The Robert Sorby Fingernail Profiler is a simple system
which enables the sharpening of bowl and spindle gouges
from ¼" to ¾". When sharpening
free-hand most turners including some of the most
experienced have their difficulties. This leads to
facets on the bevel which in turn leads to chatter
and a poor surface finish. Once set, this Profiler
ensures an even pressure is applied and hence a clean,
facet-less bevel is produced. The amount that the
blade extends from the Profiler is critical as this
determines the shape of the bevel and its angle. By
going back to the same length of extension the same
profile is achieved automatically thereby eliminating
the burning away of expensive high speed steel. All
guess-work is eliminated. Thus the Fingernail Profiler
not only gives a consistent shape but saves on the
need for replacement tools.
The Universal Sharpening System allows the woodworker
to sharpen a host of regular shaped tools -
like parting tools, scrapers, tips, plane irons,
bench chisels. It construction means that its is
adjustable for height so it may be used in conjunction
with 6" or 8" bench grinders with equal
ease. The platform is also adjustable for angle
- a handy Angle Finder is included. A nice
touch is that the adjusting nuts are all captive
so they are not lost in shavings. This robust, all-steel
design is an ideal sharpening aid.
The Deluxe Universal Sharpening System is
a combination of the Fingernail Profiler and
Universal Sharpening System and is a tremendous
accessory in every workshop. Its versatility
and ease of use have meant that thousands
of these systems have been sold to woodworkers
who have found sharpening to be one of their
main problem areas.
Full fitting
instructions
included.
Featured on the
"Robert
Sorby Specialist Tools - Part 2" CD.
Useful tips :
- when using the Fingernail Profiler is advisable - once your ideal profile
has been achieved - to make a mark or a stop on your bench to ensure that
you always go back to the same length of extension.
- use a 36 grit wheel for re-shaping and a 80 grit wheel for regular sharpening.
- the easiest way to sharpen is little and often - don't wait until your
tools are blunt.
Robert Sorby have added some interesting accessories to fit their highly popular
Universal Sharpening System. To the many thousands of owners there is now the
opportunity to retro-fit some interesting jigs which make tool sharpening not
only so much quicker but also much more accurate.
| In the original design of the platform Robert Sorby included four holes.
These were intended to be used by the woodworker to affix his own sharpening
table. Now such a table (ref. 447JAT) is available from the manufacturer. Made from heavy duty steel, this is fitted to the platform and held securely
in place by screws. Incorporated in the design is an accurately machined
slot into which three jigs fit.
|
 |
 | The first of these (ref. PESKEW) is the answer to most turners' prayer
as it is angled at 60 degrees on both sides to give an accurate presentation
of a skew chisel to the grinding wheel. This ensures both repeatability
and consistency for the one of the tools which causes almost every hobbyist
turner a headache. |
| The second (ref. PESQ) allows presentation of the tool at 90 degrees
to the wheel. That makes it ideal for sharpening not only the woodturner's
square scrapers but also his parting tools. For the cabinet maker this
jig offers the further, very real advantage of ensuring his bench chisels
are sharpening in a consistent fashion |  |
 | Finally there is a vee-shaped jig (PEVB) into which is suitable for holding
any round tool especially standard profile turning gouges - whether bowl,
spindle or roughing - which always represent a challenge to sharpen free
hand. |
By using any of the three jigs the woodworker is not only eliminating
a lot of guess-work in sharpening but is ensuring that the removal of
expensive steel is minimised during the sharpening process.
