Planer blade honer, how to use?

[scrimper]

I have just purchased one of these http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp? ... _id=22400& (Planer blade honer) to try to keep my Startrite blades sharp between prof sharpening but has anyone got any tips on using the device?

It has two squares for sharpening, one is set in the wood block squarely whilst the other is diagonal, It is only intended to just hone up the blade very slightly but which way does one use it, any tips would be appreciated.

 

[woodbloke]

I use a small DMT diamond slip to touch up my blades. John Buller covered this issue in a recent issue of F&C. Main thing is to take the same number on light even strokes along each blade, wedge the block with a slip of timber and to put some card onto the infeed table to prevent damage - Rob

 

[DaveL]

I have one of those, works well.
I use it as Rob describes, 2 or 3 strokes on each blade.

 

[scrimper]

I reckon I might of wasted £17 on this gadget, I can't seem to get it to do much, I have not used a diamond sharper of any type before but this does not seem to have any abrasive qualities!

I have has several goes at the blades but they seem much the same as before TBH.

 

[MooreToolsPlease]

Personally I dont think it will do a great deal, it certainly wont take out any small nicks in the blade.
For what it costs to have the blades sharpened professionally,
just buy a spare pair of blades so you always have one sharp pair in reserve.

 

[scrimper]

Personally I dont think it will do a great deal, it certainly wont take out any small nicks in the blade.
For what it costs to have the blades sharpened professionally,
just buy a spare pair of blades so you always have one sharp pair in reserve.

I do have a pair of spare blades that are ready to use and I don't expect to be able to remove nicks in the blade, it's just that blades do lose that critical edge after use and I felt this might just brighten them up a bit between sharpening, it is a lot of hassle changing blades.