Hello, its my first post here and I was wondering if there is a Tormek jig available for sharpening centre punches and the like?
As I am getting on and the old eyesight is not as it was, I use an optical centre punch all the time. The punch piont on these needs to be.. in the centre for best results.
I am having trouble grinding the points in the exact centre by hand.
Welcome to the forum, Gangle. At present, I know of no jig for sharpening center punches. However, by posting, you may have planted a seed with the members. We have been known to generate ideas.
Ken
Gangle, see my homemade jig for drill bit sharpening http://forum.tormek.com/index.php?topic=3226.msg18859#msg18859
Center punch sharpening is much easier. You have to tilt the base of the jig towards the shaft. :)
If your center punch is short (as in the Veritas set) you may have to modify the jig concept to get some clearance for your fingertips which spin the tool. :)
Jan
If I need a very accurate center that is smoothly cut, then I use my mini metal lathe. Works amazingly well.
Otherwise I use the method I was taught for sharpening TIG bits using a drill and a bench grinder. A picture is below. By revolving the bit with the drill whilst sharpening, it keeps the point well centered.
(http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w419/richcolvin/IMG_7958_zpsfcfybfxj.jpg)
Apologies to Tormek about posting a solution not using your system, but I couldn't find a way to send a PM to Jim with the picture attached.
Well done, ?rich.
Ken
Thanks for the answers, Jan's jig looks like the go, I'll be making one of those!