After I spoiled half a dozen pen blanks with my trimming tool, I noticed it had become very dull, hence the poor results.
Here's my Rotur trimming tool:
Screenshot 2025-03-26 at 16.07.11.png
I'll move the blade assembly to the tip of the shank and tighten the hex screw:
Screenshot 2025-03-26 at 16.07.48.png
Then I put the tool onto the SVD-186R jig and put it all the way down to make sure I'm sharpening all blades on the same plane:
Screenshot 2025-03-26 at 16.08.06.png
Screenshot 2025-03-26 at 16.08.27.png
Then I'll use the marker method and sharpen first blade, then rotate the blade assembly 90° until all four blades are done. The trimming tool is now Tormek sharp.
Screenshot 2025-03-26 at 16.08.45.png
Regards, Rane
Rane has a great point. I like his approach, but wanted a way to ensure that all the cutters were consistently cut to the same depth and perpendicular to the axis of rotation for the pen mill.
I added a part to the 3D-printed goniostat (https://www.sharpeninghandbook.info/Jigs-Goniostat.html) to address sharpening the pen mill also. Using the depth stop helps ensure the cutters are consistent.
(https://www.sharpeninghandbook.info/Images/WW-PenMill-03.png)
The angle on all my pen mills of this type is around 10°, and that matches those recommended for soft metals in Design and Use of Cutting Tools by St. Clair.
This is very easily done on the Tormek, and I now will be cursing less when making pens.
You can see the details at https://www.sharpeninghandbook.info/WW-PenMill.html and
https://www.sharpeninghandbook.info/Jigs-Goniostat.html.
Hey, how awesome is that! Well done Rich!