MetalworkingFun Forum

Has anyone here made or used a Tinker cutter grinder? I recently got the plans for the Tinker and mini Tinker and am thinking about making one. It is not too complicated, I think that if I put my mind to it I could build one. I would like to have the capability of sharpening my own tools.
I live in a remote area and tools aren't easy to come by, not counting the cost of replacement tools.

Well stop thinking and start building Ken!

You may be breaking new ground here, unless someone pops up with a previous build. But once you get started you are probably going to have a few following in your footsteps, so keep those pictures coming.

Hopefully someone will be along soon to share some incite.
You might even prompt me to get off my keister and try it myself.

That would be a great project to see. I hope you have a shiny metal camera.

Ed

(07-29-2012, 08:45 AM)EdK Wrote: [ -> ]... I hope you have a shiny metal camera.

Ed

I do. It knows more than I do however... and has a titanium case. Great little camera.

Well photo's shouldn't be a problem

DaveH

I'm getting a pair of castings from a friend, I'll know more when they get here. They are aluminum.
Here's the picture I have of them.

[attachment=2610]

(edited... I had two pics with the same name, this is the right pic)

I got my castings and have made a few decisions and am looking for parts now. I want to assemble the raw materials before starting so I'm sure everything will work together.

Here's my aluminum castings: these are different but similar to the set shown above.

[attachment=2635]

This page: TINKER build notes

is the only actual build I've found and I'm going to use some of his modifications I think. The tool holder shaft will be made from 1.25" material and bored to fit R8 collets and the pivot shaft size will be raised from .875" to 1.000". I've found ground stock in proper sizes at Speedy Metals and I'm considering using bronze bushings on the pivot shaft as well as the tool head since the castings are aluminum.

Here's a pic of what I hope mine will look like when complete:



Do you guys think I could use a bearing mounting compound to mount the bushings in the cutter head block? This seems to be a way to mount them without any critical machining. I could put the compound in the head, insert the bushings and then slip in the tool holder shaft and let it sit until the compound sets it seems.

Ken,
I think the bronze bushings is a good idea, easily replaced (or adjusted).
Certainly looks a "nice" bit of kit

DaveH

Hi
Ken
A couple of solid looking castings you have there
I will be watching this build with great interest
John