Surface finish

[mklotz]

In everyones eyes they may have the answer and they may quote: but, set what ya know on the table.

Wouldn't it be nice if Norman showed us some pictures of his projects so we could fully appreciate all the expertise he's passing along?

In fifteen years of Norman's retellings on numerous fora I can't remember ever seeing a single photo of one of his projects.  I can't believe you're modest, Norman.  And you've often told us how wealthy you are so you must own numerous top-of-the-line cameras.

Come on Norman.  Let's see some of that good stuff that you've built.

[zeeprogrammer]

For me, the most daunting part of starting this hobby has been the idea of making one's own cutters.
Despite what so many say about how easy it is (just takes some practice) or the improved results.

I've done a little. Enough to tell me that you're all right and that it's worth it.

I really need to 'start over' and get more of the basics under my belt.

Just saying I really appreciate all the good info.

[fcheslop]

Carl you probably thought the same way the first time you sharpened a knife or chisel but its simply down to practice I still balls it up and often but hey that's part of the fun.No matter how much I learn I never seem to know very much but that's what is great about this hobby and also a great thing about this site there always seems to be some one who will pass the knowledge on and long may it continue
 

[Chris J]

For me, the most daunting part of starting this hobby has been the idea of making one's own cutters.
Despite what so many say about how easy it is (just takes some practice) or the improved results.

I've done a little. Enough to tell me that you're all right and that it's worth it.

I really need to 'start over' and get more of the basics under my belt.

Just saying I really appreciate all the good info.

Well said, me too.

There are many roads leading to Rome, they all get there in the end.

[Dan Rowe]

OK, is this all written down and not some old bloke talking about some long lost black art.  Holzapffel wrote it all down and it is still on the net.

I have the first 3 volumes on the shelf which were originally published in 1843 they are very interesting. The ornamental lathes they made were quite interesting. To see some of the lathes and the work they were designed for see: http://www.ornamentalturning.co.uk/

Dan

[John S]

Come on Norman.  Let's see some of that good stuff that you've built.

Remember that I'm the peasant boy that left school at 14 after 6 years of war and nothing of an education.

I simply can't 'do photograhy' it is something for the rich -or like yourself priviledged. I borrowed a camera some years back. The stuff is on my computer. You give me your e-mail address- you want it- you post it- bluff finally called.

Regards

Norman

Norman me old mate.
I'm up in Newcastle and Darlington 3rd week of March servicing some CNC machines.

Would be more than willing to pop in, have a natter and take some pictures.

What you say ?

[Dan Rowe]

So how did these old men sharpen their tools? Merely with what some call a goniometer or goniostat which is a simple jig to sharpen a carbon tool on a bit of cast iron or glass or better still, on a piece of lead with progressively finer grades of abrasive which they crushed - and graded themselves.

Here are a few photos of a goniostat I just copied from ebay. It would not be hard to make one but the old ones are very nice just a bit steep on the wallet.




Dan

[Chris J]

A bit steep on the wallet 

You are the master of understatement Dan.

[Johnb]

I have success fly cutting mild steel using carbon (silver) steel, filed to shape, hardened, tempered and honed. It didn't work well first time, but I've got the hang of it now!

[ScroungerLee]

That goniostat is very interesting!  It looks like the two pins fit into a slot to allow feeding the bit into whatever grinding wheel or belt is being used?

Lee

Edit: I should have researched first.  It looks like the two pins slide on any flat surface while the bit being shaped or sharpened is moved around on a stone set on the same flat surface.   Wow, if you understand that last sentence, congratulations!

This should help: http://www.turners.org/images/gonia.gif

[Johnb]

Hmmmm! Posh. 

I might need to think about one of those. Puts my honing gear to shame.

[fcheslop]

Gosh don't know how Iv managed this long without one.Nice bit of kit but talk about over kill 

[Dan Rowe]

Goniostat drawings by Mike Fallows
http://www.ornamentalturners.info/Resources/articles.php

Dan

[DaveH]

Wouldn't it be nice if ...........

Now that would make a good song title - especially for the Beach Boys 
 
DaveH