For woodturners, woodturning tool sharpening jigs are indispensable for achieving consistent, repeatable angles when grinding, removing the challenges and uncertainty of freehand sharpening. This consistency ensures that the tool behaves in a familiar way every time it’s used and helps save money by preventing excessive tool material from being ground away.
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Core Sharpening Jigs Components
While many specific jigs exist, most function based on a few core designs:
V-Arm / Pocket Systems: These jigs feature a sliding support arm positioned under the grinding wheel, culminating in a V-shaped pocket. This pocket acts as a fixed pivot point where the tool’s handle rests, allowing the turner to smoothly arc the cutting edge against the wheel. This system is generally unsuitable for tools without handles.
Articulated Gouge Jigs: Designed for bowl and spindle gouges, which require complex profiles like “fingernail” or swept-back “Irish” grinds. With this system, the tool’s metal shaft is secured within the jig, which itself has an adjustable control leg that engages the pivot pocket.
Adjustable Platform Rests: Usable for all turning tools, these platforms are most commonly employed with tools requiring a flat or straight bevel, such as scrapers, parting tools, and skews. Turners must manually set the platform to the precise angle using a protractor or a shop-made angle measuring device. The Right Angle platform is a great addition to any shop.
Best Practices for Consistent Jig Setup
Consistency is critical to getting the most out of a woodturning tool sharpening jig. If your setup changes even slightly, you will grind away excessive steel trying to re-establish a flat bevel.
Tool Protrusion: The tool must extend a specific distance (typically 1-3/4″ to 2″) from the articulated jig. Use a stop block attached to the grinder stand to quickly set this protrusion distance before tightening the clamp.
Setting the V-Arm Distance: The distance from the grinding wheel to the pivot pocket must also be identical every time. A simple wooden jig that measures the distance consistently can be used.
Jig Leg Angle: This leg angle on the articulated gouge jig will provide for a quick, easy and repeatable grind on most gouges. It is best to use a jig that can lock into predetermined fixed positions.
Keep Records: Log the exact jig settings and horizontal V-arm distances for each specific tool, as different tools require different profiles. Noting these settings directly on the tool is an effective way to keep the information available whenever you head to the grinder.
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Safety Considerations
While jigs generally make sharpening safer, there are some hazards.
V-Arm Slippage and Wedging Hazard: When sharpening a handled tool between the V-arm and the grinding wheel, if the V-arm slips outward or if excessive pressure is used on a blunt bevel angle, the tool tip can slide down the wheel to its “equator.” This poses a serious risk, as the tool can instantly wedge between the wheel and the grinder frame, potentially shattering the wheel and causing personal injuries.
Proper Grip: When using an articulated gouge jig, always rest your hand on top of the jig body rather than gripping the tool itself. This ensures better control and protects your fingers from contacting the spinning wheel if a slip occurs.
PPE: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. Wear a respirator if grinding for an extended period of time. Airborne grinding wheel dust is very hazardous.
Final Thoughts
Woodturning, for most, is a hobby, and many hobbyists lack the time required to master the consistent, repeatable technique of freehand sharpening. While freehand sharpening is quicker and avoids the cost of jigs, the trade-off is often excessive tool wear during the learning process. Regardless of the method, every woodturner requires sharp tools, as working with a dull tool is significantly more dangerous than turning with a sharp one.
Happy turning!