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Keeping tools sharp is VERY important,
the sharper they are, often they are more safe aswell. This is so because,
when you have a good sharp hand tool, you are completely in control, and won't
need to put as much pressure on the tool.
So heres how...
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In this guide, I will
be using a standard oil-stone. As you see in this picture, i've made
a simple jig, the oil stone will fit in.
I don't want it to move about so
i've also clamped it to my bench. |
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As you can see here, the oil stone
is simply fitting in the jig, it has 2 faces and 2 grades. The dark grey
is the course side. I will start with this. |
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This is the guide I will use.
Its known as a honing guide, and will keep the chisels angle nice and
uniform.
The brass wheel will ride on the
face of the stone, and the chisel will clamp to the guide on the top... |
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Sorry about the blurry picture.
You can see how the wheel is on
the stone, I can adjust the guide to suit the angle of my chisel. |
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Before we use our oil stone, lets
get oily! This will lubricate our stone, and prevent heat build up. You
may need to add more as you go to keep it lubricated. |
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Move the guide, applying pressure
to the front of the chisel, backwards and forth. Remember to add some
more oil if need be.
You will need to do this constantly
for a minute or two, depending how blunt the chisel is. |
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Notice, I've flipped the stone. I'm
now using the less course side. This polishes the chisel and really gets
that edge a woodworker needs. |
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Here, I've taken the chisel out of
the honing guide, and i'm polishing the back of the chisel. I'm applying
pressure to the top and moving it in a circular way on the face of the
stone. |
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Heres the test....
Can it cut through paper?
How easily does it cut through wood?
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