Turning tool tuning tools

Turning tool tuning tools

Yeah, I think I said that right. 10 times now... quickly!

Soon, I will start in on a stairway restoration in my house. The existing
spindles are painted and may are beat up pretty badly (1860 vintage). The
newels and the rail are pretty cool, so I am going to save those. The wife
would like natural wood, so I will be remaking all the spindles.

The plan is to fume white oak for a rich dark color.... Am I asking for
trouble trying to turn Oak?

I have not done a lot of turning, but I have found that my POS crapsman
lathe has performed surprisingly well for my prior spindle turning projects.

I have never really solved the problem of sharpening turning tools. Not
that I am facing 60 spindles, I think I have to address that issue. Turning
is NOT the focus of my hobby, so I can't see speding most of my annual tool
budget on a fully decked out Tormek.

For chisels and plane irons, I'm happy with scary sharp for the major
sharpenings and a water stone for freehand touch-ups inbetween. It is my
understanding that a micro-bevel is a no-no for turning tools, so sume sort
of jig is required.

Is there a fixture/system out there for < $200 that will do a decent job?

The LV Kelton looks interesting

Any comments? It almost looks like a facimile could be built, except for the
"multi-grind" and is that really necessary.
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?page=49227&category=1,43072&ccurrency=2&SID=

Thanks,

Steve