While learning to turn, the tools in use eventually need to be sharpened. I looked at various jigs, holders, and solutions for sharpening. I own a WorkSharp, but I thought that I would not be able to do it all on this machine. But I have made a series of jigs, and am now able to sharpen all my major tools with it. First up is the trickiest one.

The hardest one to do is the Fingernail, or spindle gouge. Tormek and others have bars that slide out and pockets that hold the handle. I just could not justify the expense so I came up with a technique that is really pretty simple. Actually the flat sandpaper helps out here. This will work with any WorkSharp type clone too.

The first thing was to build a flat platform that is level with the sanding disc. This was solved with Stumpy Nubs’ add-on cabinet. I downloaded the plans and built it out of ply with iron-on edge banding. I have not built the drawer yet but find the slots handy for storing extra paper and stuff. I have not used the rubbing compound discs. I believe that for turning tools 120 grit does a pretty good job by itself.



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Then I made a tool holder. I drilled a large enough hole for the tool to pass through, two holes for bolts, and one stopped hole for the dowel. Then I split the block on the tablesaw. I stuck a long 1/4 dowel in it, measured from the tip of the gouge to the center of the dowel at 5 inches, and clamped it. I then measured 5 inches from the center of the gouge and cut off the dowel. I then rounded the end of the dowel. The measurements are more accurate than the picture shows. I used 5 inches for both – 4 inches for both (or so) maybe better for your gouge. This determines the amount of ‘fingernail’ curve – just make them the same.



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I then made a quick measuring tool for next time by gluing a block to a thin piece of ply. This will allow easy clamp setup for subsequent sharpening. By pressing this jig against the flat part of the gouge, it is also good for checking that the dowel is 90 degrees to the gouge’s face.



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I drew a centerline on the top of the wood platform. I took a piece of scrap, cut a notch in it, and clamped it on the platform.



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Now since the two legs of the triangle are 5 inches, the gouge will be ground at 45 degrees. Chuck up some 120 grit and roll the gouge from side to side while keeping the dowel in the notch. I ‘paint’ the gouge face with a Sharpie and that lets me know how I am doing. Move the notched board towards or away from the sandpaper to get some fresh grit. In the real world, I use both hands (one of them was taking these pictures). My left hand is kept near the sandpaper, keeping the tool in the middle, while the right hand sweeps the handle.



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Ta Da



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Comments and suggestions welcome,

Steve

-- -- I'm no rocket surgeon