When it comes to diamond sharpening tools, having the right grinding wheel can make all the difference. The best grinding wheels for this purpose are those that are factory balanced, ensuring that grinders run smoothly and efficiently. One such type of grinding wheel is the 1 1/2" face wheel, which doesn't require any dressing. This means that there is no mess associated with truing wheels or breathing in dust related to dressing wheels.
What's more, these grinding wheels put very little heat into the tool, which means that there is no bluing of the steel. This is important because bluing can weaken the tool and make it more prone to breaking or chipping. In fact, with these grinding wheels, you can still touch the end of the tool after a normal sharpening.
Another benefit of these grinding wheels is that they are safe to use without guards. This is because there is no chance of them blowing up, so you can remove the guards to get better light and no shadows when sharpening your tools. Of course, it is still important to use eye protection to avoid any potential accidents.
When it comes to grit, it is suggested to use 180 grit for beading tools, skews, and spindle gouges. For shaping and sharpening larger turning tools, 60 or 80 grit is recommended. Regardless of the grit, these grinding wheels produce a great edge that will help you get the most out of your lathe tools.
In summary, the best grinding wheels for sharpening lathe tools are those that are factory balanced, have a 1 1/2" face, and require no dressing. They put very little heat into the tool, don't cause bluing of the steel, and are safe to use without guards. By using the right grit for your specific tools, you can achieve a great edge that will help you achieve precision and accuracy in your turning projects.