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Professional Sharpening of Woodturners' Tools

Woodturners' Need A Sharp Correctly Shaped Edge

We sharpen to correct angles in standard, long and extra long grinds

We Sharpen Roughing Gouges

Roughening gouges transform a piece into a round shape.
While they do not produce the finest finish, they swiftly remove material.
A substantial tool, specifically designed to transform a square or off-centre piece into a round one.
The wide, “U” shaped flute efficiently removes stock, but the trade-off is that it does not yield the best finish

We Sharpen Spindle Gouges

Spindle gouges are specialised tools used for intricate spindle work, enabling the creation of detailed patterns and designs. They feature a shallow flute, which facilitates the shaping of intricate elements such as coves, beads, and other decorative elements on the face of a piece.
Spindle gouges are easily identifiable by their shallow flute and are available in a diverse range of sizes. Notably, most spindle gouges are equipped with a ‘fingernail’ grind, which involves grinding back the edges to enhance versatility and provide optimal clearance for precise control.

We Sharpen Skew Chisels

A skew chisel is a challenging tool to master, but with persistence, you can acquire a highly versatile chisel. Our expertise will facilitate this process.
Skew chisels require precise sharpening to achieve the correct compound angles, which can only be achieved using the most advanced equipment and by a skilled sharpener.
Skew chisels are particularly useful for planing, enabling you to create a smooth surface that closely resembles your desired finish before applying abrasive materials.
Despite their steep learning curve, skew chisels are ultimately versatile. They excel at shaving wood, resulting in a glassy smooth, flat surface. Their rounded top and bottom edges, rather than flat, enhance manoeuvrability.
As a practical tip, ensure that the cutting edge of your skew chisel meets the wood at approximately a 45-degree angle, positioned above the centreline, and operates from one end of the piece to the other.

We Sharpen Parting Tools

Does as it is described a parting tool separates the desired work from scrap or unwanted material?
When turning between centres, a parting tool separates, or parts, your work from scrap or unwanted material. Typically, the parting tool is introduced to the wood in a plunge cut.

We Sharpen Bowl Gouges

Bowl gouges are renowned for their challenging mastery, yet they possess remarkable versatility as a versatile tool.
Exemplified in their ability to create a smooth surface, bowl gouges are particularly effective for planing. Despite their reputation for a steep learning curve, skews exhibit exceptional versatility. They are ideal for planing wood, resulting in a glassy, smooth, and flat surface. Their rounded top and bottom edges, rather than flat, enhance manoeuvrability.
As a practical tip, the cutting edge of a skewer should intersect the wood at approximately a 45-degree angle, positioned above the centreline, and should function from one end of the piece to the other.

We Sharpen Scrapers

Scrapers are highly effective for achieving a smooth surface finish.
Unlike cutters, scrapers employ a burr to scrape the wood, rather than cutting it.
Scrapers are commonly utilised to remove cutter marks left by bowl gouges.
This makes them an invaluable tool for new bowl turners. Unlike cutters, a woodturning scraper “scrapes” using a burr. The sharpness of this burr is crucial for its effectiveness. The tool contacts the wood just below the centreline of the blank. When using a scraper, it is held at a downward angle, with the tool lower than the handle. Generally, holding the tool at approximately a 30-degree angle from the tool rest is optimal.
A round-nosed scraper, also known as a bowl scraper, is specifically designed to remove marks from the interior of a bowl. Conversely, a square-nosed scraper finds applications on the exterior of bowls, as well as boxes and other flat surfaces.

Precision Matters

Using the Tormek T8, or more usually our Sorby Pro Sharp with the dedicated associated jigs, we can put almost any angle of grind on the edge of almost any of these tools listed abocce and many not
But without instructions otherwise, we will adopt the standard as suggested by Robert Sorby which is seen below.