[@danyodice1048]

I have been enjoying this series. As a novice woodworker grinding tools can seem "scary". You explain the process well and I may try it in the future. Thanks 🤘

[@lxfxmstr]

I really appreciate the fact that you make both short videos and these longer, in-depth educational videos. It is very helpful to be able to choose when to watch videos when there are a variety of lengths available. Please keep making your combination of short, to-the-point videos and longer in depth educational videos. You do both well, and such resources are more valuable if they are tailored to our (my) needs and time. It seems some channels are focused on 1, 2, or even 3 hour "live" sessions. These are nice for relationship building if viewers have the time to devote to watching. But I have grown weary of sitting through an hour or two of informal chat and demo when the salient information could have been communicated in a well-edited 10 minute video.

[@bobclifton8021]

Excellent and comprehensive video on the subject.

[@peterbrownrigg7021]

VERY HELPFUL! Just brought a Rikon 1HP slow speed grinder and waiting for my first ever CBN wheel. I feel confident now that I can take those old chisels and get some more life out of them. Keep the videos coming!

[@docwade3409]

Thank you for all your time and effort you put in to make these videos. Very much appreciated!

[@jaritiukuvaara9319]

This is an excellent tutorial. I just purchased the 1HP Rikon bench grinder you recommended. I got frustrated with using sandpaper for grinding handplane blades because it can take hours.

[@makermark67]

Happy Birthday, James. Thanks for another great video.

[@g5flyr169]

This is the best tutorial on grinding that I have seen. Thank you for taking the time to make and post this video. I am saving it so that I can refresh this information as needed.

[@davidcampbell2845]

The must practical, informative and useful CBN tutorial available, by a wide margin. Good job. Thanks.

[@hazembata]

I've ordered from WTWonders and it was a great experience. I used your link. The sanding mesh variety packs are a must-have.

[@ilive4livemusic]

James, I love all your recommendations in all your videos. The only problem is they are costing me some serious coin. Thank goodness the products are all so solid!

[@marshallmurrell4583]

Made a bone-head decision and bought a single speed (high) six inch grinder a couple of years ago from HF. I wish I had spent the extra money for a low or dual speed grinder. Next time. I have an old smoothing plane that belonged to my dad. It is a cheaper knock off of a Stanley No. 4. I was having a heck of a time getting the iron square. I finally saw the light. I put my calipers on the plane iron and found that the blade was tapered, wider at the cutting edge than at the top. No wonder I couldn't get it square. I think I'll buy a replacement blade and grind the old one to use as a scrub plane. Thanks for all the good information. Maybe one day I will justify the investment in CBN wheels.

[@StumpyNubs]

You can get buy with the grinder you have if you're careful to keep things cool. Get a white wheel in a fine grit and put it on one side. Use that for your tools. Keep it dressed, keep your water handy and stay away from the cutting edge!

[@russellnentwich8745]

I already have the cbn wheels from woodturner wonders. I got them when you recommended them a long while back. Great wheels. I am glad I listened. Thanks.

[@michaelhechmer590]

I'm still a bit perplexed. I have a grinder with a 180 CBN wheel and the Kodiak platform. As best i can tell this jig will not grind below 30 degrees without taking a dremel to it. Yet the video shows you grinding to what the screen overwrite describes as a 25 degree bevel. Also, at 30 degrees my Kodiak rest is close to horizontal. Why wouldn't I expect modifying it to 25 leave me grinding in an almost vertical angle. I'm considering selling this and buying a Tormek. No doubt a lot slower but at an advantageous horizontal attack.

[@rolly5457]

Perfect timing. getting my first bench grinder tomorrow and lathe tools friday.

[@wandapiedra8973]

I learned so much from your videos that you can’t imagine. Thanks so much!❤️👍

[@PersephoneMilneaux]

Agreed... on the "you do not want to have metal dug out of your eye"... unfortunately it took having metal dug out of my eye before I started being serious about safety glasses.

[@danielszemborski]

You slimming down, man? Good job and thanks for the free tutorial!

[@BeaverCraftTools]

I was enjoying this video! Very useful. Thank you.

[@kentgallaway4529]

great especially the end resquaring of the chisel I grind away the metal trying to resquare.

[@denniszlatkin4280]

Thanks for a great tutorial! You answered all my questions on the subject and gave me some great ideas for making some simple jigs.

[@silverbackag9790]

I have multiple (inherited) big and small Baldor 3600 RPM grinders I think I’m gonna try those with wider CBN wheels to draw of some heat and go with finer grits.

[@glencrandall7051]

I have the Wolverine system and CBN wheels for turning tools. Thanks WTW. Recently I have found the need for sharp flat chisels so this tutorial has been of great interest. Your point about steel thickness affecting the apparent angle at the wheel was most enlightening. I also have the Robo Hippy tool rest but I think I will try the Kodiak version. It has several fixtures to assist keeping chisels and plane irons square. Something I do not do well freehand. Thank you for sharing and please stay healthy.

[@StumpyNubs]

The Kodiak rest will fit your Wolverine receiver. They also make an adapter so you can use their cool indexed gouge jig with the Wolverine receiver so you don't have to buy the whole base system.

[@STohme]

Very interesting video with many useful information included. Many thanks.

[@georgesweap7]

Great tutorial! Great information! I had to watch this video three times to get all the info absorbed into my cranial noggin! 👍👍👍💖

[@dadomatic1]

Well done, I learned a lot! I saw another video explaining grinding on the side of the wheel, and I wondered if you would address that.

[@mr.brianzhao650]

I like the grinnding wheels and craft in your workshop

[@garybadger325]

Will a Kodiak tool rest mount to a Wolverine base? I am thinking of getting the Kodiak tool rest with the sliding jig set. I always have problem keeping the chisel edge parallel to the grinding wheel. Thanks for your videos. Great subject matter/content. Keep them coming.

[@pukstopr33]

i love your informative videos with honest suggestions for safety. you have great tips for all woodworking skills sets, and i especially love the red wings logo prominent in many videos. thanks for what you do

[@blayne2029]

What about the Veritas Basic Grinding Set? How does it stack up against the Wolverine and Kodiak for newbie sharpeners? Thx.

[@cobberpete1]

EXCELLENT Tutorial James. Lots of info. CBN is on my wish list. Maybe before the end of the year

[@johngrider3351]

As usual, a well thought out, concise, informative video. Well done.

[@andyoverall1951]

A really useful tutorial, Stumpy.

[@johnwardale6010]

Wow, very comprehensive!

[@robertolsen2862]

definitely the best tutorial !! Thank you

[@DWRMakes]

Thank you so much. This video is incredible.

[@greghamilton4023]

Thanks James! This is a big help

[@humlakullen]

Awesome tutorial... Thanks a bunch!

[@peterlastrucci324]

Great tutorial James, I am just starting out and there are many great tips (excuse the pun!) here.. thank you!

[@aarondsalberg]

I appreciate you and your sponsor

[@TheSkiggly]

WOW..what a great power packed video.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Thanks for sharing with us James.

[@BobMuir100]

Brilliant as usual! Not been on site for a while as health issues playing up and on that issue I do want to thank you, I will only be watching you now for the entertainment factor as thanks to your safety videos I now know that with my issues and the amount of meds I take I am just an accident in the making. So thank you, my fingers etc saved by you without me touching a tool. I have watched other experts and seeing what they do I am so glad I found you first........these guys can be scary! So keep it up, I love watching anyway and I will still be texting you with all my fingers !

[@brianjordison2910]

I just bought the Rikon grinder c/w CBN wheels. Never done this before so have a lot to learn. What i'd liike to know is can this grinder be used for kitchen knives and if so....how. Thanks so much

[@DKWalser]

Very good information. I wish I had had it before I bought my first grinder.

[@dpbjlee83]

This is way beyond my skillset but definitely answered a lot of my concerns. Always worth my time. Thanks

[@bassrun101]

Garry not Linda. I recently bought the Wolverine system and am not very happy with it. I don't understand why but the flat plate is welded to the base way off center to one side making it just about useless for any kind of balanced grinding. The only way to be halfway successful would be to move the support from one side of the grinder to the other. I have two different grit wheels so that must mean I need to exchange wheels at the same time. The plate on the Delta grinder in the video is centered, the way it should be. I wish that I would've seen the other system, the Kodiak, on the low speed grinders in the video before spending my money on the Wolverine, much more versatile and useful than the Wolverine that's for sure. The Kodiak system may be more expensive but it looks to be way more versatile and accurate.

[@sdangelo6]

Newbie here Good stuff will be back

[@andrewbrown8148]

Great info, James~! I'll definitely be bookmarking this video for future use. Kodiak and CBN are now the latest additions to my "want list". Thanks~!

[@davidpaddock5395]

Thanks James

[@tonyn3123]

Excellent video! I learned a lot about grinding. I have always used a premium jig for cutting a tool edge to the correct angle I want. And it does take time, but well worth it. Also, I never heard of CBN wheels. I googled them and you are correct that they are expensive, but if they are a lifetime wheel, they are NOT so expensive. Thanks....and stay safe.

[@Terry8238]

Excellent video mate , learnt a lot from this thank you .

[@terryk3118]

Great, detailed, informative video. Thanks for the effort! Always look forward to your next video (especially these days).

[@andrewbrimmer1797]

Thanks. As far as power if you do a lot of grinding will the higher power grinder last longer too?

[@terrybodenhorn3508]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@dustinw.9044]

Will CBN wheels rust? Can they be used with the knock off tormek systems like Grizzly and Wen? I believe the arbor is the same and I could always take the water container off.

[@bflat99]

James, thanks for all the videos. Still waiting for a tablesaw ergonomics tutorial.

[@davidkay1386]

Safety glasses over regular glasses too. I got a chunk on metal stuck in my regular glasses when using a grinder. It saved my eye but costed me another $300 for the lens.

[@billstronks3498]

In an older video I think you recommended a 180 and 600 grit combo for turning tools. Are you now recommending 80 and 350? I'm looking to purchase CBN's in the near future and would like your thoughts given how much research you've put into this.

[@MikeWilliams-yp9kl]

Im not rich enough to have a cbn wheel so I have to make do with that one behind you .. But like you say you just need to be controlled and careful extremely informative video's

[@gorodph]

Buy directly from J.R. Diamond tools.

[@criswilson1140]

CBN wheels not having to be dressed sold me.

[@Jayjam209]

Great video, very informative. Just subscribed. Will be getting a CBN wheel!

[@rye776]

Great instruction! Thanks!

[@johnowens5751]

Great learning video 😇

[@darrylportelli]

hi, what do you think about belt sanders to establish primary bevels? they have a flat "bed" and thus you won't get a hollow grind and I think they might run a bit cooler ... a lot of knife guys use belt sanders to establish bevels so I would think that it would work quite well for tool steel as well ... build a good tool rest where you can dial in a specific angle - which would also be easier to set than a bench grinder since you have a flat surface of the bench grinder to reference the angle rather than a wheel like on a bench grinder

[@stanhawkins1023]

James, what are the molded bases holding your bench grinders and tool rests? And more importantly, where can I get one?

[@adgieem1]

I have researched your videos but cannot find the answer to this. I have a variable speed 6 in delta bench grinder. Can I get a 6 in CBN wheel for this grinder or should I move up to an 8 in unit ?

[@bobshool1237]

I can't wait to get CBN wheels & I want to try their 4×10 Flattening / Honing plate, @ ½ the $ of Diamond plates

[@seymourwrasse3321]

sharpening has sure come a long way from my double sided stone I bought at a yard sale and an old Grainger bench grinder, I scrounged at a junk yard and fixed for nothing, and a home made leather strop, then again my shop teachers were old as dirt 45 years ago when they taught me

[@tomas5376]

Good tutorial 👍✌️😊🙏🏼⚒

[@donnicholas4713]

Lots of good information. How is your injury on your hand doing ? Well I hope. Keep them coming. Regards Don Nicholas. Lakewood WA.

[@Tearial311]

can i use this for sharpening lawn mower blades as well?

[@negotiableaffections]

Thanks Jim, always clear, precise and informative. Am I right in thinking that left hand is improving nicely?

[@davidpape9726]

Look at all those CBN wheels! I was on their web site the other day looking at getting a wheel for my Tormek. Good video.

[@patkeefe5834]

CBN for the Tormek is great. I brought one 4 years ago.

[@johnduffy7502]

Great video! Thanks...

[@jamessapp4679]

James, Have you tried the Tormek attachment for the Kodiak system? Have a bunch of the Tormek tool holders which would be useful faster grinding of lathe tools.

[@StumpyNubs]

I have it, but I have not tried it yet. I will when I get a chance, though. It looks like a very good idea.

[@emperious1]

Thank You.

[@nobuckle40]

Thanks for the tutorial. Very helpful. Got to say though that CBN wheels are not in the picture for me yet. I have a bench grinder but don't use it for my chisels and plane irons. I do have a very old Craftsman water sharpener. What about using that? Or, what about using a belt sanding system? Again, thanks.

[@StumpyNubs]

A dry grinder will be much faster than a wet sharpener for removing a lot of steel to reshape or repair an edge. You don't have to have CBN wheels, just follow the tips in the video. As for wet grinding, I like to use my Tormek for day to day sharpening. I don't know about your Craftsman, that will depend on how handy it is to hold the tool. But the principal would be the same.

[@dougyork4076]

Do you have an opinion on the Work Sharp Wood Tool Sharpener? I live near the ocean and have a lot of rust build up on my plane and chissel backs that needs removal and it seems like a faster way to remove it than by hand. Also, any reccomendations on products to use to keep rust at bay?

[@jimbo2629]

Get one. The best and completist sharpening system by far and cheaper in the long run. See stumpy’s video on it.

[@StumpyNubs]

The system is far less versatile since they discontinued the wide blade platform, which makes it possible to sharpen wide chisels and plane irons. You can build your own platform, of course, but that was a big disappointment. I have always greatly preferred my Tormek, but the WS3000 is a good less expensive option if you're on a budget and you're willing to do a lot of work to get it set up for woodworking tools. I recently got some CBN discs for mine (from woodturnerswonders.com). I'll do a review on them down the road, but I think they are definitely a good idea.

[@dougyork4076]

@@StumpyNubs Thanks!

[@katherinecarroll3706]

Thanks.... That was very informative. Hows the finger? Kathy

[@mikes1330]

So you have multiple slow speed grinders w cbn wheels, AND a couple of tormeks. Where do you make the decision between slow speed/cbn and tormek, and/or perhaps your tormek(s) have cbn as well?

[@StumpyNubs]

I use the grinder and CBN wheels to grind my tools. I use the Tormek to sharpen my tools. Two different machines for two different things. Of course, you can use a Tormek to do the grinding. It just takes longer. Or you can use stones by hand to do the sharpening. There are many ways to do things, and I try to present all the options to our audiance.

[@michaelmilano5555]

As a woodworker, if I have a 180 grit CBN wheel, would you suggest a finer grit of 350 or 600?

[@StumpyNubs]

I'd go with the 350. I think that's the wheel I use the most. It's not too aggressive so it's good for removing a little steel to restore a primary bevel on a chisel or plane iron, and it eaves a very nice finish on turning tools. Go with the extra-wide one. I have a 600 wheel, but I only use it occasionally for skews or when I want a really sharp turning gouge.

[@mantid138]

i bought the Kodiak standalone rest after seeing it here but have found it underwhelming - the base is so large that it can't really get as close as I would like to the wheel, it has a fair amount of slop even when tightened fully, the jig does not slide smoothly nor go far enough in either direction for a tool registered on its edge to get complete coverage, the edge is rough so it is hard to smoothly run fingers along it like a fence, and it's adjustment is grainy and coarse. Anyone else have similar experience? Not sure if I should return it or try to live with it, but I think I really prefer the Veritas (waiting on the table with larger opening for CBN wheel to try it)

[@StumpyNubs]

I have had the opposite experience in all those respects. What happened when you contacted the makers with your concern?

[@DougAgee]

Thanks for the valuable information you provide to the woodwork community, James. A question I am hoping to get feedback on is around a quicker way to flatten the back of chisels and plane irons. Have you used the side of the Mega Square wheel for flattening or would that be too aggressive?

[@StumpyNubs]

I think it would be too aggressive and the edge is not wide enough. If you can get your hands on a used Worksharp, they are great for tool backs.

[@navret1707]

I have that exact Delta grinder and wheels. Anyone want to buy a great door stop? Great tutorial! Thanks for the info.

[@markhagstrom2659]

What grit CBN wheel do you suggest for a Tormek

[@luisurbina5115]

Hi James. Any comments on direction of rotation? I noticed all your wheels rotate toward you, or "down", so the wheel rotates against the tool. Some people seem to think the wheel should rotate "away" from the tool. Any comments? Thanks. Enjoy your videos

[@StumpyNubs]

Definitely down, toward the tool rest to keep the tool in place.

[@FIGUEIRINHA]

if possible, please do a review about the tormek china clones - not so good as the original but inexpensive

[@StumpyNubs]

I do have a video like that planned.

[@Just4Fun0230]

Very informative video thanks. I am planning on investing in the products that you have highlighted in this video for sharpening turning tools. I noticed the NOVA DVR Lathe in the for ground do you use this NOVA lathe yourself and if you do have you made any videos of the pros and cons of this lathe?

[@StumpyNubs]

I used the Nova right up until I got my Harvey lathe.

[@Just4Fun0230]

I just watched a video on the Harvey Lathes. I've never heard of the company before now. Which Harvey lathe did you buy and what are your thoughts on your new lathe? Maybe a new video from you on your Harvey lathe?

[@larryfinfrock4857]

Look at all them their wheels next to his head!!! You lucky, lucky dog!!

[@tentingaroundflorida]

He has endless amount of money. He's also sponsored most likely

[@simonhopkins3867]

Not lucky. He works his ass off. And puts up excellent free content like this. Sponsorship is a pay cheque for the hard work! (Sorry don't want an argument.)