How to Sharpen Chisels: 8 Steps
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Chisels are essential woodworking tools used for cutting, carving, and shaping wood. Over time, chisels can become dull and ineffective, making it challenging to produce quality work. To maintain your chisels’ performance, it’s essential to sharpen them regularly. This article will guide you through the process of sharpening your chisels in 8 easy steps.
1. Gather Your Supplies
To get started, you’ll need a honing guide, a sharpening stone (preferably with two grit levels – coarse and fine), a leather strop, honing oil (or water), and a clean cloth.
2. Secure the Chisel in the Honing Guide
Attach your chisel to the honing guide by clamping it with the bevel facing down. Ensure that the bevel angle is properly aligned according to your manufacturer’s recommendations or personal preference.
3. Lubricate the Sharpening Stone
Apply honing oil or water to your sharpening stone. This will reduce heat buildup caused by friction and help remove metal filings during the sharpening process.
4. Begin on The Coarse Grit Side of the Stone
With the chisel secured in the honing guide and the stone lubricated, start by moving the chisel back and forth along the coarse grit side of the stone. Apply even pressure as you sharpen the bevel edge. Do this until all visible nicks are removed and an even burr is formed along the cutting edge.
5. Move to The Fine Grit Side of The Stone
Flip your sharpening stone to its fine grit side and repeat step 4 using similar strokes as before. Continue until an even finer burr is formed. This step helps refine and smooth out your chisel’s cutting edge.
6. Remove Burr with a Few Light Strokes
Gently stroke the chisel’s back (the flat side) against the fine grit side of the stone with a few gentle strokes. This action will remove the burr you created during the previous steps.
7. Polish the Edge on a Leather Strop
Apply a bit of honing compound to a leather strop and then polish the chisel’s bevel edge using stroking motions away from you. Turn the chisel over and repeat this step to polish the backside.
8. Wipe Away Excess Oil, Water, and Metal Filings
Clean your chisel by wiping off any remaining oil or water, as well as any residual metal filings from the sharpening process with a clean cloth.
By following these 8 steps, you’ll have sharp chisels that make woodworking tasks easier, more precise, and more enjoyable. Remember to practice proper maintenance regularly to keep your tools in top shape for years to come.