Topic: A Sharp Edge

[Ken (OP)]

In wood working there are all sorts of tools that need a sharp edge, like circular saws, table saws, hand planes etc. Some sharpening operations may require special tools or jigs, but many just require a flat surface and some sand paper as seen in my Building a Marking Knife topic.

But, wood-turning tools that are used on the lathe can have some very complex shapes and contours and as you can see in the picture below when looking at the tip we can see that the bevel sweeps around both sides as well as the bottom, so trying to get a good and consistent edge by using some handheld method is just not going to work for a beginner like me:
.

So what to do???
My answer was found on a great website for beginner wood-turners like me (as well as pro's) where Capt. Eddie Castelin has posted lots of YouTube Videos

And, he also has a sharpening jig that he sells called the "Blackhawk Sharpening System". Now, my funds didn't allow for buying his system, but by using scrap bits and pieces from around my shop I was able to build a jig somewhat like his and let me tell you it works great!  :08:
 
This is my version of the jig: (it's the square tubing bolted to the plywood base under the grinder wheel)
The tool holder can also be seen with my 'deep fluted bowl gouge' mounted and ready to be sharpened: 


Here is how the tip of my deep fluted bowl gouge looks after being sharpening on the jig.
 

Using this sharpening jig has greatly improved the quality of my turnings because a correctly sharpened tool make all the difference.
Thanks Capt' Eddie!  :2thumbs:

Ps: Here's the Capt. demonstrating his BlackHawk system.
Setting up your blackhawk

[Skhilled]

Now, you can come over and sharpen my knives for me.

[Ken (OP)]

 :belly: