sharpening

#1 11-21-2004, 08:15 PM

I heard of a sharpening system with a motor that is about 4200 rpm and a floppy wheel that is supposed to get great results.

Is this an existing system story bought or do you make this one on your own? who sells this kind of buffing material?
thanks
joe clark

Chahlie · #2 11-21-2004, 08:47 PM

Hi All,

I'm not sure that a sharpening system that utilizes a wheel spinning at 4200rpm would be of any significant benefit...at that speed you could burn the metal really fast...I think we are talking heart beat speeds...unless it is water cooled , but at that speed you would throw all the water off before it could do any good...I may be wrong but that is the logics I see in that speed. Anybody else got any comments?

Chahlie

AlArchie · #3 11-21-2004, 09:12 PM

I've seen a system at a show several years back that uses a slotted floppy wheel that you hold the tool underneath and look THROUGH the disk (due to the rapidly rotating slots)to see the edge develop as you grind it. The slotted wheel spun at a pretty good rate, but due to the slots, it cooled the edge as it sharpened. For the life of me I can't remember the name of it, but it seemed like a pretty good system. That may have been the one you saw??

Al

Nancy_G · #4 11-21-2004, 10:21 PM

I have an 8' Stephan slotted disc that you can see through as it spins at 3400 rpm. But it's sure not floppy -- it's quite thick abrasive metal and it EATS tools. In my clumsy hands it's a very expensive mistake.

Other (better) carvers visiting here have loved it but I hate the thing.

AlArchie · #5 11-21-2004, 10:48 PM

Maybe better SHARPENERS! Not necesarily better carvers.

Al

Nancy_G · #6 11-21-2004, 11:54 PM

Well, Al -- come on down for a visit and give the Stephan a try. But bring your own tools ..... you're not putting any of mine on that metal melting monster.

AlArchie · #7 11-22-2004, 06:40 AM

Be there this week! Got the carving box all packed....let's see what I can wreck. Actually I think the Tormex is a blade eater. It is a great machine but takes an extremely light touch. I was surprised at how much metal that thing takes off how fast! That slow moving, wet wheel is deceptively aggressive.

Al

squbrigg · #8 11-22-2004, 07:22 AM

I could have used something Saturday! Spent 'the day' sharpening a set of 12 new tools, 'Henry Taylor' set of relief carving micro tools. Finished at 11:30 at night.

Though factory sharpened and ready for final honeing, most had to be re-shaped, and some serious time was necessary on some tools. Two are being a pain in the ***, still not happy with the results, but the rest are a dream to use. Love the new shaped handles, fit right into your palm and with the bottoms flat, they allow you to get really nice and close to your surface.

Water Stones may not be fast, but what an edge they will put on!

You just need patience.

They did allow me to finish a relief carving that has been awaiting their attention for months, and I'm happy with the results.

Bob

Nancy_G · #9 11-22-2004, 08:11 AM

Looking forward to your visit Al !!
I wish everyone could see the machine Al Longo has -- it looks like a vertical belt sander and the belt is backed up by a piece of metal so you have a firm, flat surface. The metal is just half-way up the belt so there is a 'soft' area if that's needed.
And it has leather belts, all sorts of sanding belts but they're not 'normal' sand paper .... they're micro-fine. Maybe I can get him to send me some photos.
I'm mighty tempted to buy one -- but it too requires that light touch that I seem to lack. Maybe I'M the metal melting monster and it's not the Stephan.
Anyhow Al - hurry on down .... I have the coffee on

and the cats have some things they want to talk to you about.

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #10 11-22-2004, 08:22 AM

nancy. that sharpener/sander you are describing sounds like my Delta 1 inch vertical belt sander and it has a 6 inch disc sander on the side....I believe you can get leather belts for it too.