Zirconia/Aluminum Sharpening

[Flaturner]

About 4-6 months ago, I saw a YouTube video about pen turning in which the man doing the demo stated that all he ever used was an old Belt/Disc Sanding station with a Zirconia/Aluminum belt for of his tool sharpening. Since I was just getting started and did not have the money to buy a good 8" bench grinder I thought this might be a good way to get started. I have tried to find this video again so that I could see if he gave any further info in another video and have been unsuccessful. Does anyone out there have any experience with this? I am using it now, but I am not sure that I am getting the tools sharp enough or have the proper angles.

 

[nava1uni]

The angles would be the same as those used for a grinding wheel. You can sharpener your tools this way and never get a grinder. the new Sorby grinding tool is a sanding belt on their machine. I use my grinder to sharpen tools and it works real well. Just adjust the table to the different angles that each tool needs and sharpen. Don't hold the tool against the belt too long, but rather move it to keep the tool from over heating.

 

[Wildman]

Klingspor Woodworking sells aluminum zirconia belts and disk for most sanding systems. Also pretty reasonable on shipping rates too. If don't see what looking for on-line call toll free. Easier to find stuff in their free catalog.

Look under " Planer Belts or AZ Plus 50 pack PSA Disk
http://www.woodworkingshop.com/search.aspx?q=planer+belts

http://picasaweb.google.com/jerhall95945/BeltSanderSharpening02#

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?87844-Sharpening-jigs-belt-sander

I started out sharpening on Sears belt sander with AL oxide belts free handing it. Some folks have taken it to higher level with jigs.

 

[Whaler]

I use Norton 120 grit freehand on my 4"X36" belt sander and it does a great job.