Raptor Setup Tool

[Jon Prouty]

Just got my Raptor setup tools from CSUSA and wanted to try them out tonight. I go the complete set of 5 figuring I would probably want one that I didn't have in the future. Reset my Vari-Grind jig to match the instructions and got consistent results (which is what I wanted them for in the first place). I don't care so much if I am at 60 or 55 degrees but I want repeatibility every time without having to keep spot checking. I could have fiddled with making my own out of wood but my time in the shop is more valuable to me than the few bucks I spent on the jigs. The fit and finish of these things are pretty amazing for the few bucks they cost - I was surprised at how nice they really are. The steel is pretty heavy gauge and they look cool - what can I say, I am a tool junkie.

My wife asked me tonight if I thought I would soon have everything I wanted for turning - I looked at her and laughed. I said, the CSUSA catalog has a lot of things I don't have yet.

Just wanted to pass along my positive experience with these jigs... For what it is worth, my 60 degree setup gave me a 56 degree grind... But I will get that same grind each and every time. I didnt check the others to see what the result was. I am more than satisfied...

Happy turning
Jon

[Roy Turbett]

Just wanted to pass along my positive experience with these jigs... For what it is worth, my 60 degree setup gave me a 56 degree grind... But I will get that same grind each and every time. I didnt check the others to see what the result was. I am more than satisfied...

Happy turning
Jon

I also have the full set and like the ease of setup and repeatability. I don't think the problem you are getting with the finished angle is from the Raptor being off. The finished angle could be slightly off from the angle of the vari-jig being slightly off or the depth the tool is set in the jig being off. I'm sure you could play with the setup to get it right.

[Bill Walsh]

Jon, Raptor tools are very helpful when your sharpening several tools at different angles. They keep the angle consistant as the wheel wears down. The only thing that I didn't care for was the shape of the sharpened gouge when the leg was set for 23 degrees. (just not what I've gotten use to) My wolverine vari-jig "leg" is simply set about half way w/ 1-3/4" stick out. Now this changes the nose angle. The most common Raptor I use is marked "45", this gives me an approx. angle of 55 degrees. Don't quote me on exact degrees but somewhere close. I have two grinders with different grit wheels so making changes with the Raptor tools is simple and without wasteful grinding.
Bill

[Thom Sturgill]

I have the full set also, and for the same reason, consistent grind. I have a soft wheel and it seems to be disappearing rapidly. My next large purchase is a CBN wheel so that problem will go away. I need to mark each tool as to the setup jig I use, and wish I had a 25 for my detail gouge.

[Jon Prouty]

I tried again last night and made sure everything was setup perfect. Sill getting angles on the nose a few degrees off but I am not good enough to tell when working between 55 and 60 degrees anyway. still like them for getting my gear all set up. Thom - you will love the CBN wheel, I love mine.

Jon