Models for grinding HSS Lathe Tools

9t8z28 said:
Thanks Mike.
I have been wanting to make a 2x72 belt grinder but I am unsure on how to go about it. I haven’t really done to indepth research but I probably wil eventually. It would be a very useful tool and after its built I would probably not use the 6” grinder as much.
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A number of our guys have built a 2 X 72 since we started this thread and I'm sure you'll get a lot of help here if you ask for it. There is also a lot of info on the net and on YouTube. Building one should not be difficult and the components can either be bought or made in your shop.

I think it would be a very good idea for one of you to start a thread on "How to build a 2 X 72 belt sander". I have no objection to discussing it here because it is definitely related. However, this thread has become a behemoth already and the info will be harder to access if someone is just interested in building one and not in grinding tools.

For what its worth, if you haven't ground a lathe tool on a good belt sander then you don't know what you're missing. A good tool rest and a really flat platen make a huge difference in the ease with which the tool is ground and the belt cuts cooler, faster and cleaner. Changing grits takes seconds to do and with your tool rest you are less likely to change your geometry when you use a belt to refine the grind. I ground lathe tools for over 10 years on a bench grinder so I know you can grind a good tool on it but after 20 years on a belt sander there is no question in my mind that it is a better machine for that task, for me anyway.

Moreover, a belt sander is about the most useful fabrication tool you can own. If you weld, this will make your life so much better.

Think it over, figure out how to make one and then go and do it. I assure you, it will be a good decision.
 
mickri said:
Was able to add Mikeys table of angles to my previous post.
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Keep in mind that the grinding table in Mickri's post is a table for conventional tool angles. If you own a small lathe, please consider grinding your tools to the angles discussed in this thread instead. You don't have to do that, of course, but I find a modified tool to be much more useful.
 
Correct me if I am wrong but the chart you posted does not list the recommended angles that Mike suggested for these tools. This chart is a general recommendation for HSS tools, its a baseline of where to start and can be found on google. In my opinion, we need his recommended angles inserted into a chart like this one or listed in some other form. Also, the angles at which the side relief and end relief are ground on would be beneficial as most do not know where to start with these angles. The only way we got to these angles was by a given distance from the end. Maybe the total angle is all we need. An example would be 80 degrees for the square tool. I’m not even sure if thats the correct suggested angle. I think its called the Included angle.



9t8z28 said:
mickri, I think the drawings look excellent. I studied them in comparison to how I thought that Mikey describe them and how I grinded them and they appear to be spot on. I think these are an excellent visual aid to go with Mikey’s specs.
Could you somehow match the colors with the degrees in some form of a little chart?
EDIT: If matching the colors with the degrees is to much to do then it would be nice to have a listing with the back rake degrees, side rake degress and so just to keep it all in one place.
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Thanks for the comments on the drawings. I have edited them.
 
While I'll be the first one to support the philosophy of beginners learning how to grind their own lathe tools and sharpen drill bits. For those of us who were formally trained at a young age it now comes naturally to us, we sometimes wonder how beginners find it so difficult, particularly when they are a little bit older and just getting into the hobby of machining.

There are a few shortcuts that can be taken. As far as drill bits go a variety of drill bit sharpeners are on the market, I even admit to using a drill doctor myself for the smaller sizes, particularly under 1/4"or 6mm, as my eye sight is not what it once was

For lathe toolbits i can recommend the tangential tool holder system from Diamond engineering, this system is so simple and works so well. I use one for all my general turning, and only resort to hand grinding when I have a special purpose tool that I need to make.

The tangential tool holder is simplicity in itself with only one face to grind it's almost impossible to get it wrong. They do provide a grinding gauge but it is almost not needed. Diamond engineering also have a parting off tool and holder that is almost bullet proof..
 
9t8z28 said:
Thanks. I just tried the 80 grit belt on a 1/2” HSS bit. I cant believe how efficient it is! It didnt get hot either!
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My favorite to start the grind with is 36 grit ceramic. It really chews up the metal. I get the shape in place, then switch to smoother belts to clean it up before honing.
 
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