$39 Harbor Freight tungsten sharpener

[RichardH]

My version of a 300.00 grinder. Just switch collets and adjust angle. Hmmmm...... am I very cheap(frugal), or inventive?

The latter, and only because I thought of a similar idea. :-) But your execution is less Rube Goldberg than what I had in mind.

Collets are naturally the right size, so why not use one to hold the tungsten at the grinder?

Cheers,
Richard

[everlastsupport]

Collets are naturally the right size, so why not use one to hold the tungsten at the grinder?

You mean without the C clamp? That would probably allow people using a bench grinder to get a little more consistent point.

[ljdm1956]

So far, no kickback. Consistent point angle, the c clamp holds it pretty well. Quick and easy to change the angle for different sizes. My grinder has A LOT of vibration to it, and no problem. It's an old, small, rickety almost useless grinder, so if I wanted to devote it just to tungstens it wouldn't bother me, but if I did need it for something else, its really easy to use it, and put the collet back on again
Also - as far as kicking back (which it doesnt) the picture doesnt show it well - the collet is really pointing downward

[RichardH]

You mean without the C clamp? That would probably allow people using a bench grinder to get a little more consistent point.

Yeah, it's an idea I'm still noodling, to create a grinder attachment that uses collets to hold the tungsten.

Handheld, you could use the collet to hold a steady front hand while you turn the tungsten; this avoids wearing one spot on the wheel. But the collets don't lock without a tailcap applying pressure, so that's about all you could do handheld.

[everlastsupport]

Handheld, you could use the collet to hold a steady front hand while you turn the tungsten; this avoids wearing one spot on the wheel. But the collets don't lock without a tailcap applying pressure, so that's about all you could do handheld.

Will take a little longer before your fingers get hot.

[joshuab]

I just chuck mine in an electric drill.

[everlastsupport]

I just chuck mine in an electric drill.

That's what I do with the little HF grinder. Chuck them up, insert in the hole in the guard, spin slow and lean to side of grinder to touch the side if the wheel.