How to hold a tall style parting tool

[paul vechart]

Does anyone know the proper way to hold a tall (not wide) style parting tool. I have a Sorby like the one below. Is the long angle edge or short angle edge used in the down position? I tryed both ways...but if there is a correct way I would Like to know.

248247

Thanks,
Paul

[Roger Chandler]

I hold mine the way you have it pictured, with the small side down into the cut.

[Paul Williams]

I also hold mine as pictured, but Roger, doesn't that mean that the long side is down?

[Roger Chandler]

I also hold mine as pictured, but Roger, doesn't that mean that the long side is down?


I was referring to the small point being down and not up! Same difference! ;)

[John Keeton]

Like the pic. I sharpen on the bottom angle as positioned in the pic.

[Eric Gourieux]

That's what I do, too

[paul vechart]

Thanks for the replies everyone and thanks John for the sharpening tip.

Paul

[Peter Blair]

Good question Paul. I have a home made one sort of like this and it seems to cut best when I 'ride the bevel' but feels really awkward!

[Jamie Donaldson]

The orientation in the posted image is correct, as the wide top of the blade reduces the possibility of twisting and binding as the kerf goes deeper.

[Michael Stafford]

I use my thin parting tool exactly as pictured but have reduced the lower bevel to about 1/8". As you approach the parting cut "rub/ride" the bevel and gradually raise the handle to engage the cutting edge and then arc your way through the cut.

The depth of cut with parting tools like this is limited and the user should be careful not to bind the blade.

[Tony Profera]

I use it the sam eway. I find that the tool rest height is important. You might experiment with this to see what height works for you.

[Keith Westfall]

WOW! Never having been told any different when I bough my used Delta LA200, I've always used it the "other" way around! Seems to work OK and seem to have plenty of control...

Who knew...?