Woodworking | Sharpening Tools Made Easy

As a new woodworker quickly finds out, the enjoyment fades as the tool gets duller. Then the reality sets in when you whip out the old Arkansas sharpening stone and commence to sharpening. You quickly realize that the gouges and other curved cutters are tough to get that fine sharpened edge. The edge of a finely sharpened tool is but a few microns in width. The motion of your hands and body when sharpening tools prevents a smooth arc to really get that edge. Here are some tips and tools on how to sharpen your woodworking tools simply and quickly.

Don't spend all your Time with a Sharpening Stone Consider a Grinder

Now there are plenty of sharpening grinders out there including wet stone and dry stone systems. If you have the money I would definitely recommend a top of the line Torex T7 or a Jet Slow Speed but for the rest of us a Delta GR450 8" Get a 100 to 120 grit stone I recommend the Norton. Now you need a couple of sharpening jigs as shown here in this pic. This configuration allows a good rest and provides for the smooth motion when rotating the tool across the arc. variable speed dry system is the most reasonable.

When you think grinder usually straight edges like a lawn mower blade or ax, but the right sharpening grinder and wheel can work wonders on round and oval blades. Two tools I'm really fond of turning with are the Oland tool and bowl gouge. Both have rounded cutting surface at about a 40 degree bevel. The size and position make it tough to make a smooth motion many times on the old Arkansas stone. Plus this steel is high speed carbon steel and while it can be done with a whetstone, you better have plenty of time on your hands

With these sharpening tools and jigs you can quickly get that edge back and not take forever to do. While the old Arkansas sharpening stone is a good standby and recommended for some tools like a skew chisel, a sharpening grinder and simple jig can make your life easier.  Check out my page on hand sharpening tools for more information or visit our  friends for a full line of sharpening supplies.