Models for grinding HSS Lathe Tools

[tmenyc]

I own a Sears 6" bench grinder and yes, it will grind tools. If you plan to use it to grind HSS lathe tools then I would suggest you consider CBN wheels for it. The wheels are intended to grind HSS and will probably last your lifetime. They do not need dressing, they do not blow up and they will far outlast an abrasive wheel.

Mike,
how is possible, that in all the Mike lectures I've read (and received on the side) about grinding HSS and part carbide tools, that this is the first mention of CBN wheels I've seen? In my small apartment shop and with my Dewalt 6" bench grinder, the real drawback for me with grinding has been the mess caused by dressing the wheel. If CBN doesn't need dressing, it would be a huge improvement for my shop practice and let me grind tools far more often. In fact I enjoy doing it! What brand do you recommend?

Also, all the best for 2020, and let's keep this amazing thread going. I've told people on my regular fountain pen board about it, and they find it hard to believe that such a thing as this board and this thread exists. Many thanks for the leadership, Mike.

Tim

 

[mikey]

My apologies, Tim. Yeah, if you use a bench grinder to grind lathe tools then CBN wheels are a very good option. The advantages are in the quote you cited. In addition, they have wheels that allow you to grind on the sides of the wheel without the usual risk of an exploding wheel because they are solid 6061 aluminum. There is no question in my mind that if I used a bench grinder for tool grinding then I would be using CBN wheels.

I got scolded by one of my wood turning friends for the very same thing you brought up. I suggested to him that he email Ken Rizza at Wood Turners Wonders to obtain wheels from a very good source. I suggested he get at least one Mega Square wheel and another of his choice, which he did. They work so much better and cleaner than abrasive wheels and he is much happier. I would avoid any wheel with a radiused edge as it will not work well for metal lathe tooling.

I believe they also have 6" wheels but since these wheels cannot explode, it should be safe enough to use without a wheel guard. If so, then you might be able to use an 8" wheel on a 6" grinder. Ask Ken what he thinks. He will also be able to advise you on which grits will work for shaping and finishing. These wheels are expensive but they will probably last you the rest of your life so if you plan to stick with your bench grinder, it might be good investment.

You might also discuss buying a package. He sells Ryobi grinders plus the wheels at a very competitive price and that might be an even better option.

Thanks for the kind words and for promoting HM on your pen forum. They can read this thread and even participate if they wish but HM offers so much more so tell them to come on over!

 

[tmenyc]

thanks, Mike. I just wrote to him. There are no 6" wheels on the site but I'm hoping he'll be able to help.

Tim

 

[tmenyc]

I've corresponded with Ken, and he'll build a 6" wheel for around $100, which is a lot but well worth it to not have to deal with the mess of dressing wheels again. I'm leaning to staying with 6" but might go to 8 for the shape advantage. If I were to go this route, what is the right grit level? Is it useable for other, less particular grinding, or must I pull it off and put the other back on each time I want to grind a screw down or something? Is it quicker at grinding HSS tools than the AO is? I'd be curious to hear the experience of anyone on this thread with CBN wheels.
Many thanks,
Tim

 

[finsruskw]

I've corresponded with Ken, and he'll build a 6" wheel for around $100, which is a lot but well worth it to not have to deal with the mess of dressing wheels again. I'm leaning to staying with 6" but might go to 8 for the shape advantage. If I were to go this route, what is the right grit level? Is it useable for other, less particular grinding, or must I pull it off and put the other back on each time I want to grind a screw down or something? Is it quicker at grinding HSS tools than the AO is? I'd be curious to hear the experience of anyone on this thread with CBN wheels.
Many thanks,
Tim

Do you think he would do 2 of them?
Yours plus one more?
If so, Id be up for one as well.
BTW, how on earth does one build a wheel?
Is that the business he is in?

 

[tmenyc]

Fin,
check out his website, link a few posts up in Mike's. I've also gotten what I think are the right answers to my questions. 180 grit CBN is the right grit; it corresponds to 80 grit AO. These are only good for turning tools, not for utility grinding. They are said to be a lot quicker. and definitely cooler, so the constant dunking goes away too.
I'll ask if he'll do two 6" with separate shipping. I don't imagine he wouldn't, will ask. Check out this video; it's the best I saw. I'm not a woodworker, so can't vouch for it, but it seems to be on the up-and-up.
If anyone can contribute more to this, I'd be appreciative. As I've said before, I'm not loath to spend $100 for this if it's a solution, but not if it isn't.
Thanks!
Tim

 

[mikey]

Guys, I highly recommend you call Ken and discuss grits with him if your intention is to grind a lathe tool from a square blank. When I queried him some years back, I think I recall him recommending 80 grit CBN for this purpose but don't hold me to that; I may not be remembering that right. Better to get it from the source. Ken is a good guy - you'll like him.

One of the guys in this thread also uses CBN wheels and showed his tool examples. See if you can find it.

Tim is right. CBN is intended for use on hardened steels and not for general grinding. If you plan to stick to wheels for tool grinding, having a separate grinder with your tool grinding wheels would be wise. Use your other grinder(s) for general use. If you go with a dedicated grinder, an 8" would give you less concavity on the tool face and would be a better choice vs 6".

 

[tmenyc]

Thanks, Mike, as always. I will check with Ken about grit specifically for cutting HSS tools. Thanks for confirming the rest.
Fin, are you still in?
Tim

 

[Aukai]

If you could report back to, please.

 

[tmenyc]

Shall do!