Sharpening Handbook

Vortex Tool

The Vortex's cutting edge is kept sharp by honing the upper edge (β₁). A slip stone (or something similar) is recommended.

Side View

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Perspective View

Top View

These angles give an overall cutting edge of 25° which is very acute, but works very well when turning into tight spaces (e.g., finials).

General Guidelines
β₁	5°	n/a	For the top bevel, it is not critical that the angle be exactly this value, but the overall angle (β₁ + β₂) should be 25°. This surface does need to intersect with the bottom bevel in a way which forms a sharp edge along the entire intersection. There is a relief ground into the center of the top bevel (the area colored red in the picture to the right). The purpose for this relief is to reduce the surface area which must be honed, speeding the sharpening process (as with the back face of Japanese chisels). The shape of this is not critical, but be sure that at least ¹/₁₆" (2mm) of face remains for the cutting (the area colored blue in the picture to the right).
β₂	20°	+5°	For the bottom bevel, this is circular grind much like if you had used a pencil sharpener to perform the work. A relief can be ground on this heel of the tool (as is done on Single Point Cutting Tools on the metal lathe). If added, +5° is recommended. Be sure that at least ¹/₈" (3mm) of primary bevel remains.

General Guidelines

Edge

Edge Angle

Relief Angle

Comments

β₁

5°

n/a

For the top bevel, it is not critical that the angle be exactly this value, but the overall angle (β₁ + β₂) should be 25°.

This surface does need to intersect with the bottom bevel in a way which forms a sharp edge along the entire intersection.

There is a relief ground into the center of the top bevel (the area colored red in the picture to the right). The purpose for this relief is to reduce the surface area which must be honed, speeding the sharpening process (as with the back face of Japanese chisels). The shape of this is not critical, but be sure that at least ¹/₁₆" (2mm) of face remains for the cutting (the area colored blue in the picture to the right).

β₂

20°

+5°

For the bottom bevel, this is circular grind much like if you had used a pencil sharpener to perform the work.

A relief can be ground on this heel of the tool (as is done on Single Point Cutting Tools on the metal lathe). If added, +5° is recommended. Be sure that at least ¹/₈" (3mm) of primary bevel remains.

Notes & Comments

Information regarding Grindstones

If grinding this on a high speed grinder or sander, be sure to manage the temperature so that the temper is not lost due to overheating.

High Carbon Steel

Temperature control is critical for high carbon steel. Tempering will be lost in the steel if heated until it is blue (~550°F / 300°C). Cool by dipping in water as needed.

High Speed Steel

Cool by dipping in water as needed.

More Information

Videos & Presentations

Sharpening the Drozda Vortex Tool for Woodturning (YouTube video).

Tormek Sharpening Classes: Part 23 - Reshaping woodturning tools on a bench grinder (YouTube video). In this episode of the Tormek sharpening classes we explain how you can quickly and with full control, re-profile your turning tools on your bench grinder. The BGM-100 Bench Grinder Mounting Kit allows you to use the same jig settings as on your water-cooled Tormek sharpening system. It is therefore easy to do the rough shaping on the bench grinder and then continue to sharpen and maintain the edge of your Tormek machine.

Tormek is a copyrighted logo of Tormek AB. Its presentation on this site is used to help the user quickly understand when specific Tormek tools, jigs, or setting are being used. For specific information regarding Tormek AB, or its products, please refer to the www.Tormek.com.

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.