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Jeffski1
98 posts
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in 8 months
Chisel sharpening-Where to get started.
I'll get right to the skinny. I'll be purchasing a few chisels for an upcoming project and with that I'll need to choose a sharpening method to get them sharp and keep them sharp. I've looked at Water Stones, Diamond Stones, and a method called the Scary Sharp Method along with enough YouTube videos to make my head spin. Can anyone offer some insight and their experience on their journey into the hand tool sharpening world and how they got there?. Thanks.
Jeff
12 Replies
They all work. The best one is the one you will use. It has to be easy to setup so that when the tools are dull you can quickly sharpen and get back to work. If you can dedicate a space to sharpening or at least make it quick to setup, you will be happy with it.
--Nathan, TX. Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.
Jonathan Katz-Moses just released a new sharpening jig. I haven't clicked to buy yet, but looks to have a lot of helpful features.
A lot depends on your budget. Float glass and wet-or-dry sandpaper is about the cheapest. With that and a $20 honing guide, you can do the job. You’ll need a way to set the angle consistently, but that’s easy.
Water stones are efficient, but are messy and have to be soaked. I like the Shapton glass stones, which are splash and go. No soaking needed.
When it comes to chisels (and any blade up to 2”), the WorkSharp 3000 is hard to beat. It’s always at the ready. Just flip it on, and dress the edge in a few seconds, then you’re right back at work.
Since you haven’t bought the chisels yet, I highly recommend a good set of Japanese chisels. I have this set, and the steel holds an edge better than anything I’ve used. They’re more work to set up (setting the hoop, etc), and do not come sharpened, but in the long run it’s worth it.
Water stones are efficient, but are messy and have to be soaked. I like the Shapton glass stones, which are splash and go. No soaking needed.
When it comes to chisels (and any blade up to 2”), the WorkSharp 3000 is hard to beat. It’s always at the ready. Just flip it on, and dress the edge in a few seconds, then you’re right back at work.
Since you haven’t bought the chisels yet, I highly recommend a good set of Japanese chisels. I have this set, and the steel holds an edge better than anything I’ve used. They’re more work to set up (setting the hoop, etc), and do not come sharpened, but in the long run it’s worth it.
Half of what we read or hear about finishing is right. We just don’t know which half! — Bob Flexner
The best one is the one you will use.
This!
I find sharpening a PITA just because I have to drag out all the bits and set up.
I'd be great to have a dedicated area/machine always set up, ready to go.
I find sharpening a PITA just because I have to drag out all the bits and set up.
I'd be great to have a dedicated area/machine always set up, ready to go.
Lazyman thx.-- Space is a premium in my small shop so I need to find a "put away space " for my set up.
Thx.BB1-- I'll look at his site. I'm leaning towards a simple honing jig.
Thx.Rich--I'm leaning towards diamond stones and a leather strop/compound-Less messy. I have no room for another machine bench top or otherwise.-but I yearn for more space-don't we all.. I'm probably going to purchase 1-2 Narex Richter chisels to start but I'll look at those Japanese chisels.
Thx.SplinterGroup -- I would love more space for those dedicated work areas.
Thx.BB1-- I'll look at his site. I'm leaning towards a simple honing jig.
Thx.Rich--I'm leaning towards diamond stones and a leather strop/compound-Less messy. I have no room for another machine bench top or otherwise.-but I yearn for more space-don't we all.. I'm probably going to purchase 1-2 Narex Richter chisels to start but I'll look at those Japanese chisels.
Thx.SplinterGroup -- I would love more space for those dedicated work areas.
Jeff
The Worksharp isn't that big - well worth the space in the cabinet, if you ask me.
I came from the world of Japanese cooking knives and water stones, and took the same approach to chisels, for a time. Then I decided that I didn't want sharpening to be a hobby, in and of itself, but rather something that simply supports woodworking. Got the WS3000 and have been happy to give sharpening little and infrequent consideration since.
I came from the world of Japanese cooking knives and water stones, and took the same approach to chisels, for a time. Then I decided that I didn't want sharpening to be a hobby, in and of itself, but rather something that simply supports woodworking. Got the WS3000 and have been happy to give sharpening little and infrequent consideration since.
Thx. WillMSP--I can see sharpening turning into another hobby and chasing it down the rabbit hole-no thanks. It looks like the WS3000 Worksharp has been retired. I need to choose one method and stick to it. I'm not a big hand tool user but want a sharp tool that is pleasurable to use.
Jeff
Well, that sucks.
Got a drill press?
Got a drill press?
Here's that Katz-Moses video link
I can't believe they retired the WS3000. It was great sharpening system.
I can't believe they retired the WS3000. It was great sharpening system.
Now I'm glad I brought mine when I did! Assume there is another option like that out there?
WillMSP -- That drill press jig is interesting. I'm going to look for more info and videos on it. The Worksharp WS 3000 could've been a contender.
Jeff
