Thread: Sharpening Systems

Chris, it may help to mention the sharpening systems you have.

Regards from Perth

Derek

I deliberately did not do that in case someone thought I was trying to sell them via this thread. They are a Worksharp and a Veritas Mk2 system. The only think I might think I can use the LV system for is very narrow chisels for which I have the holder but I have not used that since I bought it just after its release.

Chris, you know I have the Torment and an A&A with CBN's. The Torment is used regularly for turning chisels and rarely for reshaping damaged carving/bench chisels.

I also have the MkII, which I use to establish the bevel at a certain angle. Other wise freehand sharpening, including my skewed chisels and plane blade. I actually find it quicker to freshen the edge on the #6k & #8K stones freehand then set up the guide.

The guides and electron burners have their place and uses, but freehand sharpening is a skill well worth learning and maintaining proficiency with.

Pat, I only use flat blades as you know and using the hollow grind approach to establish the primary bevel negates the need to use a jig, something I found out after spending a not inconsiderable amount of money buying this stuff and the accessories that go with both systems. Others may not feel so confidant in sharpening free hand as I didn't at that time in my sharpening journey but now I simply don't have the day to day need to use them. I was talking to a friend one day and he mentioned he would buy them from me if I ever decided to sell them thus the conundrum, to sell or not to sell and will I in future regret selling them.

Chris, either one of those machines would be useful for flattening the backs of blades. That would be valuable if you rehabbed or build blades/planes/chisels.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Hi Pat. Agree completely that freehand sharpening is a great skill to learn and maintain proficiency with. I learned most of my woodworking in the mid-1980s in Furniture Design and Making 2 yr F/t course in Tasmania and have been practicing on and off, mainly on, since then. But I think that the skill of sharpening is sadly missing from my repertoire. Of course I sharpen, but I KNOW it could be done a whole lot better. Having tools that are constantly a bit dull really affects the work I can do and as you can probably tell, it's a bit frustrating! I need a class or even someone who is proficient to show me and tell me what I'm doing wrong. I've suggested this to Carbatec but had no reply. Anyone have any knowledge of a course / class / friendly sharpener? Thanks for the thread and sorry for barging in with my sharpening issue. Maybe it is not only me?

A few of us organised our own sharpening seminar a few years ago which mainly showed different methods of sharpening but it has not been repeated since. I agree, it should be the first thing that is done on any course.

loudav, look up The Woodworkers Association of New South Wales. The course page is a good place to start.

Also, Jim Davey has a good introduction to the fundamentals of sharpening.

I was at the sharpening day, that Chris mentioned. I got roped into demoing the Tormek and it's various jigs. I mainly turn, so it's perfect for me, with the cbn wheel.

thanks everyone. I'm actually living in Melbourne now, sorry I should have updated my profile (am a bit new to this though I've been lurking for years!).
But some good ideas that I will follow up.
Cheers
Louise

Jim Davey does/used to do sharpening seminars through TTTG in Sydney. Maybe their sister organisation in Melbourne HTPAA might run something similar. Just had a look, nah - Hand Tool Preservation Association of Australia Inc. - Summary of Events - but if you asked around at one of the tool sale events somebody might be able to help.

Was looking for something similar in Brisbane. Google Search came up with this on in Melbourne: Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking | Classes: Tool Sharpening

Received an email the other day advertising this:

Henry Eckert Toolworks will be holding a Sharpology session at The Artisans Vise,
1- 5 Waverley Avenue, Edwardstown 5039 Saturday 7th December, 9 am to 12 pm. We expect the Sharpology session to bearound 9 30am to 10 30am.We will be demonstrating sharpening plane blades, chisels, hand scrapers and chef knives. Bring along a blade you would like sharpened maybe...

We will have our Henry Eckert Tools, Honing Guides and Shapton stones available for you to see & try.

Don’t know if this is any help to you as you say you’re in Melbourne, but.....it’s not that far is it?.....

Lie-Nielsen also run classes (which include sharpening) in Strathalbyn, near Adelaide. I’ve just book for seven days of course work there next March.

Grant