How to sharpen chisels and hand planes, here’s a process that works every time...
Can you get a sharp edge on you chisels or hand plane with out getting angry? Here you’re going to learn how to sharpen chisels. This page will give you a simple process that shows you how to sharpen you tools, making you woodwork easier.
Sound good... then read on
Learning how to sharpen chisels can be a drag at the best of times. Ever think what sharpening angle you should use? Or sharpening stone?
Well, when I first started I would spend hours on my tools; I did not have the confidence and always wondered if they were good enough.
Nowadays there’s a range of tools on the market, adding to your confusion. Which do you select? We’re find out soon.
When you see the pros at work, they make it look like a breeze. They pull out a chisel and stone and with a confident motion sharpen it with in seconds.
Just remember they have done it many times. How many have you?
Imagine if you have chisels so sharp, that when the edge hit the light they sparkle in the sun, and every time your have the perfect factory finish?
Ok I’m going a bit too far here! Obviously it would be nice to have tools that are always sharp, but your learn; get confidence to sharpen a chisel. And when you do that ill guarantee you woodwork will drastically improve.
Now learning how to sharpen wood chisels gives you the skills and knowledge.
Your wood will become easier to do and as a result you will save time.
When I had enough one day of blunt rusty tools, I took time out to sharpen them all in one go…I ask my self why did I not do this sooner, using them is a joy.
Now take action and grab those chisels or woodworking plane blades, as you’re going to follow this simple, but effective technique. Sharpening wood chisels or hand planing and sharpening will now change. Just remember to say good bye to poor bunt tools!
Sharpening the plane blade
But First, a quick explanation of the blade angles.
The blades blade has a grinding angle of 25 degrees, done in the factory, making it ready for sharpening.
Your will have to make a sharpening angle. This is about 30 degrees.
Why is the sharpening angle steeper? The 30 degree angle allows you to take less metal off, when you sharpen a chisel / plane blade.
I learnt to sharpen a chisel on a combination oil stone; these are cheap, effective and have two different grits, on either side.
You should use the fine side of the stone to provide a fine edge and the medium for sharpening the dull edges.
The combination oil stones are made with petroleum based product in them. This allows oil to be added, and not absorbed. The lubricating oil will hold all the small pieces of metal that break off from sharpening; this stops the stone clogging up and keeping it clean.
How to Sharpen
Add a little oil on the sharpening stone, (were using a combination oil stone.)
Place the blade on the stones surface; you should feel where the grinding angle sits on the stone. Then lift the blade up 5 degrees
Move the blade back and forward using the whole of the stone.
When moving the plane blade, you should keep even pressure on the edge of the blade.
Depending on the state of your blade, your sharpening can take a little while.
Occasionally if you lift up the blade, look underneath your see the edge being taken away and a new layer of shinny metal being produced,
How to know if it’s sharp?
As you hone (sharpen) the blade a bur will develop on the back, you should frequently check it by running you hand down the back of the blade to feel a slight metal edge, If you feel it your sharpened blade is almost done.
Safety - running your hand down and away from the blade is safe but obviously running your hand into, and up the blade is dangerous.
Backing off – the Final Touch
You now need to take the bur of the blades edge; this will give its final cutting edge.
To “Back Off,” place the back of the blade, flat on the oil stone.
Move it up and down a couple of times, this has flattened of the back of the blade. And Hey Presto a sharp blade, this is also the same technique for the chisel.
TIP – If the blade can slice through a single piece of paper you wont get it any sharper.
How to sharpen wood chisels
When sharpening wood chisels, the same technique applies.
But there’s a couple more tricks you need to know -
As the chisel has a smaller width, this can wears down the oil stone, to get round this you need to use all on the stone when sharpening.
If you have a small chisel, it can be sharpen on their side as there is more surface area and easier to control.
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How to sharpen chisels