Accuracy and repeatability are essential for the sharpening of woodworking and woodturning tools, and these are the qualities that the concept of a 'Precision Grinding Jig' from C. & M. O'Donnell brings to the tool sharpening process.

The jig is of robust construction with a cast iron base and other components of substantial steel bar, plated for corrosion protection. The hand wheels are large and easily gripped, even with dusty hands.

Once set up in front of the grinder, by following the clear instructions in the booklet, it is very simple to use. A slip gauge is provided to set the distance of the platform from the wheel. This should be checked and adjusted as necessary about once per week to compensate for the wheel wear and maintain the accuracy of the angles. Ready for operation, the jig has 4 pre-set bevel angles (15°; 25°; 30°; & 45°) which are most frequently found on woodworking tools with an accurate, detented location for each. These pre-set positions ensure that the angle is set exactly the same each time speeding up the process of sharpening and giving increased tool life.

The angles may also be varied infinitely between these pre-set positions to give any angle to suit particular requirements.  The instruction manual gives a list of bevel angles for different woodworking and woodturning tools.

The platform is large, giving a firm and positive rest for the tool while sharpening. Changing the angle is simply a matter of slackening the locating screw and sliding the platform up or down.

The platform is slotted to take the various accessories supplied with the system.  The guide set consists of a 60° guide for skew chisels etc., a 90° guide for square chisels and plane blades etc. and a slide bar to which a block of wood may be affixed to produce a customised guide.  For maintaining the surface of the wheel square to the toolrest and ensuring that the surface does not become glazed  - which can lead to overheated tools -  a diamond dresser is provided which slides laterally across the slot and dresses the wheel surface.  Note that both the guide set and the diamond dresser are included in the Sharpening Systems.

Unfortunately, due to a production hiatus, the O'Donnell Grinder Jigs are currently unavailable.  It is expected that the jigs will be available again at a later date.  In the meantime, if you would like to be placed on the waiting list for one of these jigs, please drop a line to jig_list@toolpost.co.uk

In need of Advice or Assistance in making your purchase decision? Send your queries by e-mail to advisor@toolpost.co.uk