Which dry grinder?

[Random Orbital Bob]

Hi folks

I need to get a new dry grinder. Old ones ancient and died. I will be using it to shape HSS turning tools. Or perhaps even an alternative abrasive based sharpening system, I really am open minded at this stage. I have a Tormek for sharpening and am very happy with it. But not for shaping, so I may get the jig carrier and re-use my tormek jigs on whatever grinder I buy.

So whats current thinking on dry shaping of HSS tools where I want to remove a lot of metal fast?

 

[Spindle]

Hi

I bought one of these to compliment my Tormek - I'm in the process of designing / making the grinding rests and intend to incorporate the Tormek jigs.

http://www.recordpower-thetoolshop.com/ ... inder.html

I'm also considering replacing the grey wheel with a ceramic one.

Regards Mick

 

[Jacob]

Sorby Pro-edge is good. Very easy freehand; jigs available for the faint hearted!

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

and what about wheels...ceramic, alu oxide..whats the deal with the best material for wheels (to shape HSS)

 

[Spindle]

Hi

Well my 'theory' is that the ceramic wheel will be fairly hard and resilient, plan to use it for profiling etc. The white aluminium oxide wheel which is softer, but wider, will be used to maintain the profile as required, the Tormek for the final edge.

Regards Mick

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

so ceramic for shaping and oxide for sharpening?

 

[toysandboats]

I have the blue Norton 3X which grinds down quickly and keeps the edge fairly cool.
It was recommended by Phil of Philly Planes some years ago and has been excellent.

David

 

[paulm]

One of these would do the trick Rob !



It was my main sharpening system for a good long while but been getting in the way in the workshop for a while now as I have a surplus of grinders and sharpening systems ! Can't recall the grit grades on the wheels, but if you might be interested let me know and I'll take a look and let you know tomorrow.

Cheers, Paul

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

that Norton looks interesting

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Hi Paul

I would be interested old sport. Do you know what the diameters of the wheels and arbors are (and what make come to think of it)

Cheers

 

[CHJ]

that Norton looks interesting

I fitted a Blue wheel from Peter Childs way back in 2005 to my cheap and cheerful grinder, it's still going strong, can't remember the last time I dressed it as it never clogs, main thing is to ensure you use only the lightest pressure on the tools as it cuts so freely and self sharpens by loosing facets off the wheel media.

Some More Links showing evolution of jig use, normally only use the blue for my scrapers and skew chisels, the white wheel (it's less aggressive than the blue) is used with a tormek jig and a home made version of the same for my round gouges.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Thanks for that Chas. Helpful.

 

[paulm]

Hi Paul

I would be interested old sport. Do you know what the diameters of the wheels and arbors are (and what make come to think of it)

Cheers

It's a Record Power 6" grinder Rob, with an O'donnelll ruby wheel I think on the left and a wider white wheel (original from Record) on the right.

No toolrests or flip down eye shields. Any use or are you after an 8" ?

Cheers, Paul

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

sounds great Paul. As long as the arbor diameter conforms to industry standard (so I can elect to use different wheels into the future) then it sounds fine. I'm not worried about toolrest or screen since I'll be redeploying my tormek jigs.

Also since my intention is shaping only ie a one time operation, fineness isn't an issue. This is about fast steel removal from hard (HSS) large surface area tools like skew chisels. The Tormek easily handles all the fine stuff ie sharpening and honing.

 

[custard]

Sorby Pro-edge is good. Very easy freehand; jigs available for the faint hearted!

Can the Pro-edge be used a a linisher, say for flattening chisel backs, or does the mechanism interfere with placing something flat on the platten?

 

[paulm]

sounds great Paul. As long as the arbor diameter conforms to industry standard (so I can elect to use different wheels into the future) then it sounds fine. I'm not worried about toolrest or screen since I'll be redeploying my tormek jigs.

Also since my intention is shaping only ie a one time operation, fineness isn't an issue. This is about fast steel removal from hard (HSS) large surface area tools like skew chisels. The Tormek easily handles all the fine stuff ie sharpening and honing.

Hi Rob, pm sent.

Cheers, Paul