Ellsworth signature gouge

Jeff-

I used a Vari-grind jig for about a year. The the only problem was that I could never reset it EXACTLY right after adjusting it for some other tool. I could get close, but there was always a bit of regrinding when I wanted to sharpen.

If you have a Vari-grind use it. Just check your adjustment by turning the wheel by hand before firing up the grinder. You can black the tool tip with a Sharpie to help you see where the wheel is touching.

I have the speciality jig now and I recommend it.

BobaLew Aledo, TX

Jeff, I have several of the swept back grind gouges including the Ellsworth signature one, and sharpen them all with the Ellsworth jig. The only one that matched the Ellsworth gring prefictly was the Glases gouge. The others were very close. I have never used the Vari-grind, but repeatability is essential robo hippy

I bought the same DVD yesterday at Arrowmont.

1. The Ellsworth Grind does not appear to be significantly different from other side grinds.
2. I was able to duplicate the factory grind of my new Crown PM 1/2" Bowl Gouge with Ellsworth Grind on my Wolverine with vari-grind attachment. (Set the arm on notch 3 and let the nose of the gouge protrude 2" from the vari-grind. The rest (the actual shaping) is in your hands.
3. Arrowmont had the Ellsworth jig for .95, but I passed. I'll stick with my vari-grind for now.

Barry

It is worth mentioning the "Vertical Solution" by Don Geiger. It incorporates the Ellsworth gauge, 2 inch gauge and compensation for the height and grinder wheel size in one compact unit. It is a durable welded steel fixture that duplicates the Ellsworth grind repeatedly. See it at:

Try this:

Ooo, thanks, Barry. A valuable piece of info--the setting on the Vari-Grind, that is. I've got a new 1/2" bowl gouge that's been sitting around collecting dust. It was inexpensive (but a good tool--from Jet), has the old square grind, and I would like to do a side-grind. It may not end up exactly like Ellsworth's, but it should be okay. I'll give your setting a try.

Jeff