Time for me to sharpen my chisels (not lathe tools). I’ve been reluctant to put them on the grinder, as I know there are tools/systems that are better suited. What works for you? Time for me to make an investment. Thanks! Chuck
Hand Chisel Sharpening Systems
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woodtickgreg
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I use a piece of bullet proof glass with various grits of sandpaper attached to it and a honing guide. With this method I can achieve consistent results with both chisels and plane irons.
This is my glass plate, a marble slab would also work.
After each grit I also flatten the back a few strokes. I have since purchased a newer better jig holder.
It would have to be in really bad shape for me to ever use a grinder again.
This is my glass plate, a marble slab would also work.
After each grit I also flatten the back a few strokes. I have since purchased a newer better jig holder.
It would have to be in really bad shape for me to ever use a grinder again.
If I need a grinder I use a Tormek. For general sharpening I have a diamond plate (220 grit) for stone flattening and shapton stones for sharpening stones (400, 1000, 3000, 8000, 16000 grit). I then use a strop with the veritas compound (30000 grit)
It really is overkill but I don't use my tools often so when I do I want them to be hair popping sharp. I have all these tools from woodcarving but I really don't use my chisels much anymore. My grinder hasn't been used in years as well. You usually don't need a grinder unless you damage the tool.
It really is overkill but I don't use my tools often so when I do I want them to be hair popping sharp. I have all these tools from woodcarving but I really don't use my chisels much anymore. My grinder hasn't been used in years as well. You usually don't need a grinder unless you damage the tool.
Water and diamond stones here. Last a lifetime if they do not freeze while wet. I need better jig
Diamond plates do not last a life time if you use them for flattening water stones. You can sharpen tools with them but they will eventually wear out. The diamonds come loose from the plate. They do last a few decades if taken care of correctly. I have worn out a diamond plate from flattening my water stones. Now I don't use it for sharpening and only for flattening. It does that quite well.
I have something that is made for flattening my stones. Never the diamond. 25 yrs old has as much time still left. Heavy sandpaper and flat glass or ? Works great on flattening.
PSA sandpaper on an old piece of stone countertop, diamond embedded sharpening tool from harbor fright stuck on said granite top... Or something handy if I am at work
I use a piece of granite countertop with edge. That edge that hangs down and squeeze clamp on my heavy steel desk makes it rock solid. I think it came from construction junk shop 3 or 4 bucks. Pretty easy quick and cheap.
Chuck, I have these that I bought many years ago when I was only using hand tools.
I have a 1000x, 3000x and a 5000x. They are "splash and go" meaning no soaking needed, just spray with water and you are good.
As for a honing guide I have the Veritas MK II honing guide. That is probably more than you need, but here is Lee Valleys page with sharpening guides.
www.leevalley.com
I have a 1000x, 3000x and a 5000x. They are "splash and go" meaning no soaking needed, just spray with water and you are good.
As for a honing guide I have the Veritas MK II honing guide. That is probably more than you need, but here is Lee Valleys page with sharpening guides.
Honing & Sharpening Guides - Lee Valley Tools
Looking for Sharpening Tools for your next woodworking and other projects? Shop Honing & Sharpening Guides Collection on Lee Valley, and explore our large Sharpening Tools collection.
www.leevalley.com
Those are the shaptons. I use their glass stones not the kuromako because they don't warp and require less flattening. Amazing stones. Possibly only surpassed in quality by a good belgian chunk or Naniwa pro stones.Chuck, I have these that I bought many years ago when I was only using hand tools.
View attachment 288576
I have a 1000x, 3000x and a 5000x. They are "splash and go" meaning no soaking needed, just spray with water and you are good.
As for a honing guide I have the Veritas MK II honing guide. That is probably more than you need, but here is Lee Valleys page with sharpening guides.
Honing & Sharpening Guides - Lee Valley Tools
Looking for Sharpening Tools for your next woodworking and other projects? Shop Honing & Sharpening Guides Collection on Lee Valley, and explore our large Sharpening Tools collection.
I think my stones start at 600 and go up to 6,000. 2001 or 2 I bought two Damascus knifes from Japan woodworker ? They have served me well. I think you pick method and learn it. Sandpaper vs stones. Both probably equal or close. Stones have initial cost but sandpaper has continuing cost. I do use sandpaper in some instances. More experience = better results, like everything.Chuck, I have these that I bought many years ago when I was only using hand tools.
View attachment 288576
I have a 1000x, 3000x and a 5000x. They are "splash and go" meaning no soaking needed, just spray with water and you are good.
As for a honing guide I have the Veritas MK II honing guide. That is probably more than you need, but here is Lee Valleys page with sharpening guides.
Honing & Sharpening Guides - Lee Valley Tools
Looking for Sharpening Tools for your next woodworking and other projects? Shop Honing & Sharpening Guides Collection on Lee Valley, and explore our large Sharpening Tools collection.
I have this honing guide and it seems to work well for me. I use a couple old Arkansas stones I've had for years plus the sand paper trick Greg described. The honing guide comes with instructions for setting the blade to get the desired angle and that's the only tricky part. After that it's pretty hard to do much wrong. Only takes a few strokes once you have the proper base edge established.
