Lathe Tool Sharpening and Other Things (Tool Grinding Made Easy)

Reviewer: Frank T.

As someone new to metal turning and the mini-lathe in particular, I have found Jose Rodriguez's instructional DVDs to be invaluable in my own learning process. I have reviewed his introduction to the Taig lathe elsewhere on this web site. In this video, Rodriguez takes the mystery out of grinding tool bits, drill bits, milling bits, and other shop items. After discussing grinder safety, he shows how to make three simple, easy grinds to produce a cutting bit for almost any kind of metal. It's really as simple as one, two, three. All you need is tool bit stock, a grinder, an adjustable tool rest, and some patience. I looked at a lot printed diagrams of cutting bits, but never really understood the angles and their purposes until I watched this DVD. Highly recommended.

Reviewer: Martin D.

This is one of Jose's more recent productions and this shows up with superior production values. I liked the measured approach to the subject, and the fact that the work is done on a common and reasonably priced grinder.

An excellent introduction to the basics and a "must have" for anyone who is a beginner and looking at the whole subject of tool grinding with some trepidation.

Reviewer: Corey R.

OUTSTANDING! I wish I had seen this video when I first bought my minilathe.

Reviewer: Geoffrey B.

Clear instructions and OK close-ups. Some of the long repetative grinding could have been edited out to make it a bit shorter and not lose any information.

Reviewer: Gary R.

As with all the videos I have rented, this one also was very useful and presented the information very clearly.

Reviewer: Robert E.

Just a quick note, good video,showed me some things I needed to see. I would like to rent more videos, but its a bit to pricey.

I think I'll only rent one more on lathes and thats it.

Thanks,

Robert Elder

Reviewer: Hector B.

I found Your selection to my satisfaction.I look forward for more, I will return.

Reviewer: Alan H.

I found that this video was less valuable than the one on tool grinding by Rudy Kouhoupt. If you were to only view one of them, take Rudy's.

Reviewer: Austin L.

I suppose that if I knew absolutely nothing about the world of tools and grinding, I would learn something. However, Jose has a very pleasant voice and demeanor. He speaks very clearly in a calm voice. Unfortunately he is an idiot and has no business giving instructions to anyone. I couldn't even make it through the whole video. First, he doesn't know the difference between a left handed cutter and a right one. I thought at first I misheard him but HE mislabeled them twice. It started to get really funny until I saw something very dangerous. He was describing how one would test a grinding wheel for cracks. This is a very basic and fundamental task in the shop. It's called a "Ring Test". But apparently he didn't know that. Anyway the test is performed while holding the wheel in your hand and gently striking it with a hard object and listening to the tone. This moron demonstrated his version by tapping on the wheel with a plastic pen WHILE THE WHEEL WAS ALREADY MOUNTED ON THE GRINDER. This is improper and could cause some one to get hurt. I have not watched his other films, I refuse to.

Reviewer: Thomas K.

I enjoyed it but was expecting to see more tools sharpened.

Reviewer: Patrick M.

I was not as happy with this video. Don't get me wrong, if you're a beginner its a good starting point, but I think most of us are going to be starting out using aluminum, and he does not go into much detail about the proper sharpening for an aluminum bit.

His bits are ground for brass turning, but brass is an extremely expensive metal to be practicing with. Aluminum is far cheaper and a better starting metal for beginners.

He does mention in passing about how to cut the bit for softer metals, but I feel he should have been a bit more detailed than he was.

All in all, a good video.

Patrick M.

Reviewer: brent p.

Very good video. Helped clear up some of the problems i was having.