Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
spindlmaster tool
JR
>I just purchased the Robert-Sorby spindle master,after holding out for some time. The literature that came with it says to sharpen the face on a flat stone. I've allways sharpened my tools on the bevel is this possible with this tool? If so can the tool be laid flat on the rest and rolled on its side with no swing on the handle (at the matching bevel angle ofcourse). if someone owns this tool i would really like to hear from you.
Thanks in advance,
JR
Re: spindlmaster tool *LINK*
Fred Holder
>I've owned one of the Sorby Spindlemaster tools for about five years. They are a fine tool for production spindle work. I have a 1" version and a 1/2" version. The small one works very well for small things like lace bobbins. The instructions are correct. You should never touch the bevel when sharpening. Lay the flat top of the tool on a stone and sharpen. The highly polished bevel should never be touched unless you stick the tool into the chuck or something equally bad. At that point, you would have to grind away the damaged area and then re-polish to get the tool back to the way it came from the factory.
I don't do production spindle turning much anymore, so my SpindleMaster tools languish in the tool rack. The tool will make virtually all of the spindle turning cuts, but I don't recommend its use on bowls.
Fred Holder's Domain Site
Re: Spindlemaster tool *LINK*
David Propst
>Below is a link to Sorby's site. The instructions section has info for using the Spindlemaster.
I have used both the 3/4" Spindlemaster since 2000 on pens and other small stuff and I agree with all of Fred Holder's comments. It is very easy to use and will leave a burnished smooth surface. For my needs I've never had to master a skew because this tool makes spindles so darn easy.
The bevel is the key, keep it in good condition. I have sharpened mine only by rubbing a diamond stone across the face or lightly holding the face against the flat side of the Tormek.
The Spindlemaster leaves such a smooth surface I had to try it on a bowl a few years ago, resulting in a HUGE catch. I was telling one of the Sorby demonstrators about this and he said they had considered offering one for bowls, but decided not too because it would be such a tricky tool to use in a bowl orientation.
Best Regards,
The tool will make virtually all of the spindle tu
Tom Colligan, Peoria
>Fred, could the 1/2" Spindlemaster replace a 3/8 or 1/2" spindle gouge? Or, does it perform better than these gouges? Thx.,
