Sharpening

[Katomi woodsmith]

I am not a chippy (carpenter) but I have used a lot of tools in my various jobs. For hand tools the the best advise I was given is
Sharpen to suit you, an old boy on site showed me how a plane can be really sharp and perfect on a jig but of no use , where as a free hand for him was much better to use.
So end of the day, whatever works for you. Jig, free hand whatever

 

[Jacob]

... the best advise I was given is
Sharpen to suit you, an old boy on site showed me how a plane can be really sharp and perfect on a jig but of no use , where as a free hand for him was much better to use.
...

This is because jigs and flat plates lead to plane blades with dead straight edges.
This may look nice and precise but in use is a distinct disadvantage compared to the camber you get, almost unavoidably, with freehand on an oil stone. Even better if the stone is slightly hollowed.
Plane blades need to be cambered.
Your old chap wasn't showing you something unusual or individual, it is (or was) common knowledge of how it should be done.

 

[dickm]

Ha Ha, here we go again.

But so nice to find a controversial thread which is (mainly) non-political but relevant to woodworkers! I began to despair of humanity reading the stuff about Trump, Starmer etc,

 

[paulrbarnard]

Sharpening by hand would certainly help with making money. It's faster, easier, and involves a tiny expenditure on kit which lasts for life. Longer in fact - most stones are second hand.
Also highly portable if away from the workshop.
But stick to your hobbyist methods if it gives you pleasure!

Don’t you just hand the blunt tool to the apprentice?

 

[Jacob]

Don’t you just hand the blunt tool to the apprentice?

er, hum, dunno, if you are actually using them you want to get them spot on how you want them and not rely on somebody else, or some gadgets!

 

[paulrbarnard]

er, hum, dunno, if you are actually using them you want to get them spot on how you want them and not rely on somebody else, or some gadgets!

Obviously not a first year apprentice…

 

[Jacob]

Obviously not a first year apprentice…

Perhaps just leave them to fiddle about with jigs and stuff until they get it out of their system and work out how to do it properly?

 

[wiley198]

Tried to upload link to someone who's made the most bizarre jib.

Link didn't work.

Went to a squirrel fighting a snake.

Hey ho. Lol

 

[Ed Weber]

I've sharpened things using a similar method as shown in the vidoe, it does work for awkward sharpening tasks.
I did not however, make a video and try to promote a millennia old sharpening method. I especially liked when he said, lets take a closer look at it, as if it's a hard concept to grasp.
I sharpen with may different methods, depending on the tool.
For the most part, I use the Veritas MK2 system, simple, easy, repeatable.

 

[Cozzer]

...and must admit I am slightly jealous of his well kitted out aircraft hanger size workshop.

https://www.youtube.com/c/MikeFarrington

You and the rest of us, I guess!

Bit similar to those Yank youtube jobs where they're demonstrating something with "some scrap lying around in the 'shop", and then produce a piece of "waste cherry" that's 4' long and 2" thick!

 

[Trafalgar]

What's even worse is that people will actually own up to, brag about, and even photograph their four-figure investment in sharpening gear.

This is because jigs and flat plates lead to plane blades with dead straight edges.
This may look nice and precise but in use is a distinct disadvantage compared to the camber you get, almost unavoidably, with freehand on an oil stone. Even better if the stone is slightly hollowed.
Plane blades need to be cambered.
Your old chap wasn't showing you something unusual or individual, it is (or was) common knowledge of how it should be done.

I love the YouTube videos of the so-called "experts" running a smoothing plane and getting a 3/4" wide shaving from it. Iron has a nose on it that would make Jimmy Durante blush.

 

[Katomi woodsmith]

Looked at the vid it won’t play for me, but I could prob sharpen my chisel in the time it takes to set that up
And as long as there is weatabix no worries about batt power

 

[mark w]

This is because jigs and flat plates lead to plane blades with dead straight edges.
This may look nice and precise but in use is a distinct disadvantage compared to the camber you get, almost unavoidably, with freehand on an oil stone. Even better if the stone is slightly hollowed.
Plane blades need to be cambered.
Your old chap wasn't showing you something unusual or individual, it is (or was) common knowledge of how it should be done.

You can camber a blade with a Jig and a flat stone or plate, stop pedalling nonsense Jacob.

 

[Cozzer]

....stop pedalling nonsense Jacob.

Grabs popcorn, and eases into comfy chair....

 

[Jacob]

You can camber a blade with a Jig and a flat stone or plate, stop pedalling nonsense Jacob.

Yes I know you can but you have to choose to do it and think about it. Or buy yet another gadget add-on. Or even break the bank with a set of "Odate Crowning Plates" £100 each https://www.popularwoodworking.com/toolreviews/odate_crowning_plate_sharpening_stones/
Freehand on a typical oil stone you are very likely to get a camber whether you like it or not. You might not be aware of the need, but luckily you get one anyway!

 

[dephill]

I use a veritas honing jig. Honestly, I would be lost without it.

I have bought in a couple of used hamd planes over the last 12 months and it's obvious the blades have been 'hand sharpened'. When I say obvious, I mean they come in with an edge shaped like sand dunes. All over the place.

My OCD can't cope with it. The redwood 2x4 I tested the edge on couldn't cope with it. And my rheumatoid arthritis in my thumbs can't cope with it.

Using the veritas means (with a little work over a few days...but here...bit there), I end up with a 25° primary bevel and a '30°' secondary bevel that is perfect every time. No problems with waving edges my brain keeps me awake with overnight. No problems with whisper fine shavings. Less problems with my thumbs (climbing related not work related).

I have a plane iron in the guide now on my work bench. I started getting it back to how it should be last weekend. My thumbs were not happy about it after a bit, so I just put it to one side and can pick it up as and when I want to and it is still exactly where it should be to carry on.

Horses for courses I guess.

I’m in your camp I think, although my thumbs are still okay for now (let’s not talk about my big toes, mind. Although they’re less important for sharpening!)

I need a jig, takes the stress out of it and eases my slight ocd.

When you say climbing do you mean rocks or for work?

 

[mark w]

Yes I know you can but you have to choose to do it and think about it. Or buy yet another gadget add-on. Or even break the bank with a set of "Odate Crowning Plates" £100 each https://www.popularwoodworking.com/toolreviews/odate_crowning_plate_sharpening_stones/
Freehand on a typical oil stone you are very likely to get a camber whether you like it or not. You might not be aware of the need, but luckily you get one anyway!

You previously suggested it couldn't be done, it's good to have a choice whether or not to camber a blade, some blades require a straight edge.

 

[Jacob]

You previously suggested it couldn't be done, it's good to have a choice whether or not to camber a blade, some blades require a straight edge.

There are very few uses where a plane blade with straight edge is essential, if any, (within reason).

 

[Jacob]

I’m in your camp I think, although my thumbs are still okay for now (let’s not talk about my big toes, mind. Although they’re less important for sharpening!)

I need a jig, takes the stress out of it and eases my slight ocd.

When you say climbing do you mean rocks or for work?

Well you've said it! OCD!
Modern sharpening suits some personality types, but it's contagious!
I wonder if it could be said to relate to the type of work people choose to do, from green woodwork with axe, drawknife, chain saw, through to the finest painstaking work, musical instruments etc?

 

[Cozzer]

Talking of sharp things, my wife has just texted me in order to make sure I am going to be around this afternoon....
Why?
She's ordered some "pastry forks" (whhhaaaattttt?!) and they're being delivered sometime this afternoon.
"So?", thought I....




The courier needs "proof of age".
I kid you not.

The world's gone bleedin' mad....