Best stone for gouge sharpening

[ramischarf]

Hello,

I am new to this forum but not to sharpening. I recently upgraded to a T-8 from a T-3 that had the SG-200 stone. I used to shape my tools on this stone but recently moved to a generic grinder followed by finishing on the Tormek. I was wondering what is the experience of others with finishing/retouching on the more expensive stones.

Thanks,

Rami

[RichColvin]

Rami,

Congratulations on your upgrade!  Did you keep the T-3 also?

When reshaping a tool, it really depends on the metals

• If it is HSS, I will often use a bench grinder and the Tormek BGM-100, but
• It it is high carbon steel (such as many of the tools I inherited or bought second-hand), I find the SG-250 works quite well.

When sharpening the tool, again, it depends on the metal:

• For HSS, I like to use the DF-250 as it's consistent diameter makes a lot of things easier, and
• For high carbon steel, I will usually use the SG-250. If it needs a very smooth surface, I will then follow the SG-250 with the SJ-250.

For honing turning tools, I find the Tormek CW composite wheel works well.

I hope that helps.

Kind regards,
Rich

[WimSpi]

As an older carpenter, I sharpen my tools on the T8 with diamond discs (DC-250, DF-250, and DE-250). I don't use woodturning chisels, but I do use woodchissels and plane irons.

Then I switch to a fine flat (diamond) whetstone and then to a Belgian grinding stone (https://ardennes-coticule.com/nl?srsltid=AfmBOopjWZ0lC9pWGWfQmXx366UvkT7CeYZWYIIjr8o1YzPeytmtgGxc).

The DC-250 was an important addition, because as a carpenter I sometimes have to deal with damage to the sharp edge of a chisel.