Grinding angles accurately

[jack christensen]

Just read a sharpening article by David Charlesworth that says he grinds bevels at 23 deg. .

Even with my Lee Valley grinder tool rest and angle setting gauge I can't hit my desired angle within +/- 3 deg. on the various thicknesses of plane irons and chisels I use.

If anyone has a method for grinding consistently accurate bevels on an ordinary bench grinder, I'd sure appreciate some advice.

Thanks
JC

[Mike Wenzloff]

Hi Jack,

A couple of things. Doesn't Charlesworth, after the primary bevel of 23 degrees then do secondary, etc., bevels? And never having used the LV angle setting guage I don't know how it works. So the following is what I would do for a shop made solution.

For the main bevel using a grinding rest, you can cut a piece of 1/4" x 1" stock at 23 degrees [so the bevel is across the 1/4" thickness] and then place the piece of stock on the rest with the bevel against the grindstone.

Adjust the rest up or down so the center of the bevel is touching the stone. Though the 1/4" stock is a bit thicker than some or most of your irons, it should be close enough.

Another suggestion, albeit a store bought one, would be to pick up the Tormek angle setting guage. It accounts for stone and iron thickness.

Take care, Mike

[Tyler Howell]

Which LV set up? the earlier modal didn't get rave reviews but this new sytem has been amazing for hand sharpening.
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=51868&cat=1,43072,43078&ap=1

[Bob Smalser]

If anyone has a method for grinding consistently accurate bevels on an ordinary bench grinder, I'd sure appreciate some advice.

Measure:



Grind.

Study the flat you made and adjust your hold accordingly:



Measure:



Repeat as required.

"23 degrees" sounds unnecessarily fussy. You'll do just fine getting within two or three degrees.

[Hank Knight]

"23 degrees" sounds unnecessarily fussy. You'll do just fine getting within two or three degrees.

I agree with Bob. I think way too much time is wasted trying to get a bevel within a gnat's hair of theoretical perfection.

[Michael Perata]

Charlesworth must do nothing but think of ways to fool with your mind between videos.

Not only does he put a micro bevel on his plane he hones a very long radius curve along the cutting edge so the plane starts to plough rather than shave and then he puts a back bevel of 1 - 2 degrees on his plane blades.

Sometimes you simply want to use the tools.