Keep the Blade Sharp

• Keeping a sharp edge on the wood lathe blade is a must, for it is with the sharp blade that you make the cleanest cuts that don't require much sanding. A tool that works well for sharpening is a grinder. A 100 grit-water stone sharpens a lathe blade with the most consistency.
  
  

Make the Parting Tool Sharper

• Improve the sharpness of the parting tool, or the blade which is used to part the wood you turned from the block. Use the grinder to curve the blade slightly on one edge. This allows the blade to cut more smoothly.
  
  

Consider the Slow Grinder

• The slow grinder is a useful tool for those who work with wood lathes. The benefit of the slow grinder is that it moves more slowly than a regular bench grinder, so it can offer you more control. When you sharpen a gouge, for example, you can easily roll the blade to the left and right, thus not only sharpening the blade but maintaining the blade's curve.