Tormek / Wet Grinder Scissors Jig Notes

I designed this scissors jig to work with a Tormek T-7 wet grinder, which has a 15/32" diameter support bar, but it can be modified to work with others. I made mine from PLA, setting sparse infill to 50%, which has proved adequate so far for this application.

You will need to print one jig support, one lower clamp, two upper clamps (if you intend to sharpen both right- and left-handed scissors; right-handed shown), and three knobs. Additionally, you will need two 1/4" x 1" NC20 hex-head bolts, one 1/4" x 1-1/4" NC20 hex-head bolt, and one 7-1/2" length of 3/32" stainless steel rod.

The large longitudinal hole in the jig support is slightly wedge-shaped to grip the bar better than a simple round hole. Because the plastic is slick, however, I recommend super-gluing two 1/2" x 1/4" strips of 400 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper onto the two flats of the wedge just inside each of the two ends of the hole (four total) for additional holding power (see photo).

I sized the small perpendicular hole in the jig support to be tapped for standard U.S. 7/16" bolts (1/4" NC20). I set wall loops to “3” and checked “detect thin walls” to enable more holding power without stripping the hole. The holes in the upper clamps are sized likewise.

The hinge holes that connect the two upper clamps to the lower clamp are sized for 3/32" rod stock. I recommend using stainless steel so the hinge does not rust due to water from the grinder. Mine printed well enough that I did not need to pre-drill the hinge holes. I simply chucked the hinge rod in my cordless drill and slowly drove it through all three pieces. I left 1/4" or so hanging out of one end so I could remove the hinge if I ever needed to take the jig apart.

Because the plastic faces of the upper and lower clamps are slick, I recommend super-gluing two 1/2" x 1/4" strips of 400 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper to the mating faces of the clamps to provide a good grip on your scissors.

Lastly, I sized the hexagonal recesses in each of the knobs to accept the head of a standard U.S. 7/16" bolt. It should be a friction fit: just drive a bolt into each knob with a rubber mallet, no glue required.

From there, simply watch any of several YouTube videos to learn how to use the jig. Good luck!