Newbie looking for sharpening and respirator advice.

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jonunder

Member
Joined
Jun 15, 2013
Messages
8
Location
Newport News
So I have been turning for about two weeks now with the Woodriver pen makers set. I know I still have time left on the tools before they NEED to be sharpened. I see a lot of talk about using grinding wheels and such. The Tormeks are very expensive but there are slow speed grinders for about 130 dollars. As a person just getting into this what is my best plan of action? Cough it up for the Tormek or just skate by for a while on the slow speeds?


Also, I have heard a lot of people say respirators are important for certain woods and an overall good idea. My question is what type of respirator? I looked at Lowe's and there a few different types. Is a general purpose okay? Like a Harbor Freight respirator? Or even the Lowe's general purpose was reasonably priced.

Thanks!!
 
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Grizzly makes a wet sharpening system that uses Tormek jigs...I've used it for years and love it!!
A respirator and FACE protection are a MUST AT ALL TIMES. Anything less is stupidity and shows little regard for yourself or family. Cover your mouth and face or stop turning until you can. A wood fragment moving at 3000 rpm will rip you a new one. You can lose the semantic argument that "I only turn at 1500", it will still embed into your eye just as easy, and yes...I help treat those depending what area I cover that day.
 
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Tool sharpening / respirator

I use a slow speed grinder, would recommend a jig of some sort , craft supplies has a tool called the raptor angle set . It can be used on both on a flat plat or can be used with the oneway system. Use a respirator your lungs will thank you for it. I've had throat cancer and one of the causes is wood dust! Cheap filters will not give you the proper protection . The dust we create is small the shavings are not a problem it's the small stuff . A cheap lung filter is not a good choose but something is better than not at all
 
Grizzly makes a wet sharpening system that uses Tormek jigs...

Can You elaborate a little bit more about this system... Which jigsaw you use, How often you sharpen, so on....I'm very interested.

Matt! Haven't seen you around much!! Here is the link. I get my jigs off eBay for the most part...only need 3-4. I sharpen often or seldom...depends on the material and size. Pens...maybe once in 10-15...bowls or big utility items, once per item. Mazanita anything...every friggen 10 minutes!!:mad:
And my Trend Airshield pro rocks!! I'm doing a demo in Reno Saturday :frown: and that is in my truck.
 
You need to find a woodturning club and join it. The members will be mostly old and decrepit, but full of knowledge that you need and usually they are very ready to help. Learning with hands-on help means you will learn much much quicker.
 
Tormek T7's patten ran out and there are clones out there, i.e Grizzly T10010 10", the only difference is the grizzly is listed at 10 pounds heavier. Both use the same jigs and tools. So the saying is buy the Grizzly and then buy the Tormek jigs and wheels.

There is even a waterstone wheel in 10" for the Tormek T7, it's listed at $300 and should be well worth the $.

Also for the true sharpeners ;) we always ask the question http://www.penturners.org/forum/f14/sharp-japanese-waterstones-111876/.
 
On respirator needs the golden rule is IF YOU SMELL IT YOU ARE BREATHING IT. A N85 is workable for some things but chemicals and the like involved you can just bump that up to a P100 and filter everything out. I find the P100's are better over all, esp with allergies, asthma, etc.
 
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