John,
If that is all you want to achieve, then that should do it.
My worry was that if you thought maybe you could achieve the same sort of precision as a surface grinder.
Cy,
Grinding lathe tooling by hand is rather easy. With a little practice, anyone can do it.
The main problem is the fear of not getting the angles just right.
Forget about that, they are only guidelines, just like a lot of other stuff that is spouted about. If you are near enough, and the geometry is basically there, and it is sharp and on centre, the tool will cut just fine.
As I have said, I only go for machine grinding because I don't have the flexibility and strength in my hand any more. I tend to drop lots of things.
Just have a look at all the garbage and piffle that is spouting on this ongoing post about it. How to become an expert toolgrinder overnight.
http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/index.php?topic=5569.0By the time he has sharpened anything on that monstrosity, I could have done 20 freehand (if I didn't drop them), and they would most probably cut a lot better as well.
It is all down to getting your hands dirty and playing about. You soon pick up what is right or wrong. As for making form or profile tools, IMHO you can't beat a Dremel (or clone) with a thick fibre cutting disc and a set of radius gauges.
I know it sounds a little patronising, saying it is easy, but in all honesty, it is. Once you get the angles and the reasons for them being there sorted in your head, it just comes automatically. You will see how the cut is going on the lathe, think it is not quite right, lift the tool, a couple of seconds regrind, and you will be away again, with a perfect cut.
A lot of it is just plain common sense.
Bogs