Complete 4pc Precision Sharpening System

Best bang for the buck!

Just got into turning and needed a good way to sharpen lathe tools. I have a power sharpener (the new model with the port underneath and the slotted wheels) but it just wasn't helpful with some of the lathe tools. For example, it did great on skews and bowl gouges but fingernail gouges are nearly impossible to get right by hand. Since I already have a variable speed bench grinder I thought I'd get the jigs that help you sharpen on that. A friend recommended PSI's system. The competition is a good bit more expensive than PSI's system when you factor in the accessories that you have to purchase separately. It is definitely well worth the cost! I already see a huge difference in the way my tools cut when turning. Also, it is very easy and convenient to resharpen or touch up a tool in the middle of a project. I think this is a great system and it can't be beat for the price! I also agree with the previous review by Kevin Sweere. There is room for improvement. I too had trouble with the screws that are supplied to mount the base units. I used an impact driver and pilot holes and still they stripped out. As for the locking bolts, I like the handles that can be pushed in/out to disengage the head so you don't have to rotate them completely around to keep turning the bolt. However, it would be a very simple improvement to add more holes in the base for these. I can only use one hole on each side so the other ones are totally useless because they are under the grinder wheel covers. Luckily the one lock handle is good enough to hold the bar firmly in place on each side. One other suggestion I have is to incorporate some kind of indexing system. When you find the right length of the bar to sharpen each tool you'll want to mark it somehow. Inevitably you will scratch the paint off the bar trying to do this so it won't rub off. There should be some way to index the distances so you don't have to write/scratch them in bar for each tool. Maybe an engraved scale? That would be very, very helpful!

Best Value

"Sharpening your tools: Critical for success". "The Precision Sharpening System from Penn State Industries supplies everything you need to outfit your grinder for sharpening. With this jig, you'll get repeatable angles, sharp edges, and smooth bevels every time.

good tool, good price, poor instructions.

I just purchased, installed, and used (a bit) the PSI Precision Sharpening System for Lathe Chisels, LCGRIND4. In short, I agree with Wood Magazine's review -- good tool, good price, poor instructions. I suggest both the installation and use instructions could be greatly improved. For example, a side view of the base and wheel with measurements would help. I found at rockler.com OneWay Manufacturing