Carbide graver sharpening…

[tmac1956]

All:

Rather than pay the price of trying to bid and win a Waller kit, I figured that I can buy a new set of gravers and handle at a reasonable price and perhaps a diamond wheel that I could use to keep them sharp. So… would one of these work? If so, what grit(s) do I need?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/120813028620?_trksid=p2055120.m1438.l2649&var=420052373926&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Thanks!
Tom

[chris mabbott]

Tom,

It depends, if you’re using blanks and forming the cutting end from scratch, I would say your first step is to remove the large quantity of material first, possibly using the 180-400. You can finish sharpen with a fine stone after the tip has been formed with 800 up.

David will know better as he uses the diamond stones so I could be in error, I’ll be curious to find out..

[david pierce]

Tom,
I would start with the 180 grit. Those wheels are so inexpensive that if you want a more polished surface you can purchase additional wheels with a finer grit.
david

[tmac1956]

david:

The Waller gravers are already cut, so I would just need to maintain them. However, if I ever wanted to buy blanks and sharpen them, then I would need to have multiple grits. Additionally, I want to build the fixture for making pivot drills so I might need multiple wheels anyway.

Thanks!
Tom

[david pierce]

Tom,
Carbide tends to chip and break away as opposed to steel that dulls with a wear pattern. The 180 grit wheel will be the most efficient way to bring a carbide tip back to working order.
david

[tmac1956]

David:

That’s good to know. So, here’s what I’m looking to get…

http://milehiclocksupplies.com/72.pdf (Waller graver and extra tip – bottom left of the PDF)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Grinding-Wheel-Holder-for-8mm-Watchmakers-Lathe-/140943260088?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item20d0df79b8 (arbor)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Diamond-Wheel-Watchmaker-Clockmaker-Lathe-/120813028620?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item61cd1291a3#ht_262wt_905 (wheel)

Thanks!
Tom

[david pierce]

Tom,
One hundred bucks buys the entire diamond wheel set. Can’t beat a deal like that!
david

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