The Journey to a Keen Edge

JZens, member

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A Grinder Helps you move on down the road...

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There has been a lot written about sharpening hand tools, both here at Fine Woodworking and elsewhere on the Internet.  There are as many opinions about the "correct" way to obtain a keen edge as there are tools to sharpen and people to sharpen them.  One thing is certain:  sharpening tools is a "gateway" skill, one that opens doors to doing better work. 

A lot of people try to learn sharpening out of a book.  I was one of them.  Books took me only so far, and then I hit a wall.  The door opened wide once I took classes on sharpening, and understood both the theory and the mechanics of obtaining that elusive sharp edge.

That first sharpening class was a long time ago.  Now I teach sharpening to woodworking students, and it is a rewarding experience to see doors open for others.  In response to requests from both past and prospective students, I've tried to record the steps to a sharp edge in everyday language that woodworkers understand.  These lessons can be found on my blog, beginning with this post.

Feel free to leave comments either here or on the blog.

Thanks for reading, and...careful with those sharp tools!

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Comments (3)

Huckleberry writes: Gateway skill is a good term for sharpening. I am getting better at it. I recall my first breakthrough was when I realized the value of a hollow grind, then next came the secondary bevel. I always think I can do better though.
I will be watching your blog for sure.
I came up with a similar tool holder for my electric grinder, but the thing can move if you press too hard and the table had to be narrow for butt chisels. I find it a bit of a challenge to sharpen tapered chisels (like my Marples) close to 25 deg because the reference surface is not the back of the chisel.
Much appreciated. . .

John
Posted: 7:45 pm on January 20th

JZens writes: No question that cranking and grinding at the same time takes a little practice. AI do use a small wooden guide with that grinder to help keep the tool square to the wheel, so that helps. And I have other grinders, as well, each of which has a power cord. But this one is quiet, it works just fast enough that I'm not so worried about bluing the steel, and it gives a nice hollow, using a 6" wheel.

I know I wasn't born with any hidden talent in this area and I struggled with it for a while. If I can learn to d this, anyone can.
Posted: 9:35 am on January 20th

bduffin104 writes: I do sharpen my tools but it's a weak area for me and I could benefit from your class. I have one of those hand crank grinding wheels but find it akward to crank it with one hand and then grind your tool with only one hand. I used used to have a large antique snadstone grinding wheels with a foot treadle. It worked OK even though the wheel was out of round. I lost it or it was stolen but I haven't seen in twenty five years.
Posted: 5:22 am on January 20th

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