Lineshaft Sharpening
T
HIS INEXPENSIVE SHARPENING SETUPputs a keen edge on tools in
seconds without the usual heat buildup problems of powered
abrasive wheels. To construct the setup, laminate four 7-in. wheel
blanks from plywood or particleboard. Epoxy the blanks to shaft
collars, which are set-screwed to the^1 ⁄ 2 -in. lineshaft. The shaft turns in
pillow blocks mounted on an oak frame. If a lathe is not available, the
wheel blanks can be trued right on the lineshaft with a chisel and a
temporary tool rest.
Cement emery-cloth strips (80 grit and 320 grit) to two of the
wheels, lining the wheels first with burlap-backed cork (available from
a linoleum dealer). Cement leather to the other two wheels. Mount
the leather flesh side out to one wheel and hair side out to the other.
Charge the “flesh” wheel with emery, the “hair” wheel with rouge.
Using rubber cement for all mountings will make replacement easier
later on.
An old^1 ⁄ 4 -hp appliance motor will provide sufficient power. Size the
motor and lineshaft pulleys so the wheels turn at 500 to 600 rpm up
and away from the operator.
Dull tools may need treatment on all four wheels, but most tools
can be sharpened on only the finer two or three wheels.
—ROBERTL. KOCH,Tarlsio, Mo.
CHAPTER FOURLeatherEmery cloth