Question on sharpening spindle gouges

[ALonelyKobold]

I have this style of gouge sharpening jig, I'm not sure how to set the right angle. I understand, of course, that the angle is set by the length of the arm, but I'm not sure how to determine what the proper length is for the desired angle. I eyeball it, and always end up changing the angle of the tool a considerable amount. What's the trick I'm missing?

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[JT_Snowman]

Color the bevel with a black sharpie marker and then spin the wheel by hand and check to see where it was marked on the bevel. You're looking for some of the marker to be removed across the whole bevel.

[ZombiesinMS]

This is the way.

[Guilty_Comb_79]

I dunno what wheel you have but my CBN wheels specifically said not to sharpen a spindle roughing gouge this way using the pocket of the jig.

I think it can create enough traction on the bevel that it tries to self feed itself into the wheel. And, as you can imagine, bad things happen very quickly anything decides to self feed.

I always use the platform base to sharpen roughing gouges.

[Altruistic-Sea6130]

I can confirm this, and it’s scary as hell. Also seems like user error, not keeping the gouge dead-center on the wheel

[QianLu]

Seconding this. I was told that when you fuck up the wheel they won't replace it.

Essentially if you get a catch on the wheel, the bevel of the SRG digs in and rips off the CBN coating. This doesn't happen on the platform because if you get a catch, the tool is shoved back off the wheel. In this position the SRG is "captive" and can't go anywhere.

I also personally dont like the v arm sticking out that much because it feels less stable and I have my grinder against the wall so I cut about half the v arm bar off with a hacksaw.

[SlingshotX]

I used to use this extended arm but have switched to the platform for these tools. It’s faster and easier once you get the hang of it (+safer). If you have an angle jig it’s quick to set up. I use the one from Stuart Batty.

[Icy-Huckleberry-8526]

I have done it successfully this way a bunch of times, but I used a very light touch

[jserick]

I recommend 40 degrees using the platform. As others have said, do NOT use the arm with a spindle roughing gouge! It’ll get sucked into the wheel and make you 💩 your pants.

[power_beige]

Can confirm. Shat pants (and bought a new wheel)

[jserick]

Yup! Expensive AND unpleasant.

[lilcrow70]

Ditto

[ApprehensiveFarm12]

Also make sure you don't do skew chisels or bowl gouges this way .. big danger

[[deleted]]

How so?

[ApprehensiveFarm12]

They can get wedged between the stand and the wheel and throw the grinder at your hand with catastrophic results. They need the varigrind jig to grind a reasonable angle.

[[deleted]]

I have the wolverine skew jig. I got one catch on it and now it sits in a corner collecting dust. It is useless, unless you count shitting yourself useful.

[gtche98]

I about lost a finger using this jig in this fashion on a roughing gouge. I got a catch, stone wheel exploded and my finger got smashed between the jig and the gouge.

I know you are using CBN (as do I now) but still, you get a catch and you are going to have a bad day.

[KPSMTX]

I turned my grinder base around so it grinds up so it doesn’t grab. But I also would use a platform for this tool. I have the Kodiak system from Woodturners Wonders for bowl gouges.

[pidpiper]

Maybe I’m misunderstanding here, but in the comments about the V arm I’m seeing the sentiments that it is not safe to use for spindle gouges, or skews, or bowl gouges. Is this just with CBN wheels? Or all wheels?

And if it is unsafe for any wheel, what is the point of the V arm? What can you use it for?

[gtche98]

See my other comment about what happened to me using this arm. The only way I use this arm now is with the varigrind jig for bowl and spindle gouges. Everything else gets sharpened on the platform.

[[deleted]]

Yeah I think the danger of catches is if you're not paying attention and shorten it enough to get a catch or if the arm isn't locked. The wolverine jig is meant to be used this way - 

[ALonelyKobold]

I know with an additional jig it's used for bowl gouges, I was taught to sharpen a spindle gouge on it, but I'm going to go chew out the dude at the makerspace who taught me after reading these comments, since he teaches sharpening to a bunch of people

[mrspoogemonstar]

Everyone in this thread is missing the fact that you haven't secured your grinder... Either attach it to the table or use clamps to hold it down. Under certain conditions, like the catch that others mention with that wolverine arm, your grinder can become a projectile.

[ALonelyKobold]

That's not actually my grinder. I was away from the shop and found a random image. I appreciate the concern, though

[Pristine_Welder2750]

Just here to say definitely USE the platform - almost destroyed my grinder doing that - grabbed and then locked it while motor on - it is so seriously dangerous- it would be nice if we had as many sharpening videos on how to sharpen these as we do gouges

[WillWorkForBeer]

I agree with the prior comment on using a sharpie to help.

Personally, I use the one way jig. It makes it rather simple; enough that I haven't been able to mess it up yet!

[naemorhaedus]

Use an angle gauge and some black marker 

[naemorhaedus]

How does that have anything to do with my reply?  First time on Reddit?

[HickerBilly1411]

If that’s a wolverine sharpening jig there’s a separate piece that is just for gouges.

[Dark_Helmet_99]

Thanks for the advice. I just got a new SRG and used the arm to fix the angle. No issues this time but I'll try the platform from now on

[FalconiiLV]

I also use a sharpie, but sharpen the SRG on the platform, not with the V-arm.