One of the great secrets to sharpening woodturning tools lies not in the grinder nor the tool but in the woodturner. It is learning to relax and let the tools do the work.
When one begins to turn wood, there is a lot to learn at the wood lathe, which tools to use for what cuts, how to mount the wood safely, how to make a cut that leaves a good surface and how to sharpen the tools, among others. The most arcane appearing to most newcomers to the craft is sharpening, perhaps because it takes place at the grinder and not the wood lathe itself.
However, what one quickly learns at the wood lathe is a tense turner is a tired turner. The best cuts are made with the tool held lightly but firmly in the securing hand while addressing the wood with the guiding, not clenching, hand. Legs are spread about shoulder width apart with the knees slightly bent and the leading leg the same as the guiding hand. This allows the back to be slightly curved but not rigid and the cuts to be guided rather than forced. Work goes ahead without undue effort and the tools do the work rather than being forced by tiring muscles.
All of this seems to be forgotten at the grinder. Yet the movements and body stance to sharpen the woodturning tools are or should be the same as those in turning the wood. With the grinder at the same height as the wood lathe and the tool rest in much the same position, movements that cut wood will now sharpen the tools. Tension on the part of the turner will, however, provided forced and jerking movements that will ruin and edge.
To sharpen free hand it is necessary to duplicate the hand and leg stances of the wood turning. The tool is allowed to ride the bevel along the grindstone and the handle raised as if for a cut. When sparks are observed coming over the edge the tool is rolled left and right as is for a cut. This results in a good edge without tension. Because of this relaxation, not only is a better edge developed, but the turner is also more likely to sharper often without facing all the nervousness of the grinder.
Sharpening jigs serve to eliminate a lot of the tension early because the possibility of error is greatly reduced. They also eliminate the need to learn new sharpening skills at the same time as new woodturning skills. Regardless, a better edge will be received from using the jig if the use is done in a relaxed manner.
Woodturning is intended to be enjoyable. Relaxing and enjoying the sharpening as well as the cutting will develop an all round pleasant experience in the woodworking shop.
No comments:
Post a Comment