Sharpening tools - Woodworking Talk

whatsthis · 04-01-2009, 05:10 PM

Hi all!
My late Father was a joiner (actually a cabinet maker by trade) I picked up a bit on the 'how to's' and can hold my own on a lot of joinery jobs. There is, however, one thing that I have never been able to do (even at school) and that is sharpen either a plane blade or chisel. I think I recall that you grind at a deeper angle than you sharpen at (or is that the other way around?!

) but using the sharpening stone, I still have not mastered it, so any pointers would be greatly appreciated (and I won't even get into sharpening & setting saws!

)

Julian the woodnut · 04-01-2009, 06:58 PM

Check out youtube and you should find many dirrerent ways to get your chisels, and plane blades sharp.

Gerry KIERNAN · 04-03-2009, 10:54 AM

Hi Whatsthis

Welcome to the forum. Taunton Press puts out an excellent book called "The Complete Guide to Sharpening". I believe it is about $20. Lee Valley Tools carries it. It is an excellent guide for how to.

That's basically how I learned.

Gerry

nzgeordie · 05-23-2009, 09:04 PM

Hi whatsthis. Sounds like you could use a sharpening jig. There are a lot on the market and many will take both chisels and plane blades to around 2-1/2".

johnep · 05-24-2009, 05:27 AM

I have copies (from Daren) of all the angles for sharpening virtually anything. However, cannot copy pics to this reply. Have a search of Daren's site or posts. Must be there somewhere.
johnep

**Daren** · 05-24-2009, 09:00 AM

I had forgotten about that chart. Here is a link .It's a big picture, you have to click to enlarge it and scroll around on it.

johnep · 05-26-2009, 08:17 AM

Thanks Daren, you are a sharpening star. Now here is a question for you.

New knives purchased for the kitchen and of course most shop tools such as chisels are sharpened from one side with the other dead flat.

Your chart shows many items sharpened from both sides. Which, in your opinion, is best? Wedge (L) or V shape. I would use a V shape on an axe, but how about knives.

Having watched the sharpening video, I am well on the way to getting one of my chisels to shave hair from my arm. Started on bench grinder, then through the paper grades and now buffing to get that mirror finish.
johnep

**Daren** · 05-26-2009, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnep

Your chart shows many items sharpened from both sides. Which, in your opinion, is best? Wedge (L) or V shape. I would use a V shape on an axe, but how about knives.

For me a V is better/easier on knives (kitchen,pocket). I am a little foggy this morning or I would search and link the custom sushi knife I made. It was flat on one side and beveled/honed on the other to make the cutting edge...I had a little trouble with that, establishing the edge and getting it razor sharp. I think because of it's length and curve. Short/straight edges like plane irons/chisels are much easier to get sharp.

cabinetman · 05-26-2009, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnep

New knives purchased for the kitchen and of course most shop tools such as chisels are sharpened from one side with the other dead flat.

Your chart shows many items sharpened from both sides. Which, in your opinion, is best? Wedge (L) or V shape. I would use a V shape on an axe, but how about knives.

I have kitchen knives that are both ways. I prefer to sharpen my pocket knives, hunting knives, and carving knives with a "V" bevel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnep

Having watched the sharpening video, I am well on the way to getting one of my chisels to shave hair from my arm.
johnep

If you think that chisel is sharp after shaving your arm, try slicing a sheet of paper.

frostr2001 · 07-17-2009, 09:23 PM

I think I will just buy the Worksharp and be done with it!