Grinding Lathe Tools

Reviewer: Maury S.

This was the second of two videos which we rented. Both were well done with clear sharp pictures. The sound was good quality. The script was well thought out and presented in a logical concise manner. I suppose there are always things which might have been presented in greater detail but after we have rented several programs on the subject we will have a better idea of just what we need to be looking for.

It will probably be some weeks before we rent again as the summer is upon us with plenty of chores to be done. We do look forward to more rentals next fall.

Reviewer: Charles C.

This DVD gives a step by step guide to proper shaping and grinding of lathe tools. There are also instructions for building a grinding jig to simplify the process. If you're not familiar with the process, this is the video for you!!

Reviewer: Ray R.

Good information for anyone working with grinders and wanting to make their own cutting tools for the lathe. He covered some good points on shop safety as well.

Reviewer: Darrell G.

If your going to do lathe work, this is a must. If the tool does not cut, work does not come out right and everything is done for nothing. It is good and comes with drawing for the tool holder. Get it and you will love it.

Reviewer: Alex S.

Very complete, good organization, good examples. Nice handout on the toolholder.

Reviewer: Tri N.

The video is good presented and well organizing but not what I was expected. The content is just a basic introduction, with a lack of on hand practicing.

Reviewer: Larry N.

If you are new to grinding lathe tools I cannot think of a better and more complete instruction. It is slow paced, and packed with details. It is very good.

Reviewer: Rodney J.

Very poor editing and filming. Thank god for 2x fast forwarding

Reviewer: Fred B.

Great the newbie. I was hoping for a more elaborate grinding table.

Reviewer: John L.

Very Good DVD on grinding lathe tools!! Along with its drawings & plan to made your grinding jig!!

Reviewer: James G.

This DVD has a wealth of information and will be a huge help to anyone trying to grind lathe tools for the first time.

As always, the sorely missed Rudy Kouhoupt is a great instructor. In rare instances he tries to speak above the whine of the grinder, which is a mistake, but it doesn't happen often.

It's a pity that the photographer, and more egregiously the film editor, do not match his high standards. Most of the DVD is fine, but there are occasional moments of stupifying editing incompetence.

The only serious complaint concerns the amount of guesswork needed to figure out what is going on when Mr. Kouhoupt is grinding the rake angles. At this point the photographer might have been asleep.

And look for the deja vu moment about 45 minutes into the DVD.

Reviewer: Michael S.

This hour-long-ish video from Rudy Kouhoupt is a good one. He talks about the angles and the types of lathe tool bits. He uses a bench grinder and talks about the types of stones for good machining. I happen to have a carbide grinder, but this information is still what I wanted. The hand scraping on a stone for the finish, is the particular thing I was missing. We'll see if my cutting will improve.

Happy Machining!

Reviewer: Richard S.

This system works very well. I was able to get the information I needed at a reasonable cost. All the materials were in good condition and the return process was very simple. I will use this service again.

Reviewer: Robert M.

Very worthwhile, I learned a lot about proper lathe bit sizes, purposes and grinding.

Reviewer: Zoltan S.

I was always hesitant to grind my own lathe bits. Somehow I thought that you needed one of those fancy grinders with the calibrated adjustable table and miter gauge.

Well nothing could be further from the truth.

Rudy uses nothing more than an inexpensive bench grinder and a home made tool rest to support the bits. He shows you how to build this supporting tool rest with an adjustable miter gauge. He then shows how to adjust the unit and calibrate and verify the cutting angles.

Seeing his technique for grinding the bits was also useful. He also covers the different types of grinding wheels, their uses and care.

Well worth my time.

Reviewer: Jonathan B.

Enjoyed the video. I watched it a couple of times to help me fall asleep, Rudy K. with that little cartoon voice and inflection is somehow very relaxing to my ear. And heres the thing, there is actually some good information here, and generally well explained and presented. I didn't care for a few of the camera angles, like where you get to see Rudy's hand obstructing the grinding wheel while he grinds away for a looooooong time, or when he pulls the tool bit out from in front of the camera while he talks about it and the camera stays focused on the grinding wheel slowing down after he's turned it off. Overall, you can learn something here (besides that Rudy liked Country Crock spread), if you are willing to put up with the pace and lack of professional videography. I'd recommend this video to anyone who is interested in grinding their own tools. Or, who needs some sleep.

Reviewer: david c.

this video has some good info but presentation is painfully slow