Sharpening Handbook

Spiralling & Texturing Tool

Sometimes I know the tool is sharp; other times it reminds me.

Rich Colvin

The Spiralling Tool wheel (shown to the right) is sharpened by rubbing a 120 - 150 grit diamond file against the bevel on the wheel whist it is being spun. The surface to be sharpened is indicated by the arrow.

The wheel can be spun by hand, or by pressing it against a spinning piece of scrap wood.

The Texturing Tool wheel (shown to the left) should be spun by pressing it against a spinning piece of scrap wood (400-500 RPM).

This is highly recommended as the edges are pretty sharp points!

More Information

Books & Papers

Some information presented is from the Tormek handbook, "Water Cooled Sharpening of Edge Tools".

Videos & Presentations

Spiralling and texturing tool part 1 (YouTube video). Sharpening technique starts around 2:00, so video set to start at the same point. Note how the video says to set the scrap wood's rotation at 400-500 RPM when sharpening via that method.

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.