Tool grinder

[pontiac428]

I use my Deckel clone to sharpen end mills, and it does a good job (it all hinges on the headspace and timing of the operator), but it does not do as nice of a job as the considerably more expensive Darex (which I have experience with) or more favorable designs like the Cutter Master (which I don't). The range of angles that you can present the work to the wheel is cramped with the D-bit grinders, but not so much as to make the job impossible. A D-bit grinder can sharpen the face and the flutes. I cut the gash on the face of end mills by hand, but if you get the right wheel setup you can do those in the fixture too. All in all, I think the chow mein Deckel clone is a fantastic grinder (buy the one with universal 5c collets) for home shop use. These days, when I pick up a tool bit, I'm inclined to sharpen it to perfection in two shakes on the grinder rather than get by on "good enough". Use those pricey tools until they are too short to be useful, then grind them into another tool. Winning!

 

[Doc Hoy]

I have to work on my technique for end mills. More later. Thanks for the responses guys.

 

[kevhaz]

I have the Deckel SO. The 1/8" and 3/16" dia. collets are must have sizes for use with a pantograph engraver. The .200" dia. is also useful to form tracing styles for the pantograph. The Deckel clones seem to be quite good regarding price and utility, and there are many u-tube videos showing the modifications being done on them by various owners. When I got mine it had endured 30 years of hard use and abuse, but still was tight and accurate. I use my Deckel every day and it's always enjoyable.

Hi Diecutter,

Sorry for a new question to an older post, but I am curious why 1/8 and 3/16 collets are the must have sizes for an Engraver. I have a Kuhlmann Pantograph, that came with a 3/16 collet so I'd like to know why that was the collet of choice? I.e. is/was that best all round size for most engraging jobs?

Kev.

 

[gerritv]

I think the answer is: that is the size of collet that Kuhlman chose, therefore it is the best size for that engraver. I doubt very much that you will find a document stating the design intent. 3/16 is of course also stiffer than 1/8" which may factor into the design choice esp. if milling instead of engraving.

 

[kevhaz]

I think the answer is: that is the size of collet that Kuhlman chose, therefore it is the best size for that engraver. I doubt very much that you will find a document stating the design intent. 3/16 is of course also stiffer than 1/8" which may factor into the design choice esp. if milling instead of engraving.

This is the interesting thing about these machines, so much is lost to time. Since getting the machine I have obtained a 1/4" collet for the Kuhlmann, something I consider very very luck given thate the collet types they use seem rarer that hen-teeth! I'm my mind the 1/4 is far more useful to me.