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    Video

    Sharpening Woodworking Tools – Start Woodworking S1:Ep7

    By Matt Berger, Asa Christiana Jul 15, 2019

    Woodworking hand tools, most notably hand planes and chisels, are some of the most useful tools in the woodshop. In the time it takes to set up many power tool operations, you could have finished the job faster by hand. However, your success with hand tools depends on your ability to keep your planes and chisels sharp.

    Sharpening planes and chisels is a gateway skill in woodworking. It takes a lot of patience and practice to master a sharpening method, but once you do your woodworking skills will improve. Plus, using hand tools becomes much more enjoyable when they’re sharp.

    In episode seven of our free video series, Getting Started in Woodworking, we walk you through one foolproof sharpening method. We cover flattening and polishing the back, grinding the bevel, and honing the bevel. Once you learn these skills, you can keep your tools sharp with occasional regrinding and regular honing.

    Sharpening Tool Kit:
    Follow the links below for more information about the tools and supplies featured in this episode:

    – Any model bench grinder – slow-speed (approx. 1,725 rpm) recommended
    – 60-Grit Aluminum Oxide Grinding Wheel, White
    – Veritas MK-II Honing Guide
    – Any synthetic water stones
    – Standard household glass (tip: use a piece of scratch-free glass from an old picture frame)
    – Sandpaper (220 and 320 grit wet/dry abrasives available at any hardware store)
    – Spray adhesive

    If you have a question about this episode send us an email or post a question in our Q&A forum.

    Links
    Buy The Book: The Complete Guide to Sharpening

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    About This Video Workshop

    Welcome to the online series “Getting Started in Woodworking,” a multi-step program designed to guide you through the basics of woodworking and furniture making. No matter what drew you to the idea of building projects with wood, whether you’re taking on a do-it-yourself project around the house or shopping for a hobby, we’ve assembled our best collection of articles and videos to show you how to do it smartly and safely. Beginning with this first… More about this Video Workshop

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