How to Use a Toolpost Grinder

Put your eye protection, face mask, respirator, ear protection and protective clothing on before beginning. Pull your hair back, remove jewelry and avoid wearing loose clothing while using a lathe and the grinder. This is for your own safety.

Unplug the grinder from the electrical outlet, if it is plugged in.

Remove the tool post nut or lever from the tool, as well as any other tool hardware that is located on the tool post stud. Put these to the side. Also take the follow and steady rest off, if they are mounted on the lathe.

Move the compound slide so it is parallel to the lathe's center line. Secure it in place by tightening the rotation locks of the slide.

Put the tool post grinder on the tool post stud. The grinding wheel should face the lathe's center line. Secure it in place with the tool post nut or lever that you removed above.

Adjust the grinding wheel so that spindle center lines of the grinder and the lathe are at the same level. This will help avoid damage to the equipment. Use a hex wrench to do the adjusting.

Position the piece that you want to work on into the lathe and secure it in place.

Plug the tool in and turn it on. Make sure the power cord is in a safe position and doesn't run the risk of entanglement or pose a trip hazard. Run it for 30 seconds to observe if all pieces are connected and working properly. Listen for abnormal noises or movements. If you notice anything, turn the machine off, unplug the machine and rectify the issue. When everything is working properly, move to the next step.

Turn the lathe speed to the lowest setting without causing friction damage to the tool. Check to make sure the grinding wheel is rotating clockwise. The lathe and the piece you are working on should rotate counterclockwise if you are using an external wheel and clockwise for an internal grinding wheel.

Use the lathe slide controls to bring the grinding wheel to the piece you are working on until it makes contact. Move it across the work surface back and forth to get the desired effect. Take your time and use even pressure for this to get an even finish. This is something you don't want to rush.

Use the lathe slide controls to bring the grinding wheel away from the piece. Turn the lathe and grinder off. Unplug them from the electrical source and remove the finished work piece.

Clean and maintain your lathe and grinder after every use and more extensively when needed.