Woodturning Jigs and Tools

The Tobias Kaye/VB Grinding and Sharpening Jig

Because reliably sharp edges are the foundation of the craft

You wont find this jig for sale in the big shops and catalogues because there is not enough mark-up for them. This jig is manufactured of such quality materials and to such a high standard that it costs almost as much to make as you are paying for it.

This jig is probably the most accurate in the world. It uses swing technology and not the helix type rise and fall because that gets you a better grind.

The swing type of jig is based on the technique the old Sheffield knife grinders used for getting the two sides of a pocket knife blade to the same curve. Being old school craftsmen the used “seat of the pants” research and not geometry to make the device work for them. Jerry Glaser of Hi-Tec Tools in California, famous for his high quality steel tools developed a woodturners version. Being a generous man he did not patent it. After speaking with him I worked out the geometry behind the way it works and wrote it up for Good Woodworking magazine in 1993, along with a design for a DIY version. At least one manufacturer has developed a version since but none except VB manufacturing has used the flexibility available within the geometry sufficiently to allow both it’s advantages to show up.

These are:

• Really accurate regrinding of any shape without extra steel loss.
• Adjustability to cope with the full range of woodturning tool shapes.

With this jig you get split second set up:

This means that you can change from one setting to another in around one second, (no exaggeration) yet each setting is so accurate that the same tool returned to the grinder after resetting will grind to exactly the same angle. This makes sharpening quicker as well as saving on expensive tool steel.

With this jig you get whistle sharp edges.

Because of this accuracy you get unusually sharp edges, giving you the advantage over cheaper jigs.

With this jig you get full control over the shape of the cutting edge.

Sharpness is important but the profile of the cutting edge also has a huge effect on how the tool cuts. The instructions for this jig have a full set of hints and tips on the best profiles for different projects. Using this jig you get full control over the shape that you grind your cutting edge to.

With this jig you get swept back profiles of all types.

Confused about swept back or side ground profiles? Don’t be. The place and usefulness of these edges is explained in detail in the booklet you get with the jig. The swing attachment is capable of grinding safe, standard or aggressive side grinds on any woodturning tool. Yes even scrapers!

All this is built into the jig with such care that this tool will last a life time.

THE FULL KIT INCLUDES EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO SHARPEN ANY WOODTURNING TOOL

1. Swing Jig. Holds any fingernail tool at the perfect angle.

2. Main Slide. Positions the jig where you need it. Exactly.

3. Vertical Slide. Holds the angle plate one end and the hinge ball for the swing jig on the other.

4. Base Plate. Fixes and includes the tube for the main slide.

You also get: A full set of Instructions, with Easy-Fit mounting Templates,

plus Templates for grind angles, Templates for checking your tool angles,

AND Templates for making Pre-Set Blocks that will set up your jig with pinpoint accuracy in seconds.

THIS WHOLE KIT FOR only £115

ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN OPTIONAL EXTRA

A second Mounting Plate and Tube.

For easy use of the coarse wheel. The Base Plate is usually mounted on both sides. Swapping from one to the other is two minutes work with a screw driver.

With this option swapping wheels becomes much quicker.

SPECIAL OFFER options and prices

Option A

PRE-CUT PARTS FOR A MOUNTING BOX

Base sides front and top as per cutting list.
Ready to assemble as below or as wall mount. £25

Option B *

HAVE YOUR JIG AND GRINDER PROFESSIONALLY MOUNTED

This style of box with the jig, two base tubes and a new high quality grinder mounted together, ready for use.

£210 plus cost of chosen grinder, recommendations on request

Option C *

AS OPTION B PLUS FULL SET OF SET UP BLOCKS

Blocks ready made and tested to pre-set the jig for the same angles on your tools as used by Tobias Kaye in his own work and teaching. N.B. These blocks can easily be made from the instructions and outlines provided in the instruction booklet.

Options B & C are for the busy man or woman with money.

£260 (plus cost of chosen grinder.)

Wheel dressers and Honing stones also available.

Diamond Matrix dressers. Latest technology, easy to use, incomparably effective.

The latest White Ceramic honing stones. Two sizes, one price:

Heart Shaped, comes in a tube, or Flat, Bevelled Edges in a leather wallet.

(I also sell the latest ASP 2060 tools from Hamlet. For sharper edges than ever before)

* NB mounting the jig and making the setting blocks can only be done with the grinder present due to differences in shape and size of grinders. If you already have a high quality grinder the jig and base may be set up using this.

Postage and packing amounts are only charged at cost.
Within the UK videos cost £2.50 and Jigs £8.50. other prices depend on item and location.
Please specify whether you prefer normal postal delivery or urgent carrier when ordering.