The Wolverine Grinding Jig
by Curtis Turner
Round Rock, TX
Note: click on any picture to see a larger version.
The
Oneway Wolverine Grinding Jig
is a simple yet effective method for sharpening a range of turning tools. This jig has been my personal favorite for years.
Why not sharpen free hand?
It is possible to develop the muscle memory to effectively sharpen free hand. The reality is that most turners don't have the luxury of turning (and sharpening) frequently enough to develop that muscle memory.
Free hand sharpening can be a false economy. Sure it's tempting to save money by not buying a jig. However, if you consider that the skill of free hand sharpening takes time to develop, during that time one will grind away lots of tool steel trying to get a consistently smooth bevel. It appears to me that jig based sharpening reduces the time at the grinder, improves the edge and extends tool life. Simply put, a jig based system provides a consistent and repeatable way to sharpen tools.
So, the Wolverine system earned a place in my shop years ago.
What is in the package?
The basic package above, includes two bases, a sliding Vee-arm and one adjustable platform (seen below).
This is the core of the system. This package can handle sharpening spindle gouges, scrapers and skews easily. The instructions included in the package will direct you on how to setup the jig for your grinder.
Accessories
The first item I added to my setup was the
Vari-Grind
(pictured above). This jig allows for the quick setup and sharping of bowl and spindle gouges. This is a must have item in my opinion. It simplifies the task of sharpening of fingernail grinds and gouges with swept back wings. This jig has an adjusting arm (see photo) that in conjunction with the Vee-arm allow you sharpen tools with a wide variety of bevel angles. The included instructions explain how best to set up this jig.
I then purchased the
Dressing jig
. This jig uses a 1/4 carat diamond tip to clean and true the grinding wheel. Grinding wheels will quickly become clogged with metal. In addition, they become out of flat through repeated grinding. This jig will resurface the face of the wheel providing the user with a faster, cooler cutting surface. Could you live without purchasing this jig? Yes, but why would you? You have already invested in a grinder, perhaps upgraded the wheels all with the intention of achieving a sharp tool. I just don't see any reason to not properly redress the wheel. The inexpensive hand held dressing tools are ok for "in between" cleanings. However, a proper truing and cleaning just give you the best chance at a perfect edge.
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The
Vari-Grind 2
(above) is an alternative to the Vari-Grind. While both jigs will grind the same angles the Vari-Grind 2 offers a level of safety not found on the original Vari-Grind. The Vari-Grind 2 is a captured system that keeps the tool centered on the grinding wheel. This prevents the tool from accidently slipping off the grinding wheel. This jig mounts in the base and not on the Vee-arm, as does the original. The Vari-Grind 2 pivots on a captured point and allows for a more controlled method for grinding complex bevels.
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The
Skew jig
(above) attaches to the Vee-arm with a simple twist of a knob. This jig offers a method for grinding a symmetrical edge on the skew. Oneway states this jig produces a "virtually flat" bevel. The tool handle is placed in the off center pocket of the Skew jig and the Vee-arm is adjusted to match the primary bevel. The short point of the skew will be on the same side as the tool handle. That is to say, tool handle in the right pocket then the short point will also be to the right. This jig like the others speeds sharpening by presenting the tool at the same skewed angle. It also takes on more control of the tool minimizing the twist or rolls that can be introduced by free hand grinding.
The Wolverine system is a simple and affordable way to improve your turning. Sharp tools will leave a cleaner surface. Properly sharpened tools minimize tool marks and stress on your hands that may result from pushing a dull tool in to the spinning wood.
Any system requires the user to invest the time to become proficient. It only makes sense to opt for a simple proven system. I think this system qualifies on both accounts. I can confidently recommend this system.
Curtis was the 2012 President of
Central Texas Woodturners
, a member of the
American Association of Woodturners
, and a member of
Fine Woodworkers of Austin
. Curtis teaches and demonstrates nationally for Lie-Nielsen Toolworks. He also owns a studio where he teaches and works. Curtis lives and works in Central Texas with his wife and four young children. Take a look at his website at
www.curtisturnerstudio.com
.
