reikimaster

I'm getting more into woodworking. I don't use my router for everything (*gasp!* hehehe) and I am realizing how horribly unequipped I am to properly sharpen the most basic tools like chisels and plane irons. The stones I have are probably ok for sharpening a pocket knife, but they are only just BARELY the width of my plane iron (yes, I only have one plane right now and it's not a great one but it works.... kinda... mostly...).

I have read about the Scary Sharp method of using various sandpapers on a piece of heavy glass plate. Seems a reasonable method but you STILL have the problem of maintaining the correct angle. So you would need to make (or buy) some kind of jig that you can clamp the iron or chisel into so you are consistantly at the correct angle for that tool. I've seen jigs (Veritas comes to mind and I know there are many others) that do this for you for hand sharpening. Even at $45 or so it's probably worth it to NOT have to make all these things myself and reinvent the wheel.

Then there are slow speed grinders and even wet grinders. The Tormek system looks great, but $400 is a lot of money. JET makes one just like it that is getting good reviews, but still... $300.

NOT knowing how and being equipped to sharpen my tools is just not an option. I have to get what I need to do this and do it well.

What do YOU do to sharpen your tools? I'm really interested in knowing. I know people will have different preferences, but .... what works for you?

Thanks

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bobj3

The one I use is the Grizzly system ,it works well and it's not to high in price.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/g1036
http://www.grizzly.com/products/g5937

Versatile 4 grit diamond hone, for a quick touch up
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...cessories.html

Bj

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berry

I have wet stones, oil stones, a Delta wet grinder, and IMHO sandpaper is the simplist most stright forward method.

Bob

I have the Tormek and love it, but it is expensive for sure. Both it or the Jet will cost over $500 when you purchase the accessories and jigs to go with them.

If you want to stay with stones or use the scarey sharp system (sandpaper/glass) then I would suggest the highy recommended jig at the the following link. It is the best out there.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...072,43078&ap=1

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Bob

Mike

It is possible to use a belt/disc sander to restore an edge to a reasonable state of sharpness, good enough for general carpentry needs. Angle blocks can be cut on your table or miter saw. Building custom sharpening jigs is not difficult. Like any sanding operation, work your way through the grits to the finish you want.

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Mike
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