Rose Engine Fly Cutter, Round Rod

As with other tools, these cutters should be re-honed many times before they need to be re-ground (i.e., re-shaping them). This saves time, as well as making better use of the investment in the cutter metal.

Once the shape is established, the sharpener only needs to re-shape the cutter occasionally. Re-hone often.

The cutter shown to the right is a "V" shaped cutter, but shows the general ideas behind the angles noted below. The cutting edge shapes shown below are the cutter when viewed from the top.

Some historical information about sharpening these is available on the Ornamental Turning Book of Knowledge.

A well-sharpened fly cutter makes an incredible surface. It also makes an incredible mess of the cuttings flying everywhere.

Rich Colvin

General Guidelines
Use α β Comments
Prim Micro bevel
Cutting Frame 30° 30° +5°
V Shaped Cutter

SVD-186 Sleeve with Tool Holder
Use the sleeve from the Tormek SVD-186 (or SVD-185) Gouge Jig with the tool holder, as shown in the picture to the right.

My experience has shown that use of diamond grindstones, finishing up on the EF wheel, obviates the need for a micro-bevel.

Key Note: Setting a nose radius of 0.007 in. (0.2 mm) is a good idea. If it is too pointy, the result on the work will look rather like a just-raked sand trap. (I've used cutters purchased from Alibaba where this was a flat, not round. They worked quite well.)

The wide angle (α) for the eccentric cutting frame is needed so that the light is reflected back to the viewer. Otherwise, it simply looks like a set of thick dark lines. Something >90° is necessary.

45° 45°
60° 60°
Eccentric Cutting Frame 120° 120°
Cutting Frame n/a 65° n/a
U Shaped Cutter
Use the Tormek SVD-186 or SVD-185 Gouge Jig, in conjunction with the Round Cutter Holder.

SVD-186 Jig Settings
Hole JS P
B 4 55 mm
Cutting Frame n/a 60° +5°
Square Cutter

Use the Tormek SVD-110 Tool Rest with the Square Cutter Holder.

Key Note:. The high β angle helps support the cutting edge.

Notes & Comments

The Accu-Finish machine has been used for years by machinists. These machines use diamond wheels, or a ceramic lapping wheel with a diamond spray. It is is a really great machine, especially as it has a built-in goniostat, but it can be a bit expensive.

I've found the Tormek grinder to meet my needs, though I did have to make some of my own jigs.

Round Cutter Holder #1


Tool Holder in a SVD-186 Sleeve

This is the preferred jig to use for V-shaped cutters. It is held in the SVD-186's sleeve. The assembled set is shown in the picture to the right.


Plan for the Tool Holder
(click on the picture to see a larger image)

The end hole must be drilled for the cutter size. I generally use 3/16 inch rod for my cutters, so I used a #12 (0.1890) drill for the cutter insertion hole. Also, the diameter of the overall shaft must fit into the Tormek SVD-186 or SVD-185 jig.

If you use 1/8 inch rod for your cutter, I recommend drilling it with a #30 (0.1285) to make changing the cutter easier.

Round Cutter Holder #2


Tool Holder

This is the preferred jig to use for U-shaped cutters. This holder can be held in the SVD-186 as if it were a gouge.

Dimensions for the Round Cutter Holder are not terribly critical; I used 1 inch steel rod for mine, and it works very well.

The end hole must be drilled for the cutter size. I generally use 3/16 inch rod for my cutters, so I used a #12 (0.1890) drill for the cutter insertion hole. Also, the diameter of the overall shaft must fit into the Tormek SVD-186 or SVD-185 jig.

If you use 1/8 inch rod for your cutter, I recommend drilling it with a #30 (0.1285) to make changing the cutter easier.

Square Cutter Holder


Tool Holder

Alignment Block

This is the preferred jig to use for square cutters. This holder is used with the SVD-110 platform and an alignment block.

Dimensions for the Square Cutter Holder are also not terribly critical. I used 1/2 inch square steel rod, 2 1/2 inches long for mine, and it works very well.

And as with the Round Cutter Holder, the end hole must be drilled for the cutter size. I generally use 3/16 inch rod for my cutters, so I used a #12 (0.1890) drill for the cutter insertion hole. (For 1/8 inch rod, drill it with a #30 (0.1285) drill bit).

Square Cutter Holder Alignment Jig for the SVD-110

The plywood block shown to the right is used to align the Square Cutter Holder for proper, accurate angles when sharpening.

This one has an angle of 120°.

It was cut so that it would slide along the SVD-110 and not hit the grindstone.

More Information

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About this site
Remember : The goal of sharpening is to produce sharp tools, and these tools can injure you if mishandled. Safety measures should be followed to protect yourself and those in your shop. Be sure to read and follow all instructions from the manufacturer, and and utilize proper safety equipment. Never consume alcohol or anything that could impair your judgement before sharpening tools, or using sharp tools. Comments can be sent via eMail to me at SharpeningHandbook@Gmail.com.