Sharpening Mini Turning Tools

by John Lucas

My approach depends on the size of the gouge. I set everything up on the grinder just like normal, turn the grinder on and then turn it off. When it slows way down I sharpen the gouge with very light pressure.

These are my 1⁄8" gouges. My ¼" gouge I can usually sharpen on my slow speed grinder with very gentle pressure.

On my really tiny gouges I use a Dremel with a small white grinding wheel. I clamp the Dremel in a vise and then with a pair of magnifier glasses I grind the tool. I slow the speed down a lot. This is my smallest gouge to date but I'm planning on a smaller one for a future project. These don't have a flute. I found out that they cut better and stay sharp longer without the flute. Not to mention that they are easier to make.