Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Sharpening in General

What is the best way to sharpen knives, chisels, scissors etc etc. Is it best to use an oil stone or a bench grinder or power tool attachment, which method gives the best finish and sharpness ?

Thanks 808:)

Hello 808

The most uesful shop machines are the belt sander and the wet stone for just about any household, shop or garden cutting tools the average do-it-yourself person can have.

I prefer the belt sander myself...you may not. However, after you have done some sharpening work, your precision and accuracy will improve and speed will become vital. This is were the belt sander shines. Below are some instructions previously posted. Check the archives within this forum for sharpening other tols. Libraries have some books on the subject of sharpening also.

Drill Bit Sharpening:

With a good eye and a steady hand, almost any steel drill bit can be sharpened on a belt sander or grinding wheel. Keep in mind that practice does make perfect.

The first step is to view the bit closely from several angles prior to any grinding. Look at the center point with the bit facing upwards towards you. Then hold the bit vertical, at eye level and notice the cutting edge. Rotate the bit while at eye level. Notice the back side has a sloping angle.

That sloping back angle from the center point and from the cutting edge backside is called the "relief angle" and must be closely maintained. So must the center point which is called a "Web."

TIP: Failure to maintain the web centered and the bit will wonder when first coming into contact with the item being drilled. Failure to not maintain the relief angle and the bit not cut well.

Once your aware of these angles, you can best sharpen any drill bit. Once your ready to start sharpening, follow the existing angle on the bit. You'll have to also rotate the bit in your hand while sharpening.

Sharpening can be done more accurately using the side of the grinding wheel then using the front face. The side of the grinding wheel has a flatter and truer surface and is less likely to have been used prior. It also makes viewing the drill bit easier, which will help to create a more accurate cutter edge and relief angle.

I suggest using a fine grit belt or grinding wheel. Have a pot of cool water near by to cool the warmed bit. Do one side partially then the other but never any side completely at once. Continue sharpening each side until the bit is completely sharpened on both cutting edges.

Another suggestion is to make the task easier and just purchase any brand table top drill bit sharpening machine. They work fine for non commerical purposes. They'll sharpen any steel drill bit used for casual useages just fine...:D

Wood Chisel Sharpening:

If you have a belt sander or access to one, tilt the table to match the angle of the chisel, and sharpen the angle to remove all the nicks.

I would suggest starting with a 100 grit belt, sanding with the angle facing upwards into the downwards moving belt. Do this lightly to avoid bluing the edge. Attempt to maintain the orginal angle and squared edges.

Once any and all the nicks are removed, now your ready to sharpen to a finished edge. Continue the sharpening, being sure to maintain square edges and the orginal angle, as best as possible.

Once this operation is completed, change to a 150 or 200 grit belt and lightly hone the edge using that same exact angle. Remember to pay close attention to the side edges.

TIPS:
Dipping the chisel in cool water will help to cool the steel. Water is also a sharpening lubricant. Chalk works too. Apply some to the rotating belt.

Once your satisfied you have a razor sharp edge, using a piece of very fine grit sanding paper, lay the sanding paper down on a hard flat surface. Then debur the chisel with the front sloping side facing down on the sanding paper.

Maintain the chisels handle end angled upwards, as if you where planing wood. Pushing the chisels cutting edge forward lightly while applying a lite downwards pressure. Continue this proceedure until all the burrs are removed. Check the sharpened edge.

Repeat this proceedure as needed. Until you acquire a sharpened edge that is as sharp as new or your satisfied is the best results obtainable.

Hints:
Practice on an old chisel first. Ruining one the first time is expected. Practice does produce perfection.

Checking the chisels trueness for a squared and flat sharpened edge can be done on the belt sanders work table.

Any bluing left can be removed using a fine wire wheel.

And there you have it. A well sharpened chisel ready for work...:D

Be advised that this is not the method nor machine used by the professional sharpening shop. However, for the homeowner, it will work just fine with some practice.

Workshop safety rules apply. Use caution anytime power machinery is used. Always wear safety gloves and goggles or eye protection while sharpening tools and near all operating machinery.

Reminder: "Work Shop Safety Is No Accident."

Good Luck.
Sharp Advice
Accurate Power Equipment Company.
Complete Saw and Tool Sharpening Service.
Sharpeners Quote:
"I can sharpen almost anything,
except your mind and your wits."

Thanks for such a thorough answer to my question and for all those instructions, nothing will ever be blunt in my home again !

Cheers 808:)

hello
Wood chisel? if you should want a sharp chisel to cut and last use a good stone oil or dimond to finish up the edge...if you are in such a hurry and do not have time to sharpen tools "right" you may not have the time needed to do a good job on the project.....Tom_Bartco has a quick way of doing his sharpening....I do not have a tool in my shop I would sharpen this way...Tools need to be taken care of with pride..."look how a workman takes care of his tools and you will see how he will do your project"......there are many fine books an how to take care of your tools and keep them sharp...a belt sander...only if the tool broke and could do no better.....but then my tools did not come form china...some I still use are over 60 years old and still work great...just a touch up now and then...Good Luck