Harold Hall
Workshop Projects
Grinding Rest, Simple Design, Harold Hall
Sharpening workshop tools is probably one of the least understood workshop process which is unfortunate as working with blunt cutters diminishes the satisfaction gained from most workshop activities. This, mainly due to the lack of any sharpening equipment, beyond that of an off hand grinder, its cost no doubt being the reason for the absence.
To overcome this hurdle I have developed two grinding rests that, with accessories, are capable of carrying out most tasks that a tool and cutter grinder will, and with comparable results.
This page illustrates the Simpler of the two which was initially designed to be made in the workshop possessing just a lathe. Even so, this is capable of results virtually the equal of those obtained with the advanced rest.
The design drawings for this rest can be found in my book
“Tool and Cutter Sharpening” in the Workshop Practice series.
The viewer considering making the rest should also look at my page detailing a method of mounting the rests that makes it somewhat easier to use.
See my pages for details of the advanced rest and using either . Also links to videos showing them being used for a range of sharpening tasks.
All pictures can be clicked on to provide a larger view
The links to my videos related to my grinding rests have been moved and can now be found here