Building a Hand-Crank Grinder

Article 168: Building a Hand-Crank Grinder

By: A Woodworker Who Sharpens by Feel

This simple hand-crank grinder is great for sharpening chisels and plane irons when electricity isn’t available—or when you just want full control.

Materials

• Salvaged hand-crank gear from meat grinder or bike

• 6" grinding wheel

• Wood for base and tool rest

• Bolts, washers, bushings

Tools Required

• Drill press

• Files

• Saw

• Wrenches

Steps to Build

1. Build Base

   • Mount grinder gear assembly securely to hardwood base.

2. Mount Grinding Wheel

   • Bolt through shaft with bushing for smooth spin.

3. Add Tool Rest

   • Adjustable rest ¼" from wheel face.

4. Test Spin

   • Spin and adjust balance; tighten components.

Sketch – Side View

  [Handle]◄───[Gearbox]───[Grinding Wheel]
                 |
            [Tool Rest]