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What system (sandpaper, stones, grinder do you prefer for sharpening and on what tools does it work best?
What do U prefer?
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Assuming I'm sharpening a dull, used tool... I'm likely going to need all 3 of those things depending on the tool. Coarse grit sandpaper to flatten it and knock off any rust, a grinder to form the bevel, and a stone to sharpen and polish the bevel (course and fine grit stones). I then finish with a strop for a super sharp and polished finish (this is really optional tho, I did fine without it for some time). I use this system mostly on my hand planes and chisels, but works for pretty much anything - knives, scrapers, etc.
I have wetstones for the middle step and I am far from in love with the process. They're messy and I need to soak them for 15 minutes before using them, however I never know I need them until I grab the tool and realize it needs a quick tune-up, and they wear pretty fast too. I'm going to invest in some diamond stones for that middle step next.
I have wetstones for the middle step and I am far from in love with the process. They're messy and I need to soak them for 15 minutes before using them, however I never know I need them until I grab the tool and realize it needs a quick tune-up, and they wear pretty fast too. I'm going to invest in some diamond stones for that middle step next.
Joined
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321 Posts
I was using several water stones which I found were never messy when mounted properly.
However, I switched from european style carving tools to Pacific Northwest Fisrt Nations carving tools.
I'm guessing 5-7 years ago.
Crooked knives and various adzes and planer knives. They all have sweeps = curved, not straight, edges.
I use all sorts of rods and pipes with 3M fine automotive wet&dry finishing sandpapers (600, 8000, 1000, 1200 and 1500 grits)
for sharpening. In fact, for the adzes you see in my avatar, I use tennis balls for mandrels.
I was taught freehand sharpening. From my knees, not from my elbows.
Never looked at any other system.
However, I switched from european style carving tools to Pacific Northwest Fisrt Nations carving tools.
I'm guessing 5-7 years ago.
Crooked knives and various adzes and planer knives. They all have sweeps = curved, not straight, edges.
I use all sorts of rods and pipes with 3M fine automotive wet&dry finishing sandpapers (600, 8000, 1000, 1200 and 1500 grits)
for sharpening. In fact, for the adzes you see in my avatar, I use tennis balls for mandrels.
I was taught freehand sharpening. From my knees, not from my elbows.
Never looked at any other system.
Joined
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3,317 Posts
Hand plane blades and chisels:
A series of diamond stones. I highly recommend the Veritas Deluxe Honing Guide Set for setting and maintaining the bevel angles.
https://dmtsharp.com
http://www.veritastools.com/Products/Page.aspx?p=144
Hand Plane Irons (the bottoms of hand planes):
A flat piece of granite and sandpaper. I sometimes use this method to flatten the backs of hand plane blades.
High Speed Steel (HSS) Turning Tools:
Grizzly wet grinder with Tormek jigs (TTS-100, SVD-186, SVS-50, and SVS-38)
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Grizzly-10-Wet-Grinder-Kit-Anniversary-Edition/T10010ANV
https://www.tormek.com/usa/en/kits/tnt-708-woodturner-s-kit/
https://www.tormek.com/usa/en/grinding-jigs/svs-38-short-tool-jig-svs-32/
Carbide Turning Tools:
I bought replacement carbide tips, but haven't needed them yet. I plan to try sharpening the old tips by flattening the backs on diamond stones, but I have been told that it does not work that well.
Example carbide tip for one of my tools: https://www.rockler.com/full-size-square-radius-carbide-replacement-cutter-sr2
Pocket Knives:
Various old whetstones, some dry, some with honing oil. Some are old "Arkansas" whetstones.
Kitchen Knives:
A "Crock Stick" sharpener uses two ceramic rods shaped in a "V". The rods insert into holes in the wood storage base. Easy, fast, works great.
Q and A:
Q: Why do you have so many different ways to sharpen things?
A: Historical reasons. I acquired the various sharpeners over decades. Most of the time, I bought the sharpener when I got the tool that needed it. I bought the Grizzly wet grinder when I got HSS turning tools and needed a way to sharpen the rounded edges.
Q: Why sharpen your hand plane blades and chisels on diamond stones when you have a Grizzly wet grinder?
A: Good question. I bought the diamond stones before the Grizzly wet grinder, and I still need the diamond stones to flatten the backs of those tools. Furthermore, I have not yet decided whether I want to put a hollow grind on my hand plane blades and chisels. It would save a lot of time to use the Grizzly. There is no reason not to switch, other than pride, wanting a flat grind, and perhaps a sense of tradition.
A series of diamond stones. I highly recommend the Veritas Deluxe Honing Guide Set for setting and maintaining the bevel angles.
https://dmtsharp.com
http://www.veritastools.com/Products/Page.aspx?p=144
Hand Plane Irons (the bottoms of hand planes):
A flat piece of granite and sandpaper. I sometimes use this method to flatten the backs of hand plane blades.
High Speed Steel (HSS) Turning Tools:
Grizzly wet grinder with Tormek jigs (TTS-100, SVD-186, SVS-50, and SVS-38)
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Grizzly-10-Wet-Grinder-Kit-Anniversary-Edition/T10010ANV
https://www.tormek.com/usa/en/kits/tnt-708-woodturner-s-kit/
https://www.tormek.com/usa/en/grinding-jigs/svs-38-short-tool-jig-svs-32/
Carbide Turning Tools:
I bought replacement carbide tips, but haven't needed them yet. I plan to try sharpening the old tips by flattening the backs on diamond stones, but I have been told that it does not work that well.
Example carbide tip for one of my tools: https://www.rockler.com/full-size-square-radius-carbide-replacement-cutter-sr2
Pocket Knives:
Various old whetstones, some dry, some with honing oil. Some are old "Arkansas" whetstones.
Kitchen Knives:
A "Crock Stick" sharpener uses two ceramic rods shaped in a "V". The rods insert into holes in the wood storage base. Easy, fast, works great.
Q and A:
Q: Why do you have so many different ways to sharpen things?
A: Historical reasons. I acquired the various sharpeners over decades. Most of the time, I bought the sharpener when I got the tool that needed it. I bought the Grizzly wet grinder when I got HSS turning tools and needed a way to sharpen the rounded edges.
Q: Why sharpen your hand plane blades and chisels on diamond stones when you have a Grizzly wet grinder?
A: Good question. I bought the diamond stones before the Grizzly wet grinder, and I still need the diamond stones to flatten the backs of those tools. Furthermore, I have not yet decided whether I want to put a hollow grind on my hand plane blades and chisels. It would save a lot of time to use the Grizzly. There is no reason not to switch, other than pride, wanting a flat grind, and perhaps a sense of tradition.
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