PreacherJon
Member
I'm now looking to upgrade my slow-speed grinder for lathe tools to CBN Wheels. Any recommendations on Wheel Brand, Grits, and other potential issues related to them? Websites would be appreciated. Thanks, guys.
CBN Wheels ?
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jttheclockman
Member
I do not use them but the big thing when switching to them is they are heavier so torq speed is important. 1/2 HP motor is still questionable. 1 HP is better. If buying 2 that is adding about 10 lbs so secure platform is a must. For turning tools 8" is best. Costly yes. To me unless you do alot of sharpening I am not a fan. I am sure others that have them and use them will chime in. But starting speed is a concern or else you will burn motor. Many times people overcome it by spinning wheel by hand to start.
Jarod888
Member
So, woodturnerswonders is a great company who carries numerous cbn wheels.
While they are heavier, the newer style aluminum ones aren't too bad.
They come in all sorts of grits and profiles. You can get flat, narrow style like your current white, stone wheels or get ones with a radius edge. They also have ones that have a flat area on the side of the wheel. The only hiccup is sometimes your platform won't be wide enough for the larger ones.
I've had 2 cbn wheels on my rikon grinder, I believe it is a 1/2 horse, for years with out issue.
The rikon 3/4 grinder with 2 cbn wheels is a nice platform and quite useful.
I like the mega square wheels, they are 1.5 inches wide and dont have a radius edge.
I would go with an 80 grit for shaping and rough profiling and a 180 or 320 for touchups.
You may also want to invest in a decent platform. I really like the Stewart Batty ones (sbtools) (I think they are still made). You can get them in either free standing or ones that fit the wolverine style system.
If you use a jig for sharpening, you can't beat the varigrind from wolverine.
I also really like the raptor setup gauges, however sbtools has a nice set too.
While they are heavier, the newer style aluminum ones aren't too bad.
They come in all sorts of grits and profiles. You can get flat, narrow style like your current white, stone wheels or get ones with a radius edge. They also have ones that have a flat area on the side of the wheel. The only hiccup is sometimes your platform won't be wide enough for the larger ones.
I've had 2 cbn wheels on my rikon grinder, I believe it is a 1/2 horse, for years with out issue.
The rikon 3/4 grinder with 2 cbn wheels is a nice platform and quite useful.
I like the mega square wheels, they are 1.5 inches wide and dont have a radius edge.
I would go with an 80 grit for shaping and rough profiling and a 180 or 320 for touchups.
You may also want to invest in a decent platform. I really like the Stewart Batty ones (sbtools) (I think they are still made). You can get them in either free standing or ones that fit the wolverine style system.
If you use a jig for sharpening, you can't beat the varigrind from wolverine.
I also really like the raptor setup gauges, however sbtools has a nice set too.
Last edited:
Mortalis
Member
I bought this 180 grit Hurricane Turning Tools wheel June 2023 and I bought this 80 grit CBN Mega wheel Jan 2025. No problems with them.
The 80 grit wheel removes material very quickly and 180 leaves a fine enough grind that works well for my turnings.
My only regret is that I didnt buy the 1.5 inch width on the 180.
I am running them both on a Craftsman 5amp variable speed grinder. It comes up to speed quickly with these two wheels.
I use Thrust Bearings from McMaster Carr for spacers. I bought the I.D. to fit my spindles and then a few various widths.
The 80 grit wheel removes material very quickly and 180 leaves a fine enough grind that works well for my turnings.
My only regret is that I didnt buy the 1.5 inch width on the 180.
I am running them both on a Craftsman 5amp variable speed grinder. It comes up to speed quickly with these two wheels.
I use Thrust Bearings from McMaster Carr for spacers. I bought the I.D. to fit my spindles and then a few various widths.
duncsuss
Member
I have a 350 grit wheel with rounded corners from Woodturning Wonders. I kept a white Al-oxide wheel on the other side because not all my tools are HSS, and old carbon steel is reputed to clog CBN wheels.
If I were to do it again ... I'd probably go with a 180 grit or 220 grit CBN wheel instead of 350. It gets my tools sharp, but I'm assured by several friends (including a couple of professional turners) that 180 grit is plenty fine enough to get a great cutting edge, and it does it faster. On the other hand, it probably eats the steel faster too, so my expensive gouges will last longer
If I were to do it again ... I'd probably go with a 180 grit or 220 grit CBN wheel instead of 350. It gets my tools sharp, but I'm assured by several friends (including a couple of professional turners) that 180 grit is plenty fine enough to get a great cutting edge, and it does it faster. On the other hand, it probably eats the steel faster too, so my expensive gouges will last longer