Frustrated by complex instructions and inconsistent sharpening results? You’re not alone. Many woodturners find the setup process for their sharpening systems to be a major hurdle. We believe sharpening should be a no-brainer, taking only seconds while delivering a perfect, repeatable edge every single time.
Raptor® Setup Tools simplify your workflow so you can spend more time turning and less time at the grinder. By establishing the exact distance from the wheel face to the tool support, these set up tools ensure you achieve an identical bevel angle every time you sharpen, increasing the life of your turning tools.
Why Choose Raptor®?
- Speed & Accuracy: Get repeatable grinds in only seconds without eye-balling the setup.
- Fixed Leg Positioning: Set your tool holder leg once, no more constant adjustments.
- Built to Last: Laser cut from steel and powder coated right here in the USA.
- Double Bevel Capability: Use two Raptor® tools to create a secondary clearance bevel, making it easier to rub the bevel against your work while preventing scoring marks.
- Universal Compatibility: Works with the Easy Grind™ Jig, Oneway® Vari-Grind™ Jig, Kelton Sharpening Jig, Woodcut™ Tru-Grind, and most other systems utilizing an adjustable tool support slide and tool holder.
Find Your Perfect Angle
Each Raptor® tool is designed for specific turning needs. Here is a guide to our recommended bevel angles:
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35º Grind: Ideal for detail and spindle gouges, providing a fine point and extra long bevel. Excellent for narrow coves and detailed work.
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40º Grind: A general-purpose angle suitable for any spindle gouge or spindle roughing gouge.
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40º/40º Grind: Designed by Stuart Batty, this dual-bevel grind excels at rough shaping bowls and consistently leaves a flawless, ready-to-sand surface. *Requires use of 3” Raptor Grinding Jig Guide.
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45º Grind: A versatile angle great for standard fingernail grinds on bowl and general-purpose gouges.
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50º Grind: The ideal angle for a modified fingernail grind on bowl gouges.
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55º Grind: Used for Irish style grinds and for bottoming gouges on bowl and general-purpose gouges.
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60º Grind: Specifically for bottoming bowl gouges; the blunt bevel angle helps maintain continuous contact when making interior cuts.
Correct Tool Protrusion
Achieving a consistent, repeatable bevel angle with Raptor® Set Up Tools depends entirely on setting the correct tool distance from the tool holder. You must use a Raptor® Grinding Jig Guide (sold separately) to set the depth of the tool in the tool holder before you begin sharpening.
- Standard Setup (8” Grinding Wheels): Use the 2” Raptor® Grinding Jig Guide to secure your tool with a 2” protrusion beyond the holder.
- Standard Setup (6” Grinding Wheels): Use the 1-3/4” Raptor® Grinding Jig Guide to set the required protrusion.
- 40/40° Grind Setup (8” Grinding Wheels): This specialized setup requires the use of a 3” Raptor® Grinding Jig Guide to set the tool depth.
- Secondary (Clearance) Bevels: To create a clearance bevel that prevents scoring marks and improves bevel contact, first sharpen your primary cutting edge using the 2” guide. Once the edge is established, use the 2-1/2” Raptor® Grinding Jig Guide to set the proper protrusion and grind the secondary clearance bevel.
