Multi-Angle Omnigrind Template

[Steve Lindsay]

Otto Carter Multi-Angle Omnigrind Template
Big thanks to Otto Carter! www.OttoCarter.com

This template is for adjusting angles to make custom angle grinds on a graver. It has four sides and two pivoting holes that provide a lot of possibilities and options for settings.






The chart of angles below is based on using a stone thickness of 1/2". This is the distance from the surface the template is setting on to the surface of the grinding stone.

The length gauge which comes with the metal fixture that holds the templates is 1-¼ long. If the graver is locked in so it is protruding 1" for example, the angle will change. The measurement is from the shoulder on the sharpener. Check where the shipped length gauge measures from. This is the shoulder to measure from.


Here are distances and resulting angles.




This Omnigrind template is for advanced knowledge in grinding gravers. It is in not as quick, easy and repeatable as grinding a point with the fixed templates, which is why the fixed angle templates are popular. But if you would like to grind your own custom graver geometry the Omnigrind will do it. I have added the Omnigrind template to the shop site page along with the fixed angle templates. Price of it is $29 Link It can be found about two thirds of the way down on the page.

This template consists of a small black pointer template which is placed on together with the clear template. There are two small pin holes 45 degrees apart for the pin that indexes the slot in the metal fixture. The pin can be used in either hole. Also in the photo shows a knurled nut on the fixture. They are also available on the website and are $6, although not necessary for the template.

[mrthe]

This is a very interesting and usefull template! Thank you Steve and Otto, like Steve say maybe will be not fast to use like the others bit i think is a must to have!
Steve i can see two holes and 4 sides in the template i imagine that changing the sides and holes you can sharp a Lindsay parallel geometry graver with primary heels , secondary heels, top clearence , etc. like with the others template, can you or Otto explain wich side is used for ......A,B,C,D in the sharpening process?

[piper]

WOW!!!
Fancy...and yet simple :-)
Thanks!

[Steve Lindsay]

Hi Mrthe and Piper,

There is no specific process with the template. It's meant to be an open ended way for people to experiment and make their own custom points.

While it would be possible to use this template to imitate the points from the fixed templates, I don't recommend using it for that simply because the fixed templates are quicker and more accurate. The idea behind the fixed templates is they are foolproof grinding the same point every time. An adjustable angle fixture won't do that as well. Before the template sharper system, I was using a custom made two angle adjustable fixture. That fixture design was hard to repeatably line up the angles each time for resharpening. The same will be true for the Omnigrind template. The fixed templates we already figured out makes life much easier.

What the Omnigrind does offer is room for experienced or adventurous people to try out their own ideas or custom points. If someone hits on a certain combination they like, let me know or send the graver sample and I can custom make a fixed template for it.

[Willem Parel]

It must have been a Eureka moment for you both, this is a great idea and indeed a must have.
Congratulations to you both Otto and Steve.

[paulsph]

That template looks really great, Steve & Otto!!

[mrthe]

Sorry for the answer jist now i have see the tables with the angles reference! when i wrote was the 4:00 a.m. sorry

[piper]

Thank you Steve for the well thought out explanation. And that is just what I wished for... a starting point to fill in the gaps for those times when, as in the case of Ray's "Scorper", someone in the forum mentions some point that is a bit different than the templates already issued. A chance for us to experiment. I understand well that if you use a point ten times a week and you need to touch it up, that the templates are the way to go. They are as you say...fool proof. And fast. But having a fixture that allows some different angles to be tried...that's a good thing. It opens up the mind to giving things a whirl, and as mentioned, maybe someone will come up with a real trick point. So...thanks for the post and going to the trouble to work with Mr Otto to see it happen...it is beautiful! Have a fine day!

[JJ Roberts]

Steve,Will this new template replace the GRS dual angle sharping fixture? J.J.

[Steve Lindsay]

Originally Posted by mrthe

Sorry for the answer jist now i have see the tables with the angles reference! when i wrote was the 4:00 a.m. sorry

You must stay up even later than I do.

[Willem Parel]

Originally Posted by JJ Roberts

Steve,Will this new template replace the GRS dual angle sharping fixture? J.J.

Wen you compare the price you know the answer......

[dlilazteca]

Steve,

I was considering buying the dual angle from GRS, but now I see this product, could you make a youtube video demonstrating how it works, I sure it would help generate sales.

Thanks

[Steve Lindsay]

Sorry no time right now to make a video.If you have the template sharpener already it isn't much different than the other templates, but only you spin the fixture and tighten it up on an angle you want.

I wouldn't recommend an adjustable sharpener for anyone just getting started. It is more for advanced engravers for exploring their own ideas and custom points. In other words, the fixed templates are the way to go 99% of the time. That way we can concentrate on engraving rather than sharpening.

[LVVP]

This is a very useful stuff

Thank you

LVVP

[pedroito]

I could not wait and bought it.
I think it's a good option to try our own points.
Thanks Steve and Otto.

[Otto]

Originally Posted by LVVP

This is a very useful stuff

Thank you

LVVP

Something about necessity being a mother!

[piper]

Mine arrived! Cool!

[RDP]

This is a great idea Steve, one question, with this template can I grind a parallel heal on any of the angles chosen or will that be a trail and error thing?
thanks,
Richard.

[SVD]

Hey Steve,

Are the angles from Side 2, Hole D really the same as from Side B? I think there might be a small correction needed for that table.

Mine arrived yesterday, BTW - looking forward to getting a chance to try it out.

[Steve Lindsay]

Hi Richard, Yes, any combination of angles can be hit with the template. Although as I posted earlier;

Originally Posted by Steve Lindsay

While it would be possible to use this template to imitate the points from the fixed templates, I don't recommend using it for that simply because the fixed templates are quicker and more accurate. The idea behind the fixed templates is they are foolproof grinding the same point every time. An adjustable angle fixture won't do that as well. Before the template sharper system, I was using a custom made two angle adjustable fixture. That fixture design was hard to repeatably line up the angles each time for resharpening. The same will be true for the Omnigrind template. The fixed templates we already figured out makes life much easier.

What the Omnigrind does offer is room for experienced or adventurous people to try out their own ideas or custom points. If someone hits on a certain combination they like, let me know or send the graver sample and I can custom make a fixed template for it.

[Steve Lindsay]

Hi SVD, Yes Hole #2 is the same distance to both sides B and D, making them symmetrical and that can be seen in the table. Just meant to give another option that may be useful.

[SVD]

Originally Posted by Steve Lindsay

Hi SVD, Yes Hole #2 is the same distance to both sides B and D, making them symmetrical and that can be seen in the table. Just meant to give another option that may be useful.

Interesting.

And it's easy to see how adding a small protractor to the setup will let you find any face / heel angle you want (and let you note the length for later use).

Edited to add: And now that I think about it, Hole 2 would be the right one for doing heels - find the length for your angle and then set the heel angle against side B, then against side D. No change in length means no change in tilt angle.

[RDP]

Thanks Steve, I understand what you have posted and have a few different templates from you, this is handy to try other geometries,
Thanks,
Richard.

[midmo9236]

Do you have any angle recipes you could share with us Steve? This looks like a very nice jig to experiment with but for those of us that are new such as myself it would help us out and set us on the right path for experimentation.

[Steve Lindsay]

Hi Midmo92036. This template wouldn't be for someone just starting. Life is much simpler with the fixed templates. i.e. 116 degree universal or 96 degree detailing.