Sharpening is essential for maintaining every tool with a cutting edge. My introduction to sharpening unknowingly began when I glassed my own surfboards. Taking a rough surface to be as smooth as glass was something that always intrigued me. Little did I know at the time this very concept was applicable to much more, namely, metal.
Look at everything as an abrasive.
Chisels
- Primary Bevel
- Secondary Bevel (Microbevel)
- Back
The microbevel is not required.
First step to sharpen old vintage chisels is flatten the backs to provide a reference surface. One a flat side is established, the chisel can be placed flat into a honing guide.
Although sharpening by hand without an angle guide is completely possible it requires much practice.
Stanley Sweethearts 750
The Stanley Sweetheart chisels are great starter chisels you can grow with. It will surely whip you into a sharpening master. It uses a hard A2 steel. When you get it new it is not flat on the back. It’s protected in a laquer you have to remove with acetone or mineral spirits.
Do you need a mirror finish on the back of a chisel?
No.
Diamond Plates vs. Waterstones
Each have their advantages and disadvantages.
| Water Stones | Diamond Plates |
|---|---|
| Needs to be reflattened | Stays flat |
| Needs holder to stay put | Heavy |
| Requires Water | Can be used dry or with non-corrosive fluid |
| Cuts faster | Cutting strength weakens as it gets clogged |
Water stones cut faster and the grit levels reach The surface can be refreshed with a flattening stone. They are messy and often used with a sink or tub of water nearby. A very critical step to waterstones is the constant reflatten the stone or risk high and low spots in a flat grind.
Diamond plates stay flat. They occasionally need to be brushed off with a soft nylon brush to clear off the microscopic metal shavings for the diamonds to cut optimally.
Grinders
Depending what Sometimes sharpening by hand can take an excruiating amount of time. For equipment there is no right or wrong way to do it. Chisel Bevel
Hello
Honing vs. Grinding
Honing is reshape the edge. Grinding is much more rigorous and removes material.
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