Basic Lathe Tool Grinder

[wdeputy]

This is a very basic tool rest and grinder.  The grinder started out as a Harbor Freight saw blade sharpener http://www.harborfreight.com/120-volt-circular-saw-blade-sharpener-96687.html.  I did add a CBN wheel as the wheel that came with the grinder was, well, from Harbor Freight.  The table is a modified version of the Harold Hall design.
Setup is easy and quick if not extremely accurate.  A protractor or triangles set the tool holder to the edge of the table and the table is then squared to the wheel using a straight piece of stock.  A graduated knob moves the table toward the wheel and the entire motor and wheel assembly than travels across the tool to be ground.
This will not take the place of a Quorn or any other precision grinder.  It is just a handy way to true up and sharpen lathe tools.
The video below shows the grinding of a cutoff tool that is being held in the quick change holder and clamped to one of the holders used for the table.  The end of the tool is shown after being ground.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uyP0N-wWsY" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uyP0N-wWsY</a>

[Steamer5]

Hi,
 Looks like a nice quick to use bit of kit

Cheers Kerrin

[Roger B]

Looks interesting  Is the lever on the right of the first picture for traversing the grinding wheel? Please can you put up a picture(s?) of the support for the table?

[wdeputy]

Roger,
Sorry I missed your question but this post disappeared quickly.
The motor mount rides back and forth on two rods which are supported on each end.  The lever attaches to one fixed support and the short arm attaches to the motor mount.  The fixed end supports allow tilting the angle of the motor and wheel as a function of the original purpose of the grinder.  Moving the lever causes the traverse.  I have not yet made a shield to catch the grinding dust so the rods are covered with a piece of rubber to keep them clean.
Hope this helps.
Walt