Skunk Works

Grinding Center

Besides the Layout table, possibly the most important tool in my shop is this grinding center. Without sharp cutters, you cannot do precise machine work. My grinding center consists of my Quorn Tool and Cutter Grinder that I built, and is described elsewhere in this gallery. To the right is a Milwaukee bench grinder that is dedicated to a specific duty. The right side grinding wheel is a silicon carbide stone (green grit) used with the Grind-R-Table, and used specifically for grinding carbides used for turning in my lathe. The left side grinding wheel has a white stone for grinding tool steel and in my shop, is used specifically for sharpening drill-bits with my Darex drill sharpener that I have owned for more than 25 years. The preferred route to drill-bit sharpening is to use a dril-bitl sharpening machine. Yes, some machinists can create a sharp drill-bit. But does the drill have the optimal point angle? With this machine, I know that each drill-bit is sharpened exactly as the drill-bit sharpened before. The hand sharpened drill-bit may or may not match its predecessor. If sharpened by hand, is the geometry right? For example, even the best off hand drill-bit sharpener cannot create an S point drill-bit. Beyond sharp, specific relief and point angle are very important. With the proper drill-bit sharpening machine, achieving the right drill-bit point is not just guess work. The bench that my grinding center consists of, was built from steel tubing specifically for this purpose, and also houses a cabinet that holds the various accessories required for the grinding center. Quorn Tool & Cutter Grinder... http://www.jerryclement.ca/MachineShop/Machine-Shop/i-7DrxbV6