Sharpening Pen MIlls

[beck3906]

I need to find a better method of sharpening pen mills. I've seen the sharpening suggestions on the penturners group and here, but am still looking for other thoughts. Does anyone use the Jet or Tormek system to sharpen pen mills? If so, what are your thoughts? Any other jigs used successfully?

Thanks

Rick

 

[OKLAHOMAN]

Can't help with a jig, but if you want a really sharp mill send to one of our members for sharping (Paul in OKC). They will come back better than new.

 

[Ron in Drums PA]

I'm only touching the side of the wheel, not the front.
Practice holding the mill to the wheel with the grinder off to get the feel of how it should be positioned.

The mill should sit flat to the wheel. Remember the difference between dull and sharp is only a few thousands of an inch.
If the mill is getting hot, you are grinding too much.

 

[bgray]

The best way that I've found is to mount it on a metal lathe, and put a dremel in the tool holder.

Obviously, this means you need a metal lathe, however.

There is a tutorial on this over at the Guild website.

 

[fiferb]

I'll bet you could get them sharp with Ron's method by turning the wheel a few time by hand instead of turning the motor on.

I'm only touching the side of the wheel, not the front.
Practice holding the mill to the wheel with the grinder off to get the feel of how it should be positioned.

The mill should sit flat to the wheel. Remember the difference between dull and sharp is only a few thousands of an inch.
If the mill is getting hot, you are grinding too much.

.

 

[IPD_Mrs]

Roy is right on this one. Just send it to Paul and it will come back scary sharp and last longer than it did when new.