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Sharpening your woodturning tools
Sharpening your woodturning tools is essential when it comes to achieving quality woodturning outcomes. You will need to sharpen every tool you buy before you use it. Without sharpening, you won’t achieve a quality outcome, and the finish will not be as good as it could be. Choosing the best method can be challenging with so many options available. In this blog, we explore a handful of products to help you decide which one is best for your needs.
How to know when your tools are blunt
How do you know when your tools need a little sharpen? If you're applying more pressure, noticing heat, or producing more dust than shavings, then it's time to sharpen up.
Sharpening Systems
Sharpening systems come in both wet and dry forms. They offer adjustable angles and precise honing to ensure your chisels stay sharp. Not only for woodturning chisels, these systems are also useful for all your hand tool needs. Wet stone systems use water to help cool the blade and reduce friction. The dry systems can feature different belts for different applications and speeds are adjustable. Both systems can be used with jigs for precise, repeatable angles.
Axminster Professional Ultimate Edge Variable Speed Sharpening System
The Axminster Professional Ultimate Edge Variable Speed Sharpening System is a versatile, robust machine designed for sharpening, linishing and polishing edge tools.
Variable speed control: The system offers variable speed control, allowing you to adjust the speed to match the type of abrasive and material being sharpened. This prevents overheating and ensures a precise edge on delicate woodturning chisels.
Forward and reverse running: The ability to run the belt in both forward and reverse directions provides greater control and generates less heat. This feature is particularly beneficial for woodturning chisels, as it helps achieve a sharper edge and prolongs the life of the abrasive belts.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) motor control: The smart electronics monitor amps and speed to ensure consistent power under varying loads. This results in a more controlled sharpening process, which is essential for maintaining the fine edges of woodturning chisels.
Adjustable tracking and easy belt changing: The system allows for quick and easy belt changes and tracking adjustments. This ensures that the abrasive belt remains aligned, providing an even grind and making the sharpening process more efficient.
Comprehensive range of accessories: The system supports a wide range of accessories, including a leather honing belt for achieving a honed finish on chisels. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for woodturners who need to maintain a variety of chisel types. The Axminster Leather Honing and Polishing Belt makes the perfect addition; it is double sided with two layers of leather, so you have a choice of polishing compounds for an ultimate honed finish.
Plus, the Axminster Professional Twist & Fix Arbor allows you to quickly attach a mop, felt wheel or profiling wheel to the machine. The unique “Twist & Fix” mechanism enables users to mount and change accessories with a simple twist. It supports both forward and reverse rotation of the machine. It’s an excellent addition for woodturners seeking to maintain a sharp and polished edge to their tools.
I've had this a few weeks now. Not only have I sharpened all my chisels and I have a lot I’m doing all my work mates now too. That’s how quick and easy it is. Consistent razor sharp edges in minutes. Also I’m still using the same belts I purchased with the machine and there’s still plenty life left in them, fiver a pop that’s great value"
Axminster Tools customer
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15% off with code SAVE15
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Tormek T8 Sharpening System
The Tormek T-8 Sharpening System is a top-tier choice for woodturners seeking precision, reliability and outstanding durability. Its advanced features make it an excellent choice for serious woodturners and woodworkers.
Water cooled system: uses a slow running water-cooled system to prevent overheating and sparks, making it a super safe system to ensure your tools maintain their temper and sharpness.
Unbeatable precision: The advanced design includes a patented Universal Support Mount that guides all grinding jigs and accessories, providing precise sharpening results.
Versatile sharpening capabilities: This system can sharpen all types of edge tools, from knives and scissors to chisels and plane irons, making it ideal for both amateurs and professionals that need to sharpen more than just turning tools. The sharpening process is finished by honing and polishing on the leather wheel.
Durable construction: Built with strong, cast-alloy casing, the T-8 is designed for strength and accuracy, ensuring long-lasting performance. It guarantees minimal play to provide the stability required for precise sharpening.
Heavy duty motor: The powerful motor and unique drive wheel provides years of silent operation. It is designed to run the full-size grinding wheel for continuous use, so if you sharpen a serious number of tools, this is perfect for you.
Along with the Tormek T-8, there's the smaller Tormek T-4 Sharpening System. Explore our blog to find out more.
To give you a further helping hand, the Tormek TNT-808 Woodturner’s Kit is a sharpening jig designed to achieve repeatable bevel angles and tips, giving you ultimate control over the sharpening process.
Bench Grinders
Bench grinders are popular to sharpen your tools with. If you’re looking for more of a budget friendly method, this could be ideal for you. The rotating wheel removes material to sharpen and shape your tool. Use them with jigs, or free hand. Using a light touch, be sure to not overheat the tool to avoid damage and remember to wear goggles. Dress bench grinders regularly to reduce sparks and heat.
Axminster Workshop AW200WSG Wide Stone Grinder
The Axminster Workshop AW200WSG Wide Stone Grinder is a great, affordable tool for efficiently and precisely sharpening woodturning tools.
Dual aluminium oxide wheels: The grinder features a 25mm wide, 60 grit wheel on the left and a 40mm wide, 80 grit wheel on the right. The 40mm wheel is particularly suitable for woodturning tools due to its width and finer grit, ensuring precise and efficient sharpening.
Reduced risk of tool damage: The white aluminium oxide wheel reduces the risk of burning the tool's edge, providing a smoother sharpening process and maintaining the integrity of your woodturning chisels.
Adjustable tool rests and safety features: The grinder includes adjustable tool rests and spark guards for enhanced safety and control during sharpening. Additionally, it has an eye shield with a magnifying lens for better visibility.
Convenient water trough: The base of the grinder features a pull-out drawer that can be used as a water trough, helping to cool the chisels during sharpening and preventing overheating.
Versatile and user-friendly: This grinder is designed to be versatile and user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for maintaining sharp, precise woodturning tools. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced woodturners.
The grinder runs well, I'm very pleased with it so far. It seems to be well built."
Axminster Tools customer
Explore our range of bench grinders
Sharpening Jigs
Wondering how to get your angles the same each time you sharpen? Sharpening jigs are essential for maintaining a perfect edge on cutting tools, especially chisels. They hold the tool at the correct angle for consistent, repeatable sharpening.
Woodcut Tools Tru-Grind Sharpening Systems
The Woodcut Tools Tru-Grind Sharpening Systems are an adaptable and user-friendly solution for sharpening all your woodturning tools. Use the systems alongside regular, double-ended bench grinders. From mini tools and drill bits to full sized tools, the systems can accommodate a wide variety. The system features a single jig that locks into place and ensures precise and repeatable angles every time. The premium version includes an improved Base Slide with an anodised aluminium case to minimise the impact of metal dust; measurement scale; and dual pivot points for enhanced accuracy and ease of use.
It’s compatible with a range of accessories such as the Woodcut Tools Tru-Grind Sturdy Rest, so if you want to enhance your set-up, it is easy to do so. Simplifying the process, the Woodcut Sharpening System is great for achieving razor sharp results with ease.
Something for on the go...
DMT Diamond Sharpening Card
A credit card sized steel plate coated on one side, with a diamond surface. One to keep in your pocket for quickly sharpening your tools!
To learn more about general sharpening, read our blog.
