latest Vortex victim.....

[Steve Schlumpf]

Oneway makes the balance system to fit 1/2", 5/8" and 3/4" shafts. So, you should be able to find something that works. http://www.oneway.ca/sharpening/balancing.htm

[Don Orr]

Thanks for looking it up.

I also went to the Craftsman site and found an 8" grinder model #22018 for $230 ! I paid $99 for mine several years ago on sale.

Walt, you might want to look into Dewalt grinders. They have an 8" for about $150 that would be good.

Another thing to be aware of is the width of the grinder base. Some Dleta and others have a wide base that causes problems when mounting the Wolverine system under the wheels.

[Chip Sutherland]

You're driving skills will deteriorate as you look at every fallen tree you see....wishing you had your chainsaw with you. When you're really addicted you start wishing perfectly good trees would suddenly fall at your feet begging to be cut round and spun on your lathe.

[Harvey Ghesser]

Walt,

Check out the Baldor bench grinder. Smooth as silk.

Harv

[Walt Caza]

My thanks to all responders,
It seems Steve S. runs his 8" Norton wheels in 120x and 150x.
I was planning to go Norton 3x supercool blue in 80x (k-bond)
and a cool white 120x (h-bond) because they are readily available
to me through Lee Valley.
Do you find the smoother grit yields a noticeable keener edge?

Alex C. -ok, I guess I have passed teetering and officially slipped.
I was in denial. No doubt my brain trying to protect my wallet.

Rusty -While counterintuitive, rookies to anything can teach the more
informed, because they bring questions from new-mind.
When I teach drums, I enjoy the way newbies attack things!

George -tried to run, but slipped right in, with both feet

Jim -I will gladly reveal my new lathe once I can put my hands on it.
It has been a dream of mine for sooo looong, I hardly believe it's coming...
I don't dare jinx it! (and I don't even believe in jinxes?)

Ryan -your thumb's down on 450 model, thanks for your experience.
you taught me not only vibration, but wobble is bad too...
good insight that snorting metal dust is messy too!
(and perhaps less than healthy)

Rob M. -I can't wait to be addicted to the sound of peeling shavings,
rather than addicted to poring thru tool catalogs into the night(?)

George -Do they hold turner rehab meetings? I hear the first step is
to admit you have a problem...

Mark -Ya, I'm tryin' to get a decent tool grinder too...
I aim to amuse you more, by stumbling thru every rookie mistake.
Maybe even invent some new ones!

Jeff -I'll try not to get paralysis from over-analysis. Just trying to look
both ways before my hard-earned savings crosses the street!
Intriguing that yours runs true without add-ons... lucky guy

Tom -eek... dark side? Abandon hope all ye who enter here... aack

Rob C. -So the point-of-no-return is clearly chisel touching spinning wood?
Congrats on your new RN daughter... oops, wrong thread

Bernie -So not only is it a black hole... but it is also deep?
What kind of trap is this?? It's insidious, sinister, diabolical...

Don -Thanks for suggesting Sears. I guess I think of them as 'my Dad's'
hardware store. I seldom go near Sears.
Sears Canada offers two models, Sears US has a list of choices.
I will keep the yellow ones in play. Good warning on wide bases!

Chip -So now I will like it when trees fall down? Cool!
I was unaware that lumberjacking came along with turning...

Harvey -Well... ya! As a tool man the Baldors look impressive.
I have never seen one, and unsure I can get one in Canada,
but boy, they make good stuff! My cyclone has Baldor 5hp up
top... and the neighbours report their cat seems to be missing.
Details sketchy on if the two events are somehow related!
The only downside is... I might need to win the lottery first

My plan for now is a dragon with four heads:
-try to get the fresh General Int model 15-825 to serve my needs,
before returning it to seek an alternative. (I'm so loyal?)

-Creeker Gary Zimmel is sending me some wolverine components,
turns out he has 'extra', which will be another story, for another day.
Thanks in advance to GZ (my buddy 2000 miles away)

-I placed an order yesterday for other Oneway jig components
See, that didn't hurt a bit. Actually... it stung most memorably!
They say buy quality... and you only cry once?

-planning to score some grinder wheels from maybe Lee Valley, and soon

Thanks for the warm welcome and strong input,
hope you get some shop time,
Walt

ps next mission ... a nice shallow topic with few options... quest for lathe cutting tools... EEK

[Steve Schlumpf]

Walt

I like using the finer grits for sharpening because once you have the bevel formed the way you want it - all you want to do is use a light touch when sharpening to just refresh the edge. The other grit wheels - like the 80 - work great for forming the bevel but I sure wouldn't want it for everyday use.

[Randy Hoch]

I recommend ordering wheels directly from Oneway in Canada. Talk to Tim. He knows this topic well and is very opinionated about it. He recommends a different wheel for slow speed grinders. I just upgraded my wheels for my Woodcraft grinder and it works fine and makes a humongous difference. My first attempt at upgrade was Norton 3X wheels, neither of which would balance, so I returned them. (thank you Craft Supplies USA)
The cup flanges both need removing and replaced with the washer which is supplied in the Oneway balancing kit. The fit is perfect. As a matter of fact,
yesterday was my first day with the new set-up. This will undoubtedly improve my turning.

I've been turning now for a year and a half and like it even more than when I started. Good luck with your adventure!

Randy

[Bob Hallowell]

Congrads,
The first thing I would do is contact Leo and see how far he lives from you, if he's close enough go visit him as he has more turning talent in his pinky the most do in our whole bodies.

Bob