Recent content by Sharpdon

I have noticed many woodworkers flex a bend in the scraper. This gives a scalloped surface as you can see in the first video. With a good edge, it is not necessary to flex the scraper. I also did a video some years ago showing the sharpening of a scraper on the Lap-Sharp and scraping Bubinga. I...

Pete: Based on the color, it may be about a 1200 to 1500 grit (JIS) stone. A picture would help. There are two good articles on how to prepare and maintain water stones posted on the Japan Woodworker site. The one is about synthetic stones (which are soaked) and the other is about natural stones...

It is a household spray cleaner. Others are "Simple Green" and "Fantastic" I had some 1 micron (3M) abrasive discs and some .3 micron discs that I could not use on the Lap-Sharp, since after the first rotation, the swarf would build on the surface and cause flaws in the abraded surface (viewed...

Tony: Here is a tip based upon my testing and use of these excellent 3M products. When you reach the 9 micron and finer level with these abrasives, the swarf tends to stick to the abrasive surface and glaze over. (It is worse at 1 micron and .3 micron) If you use a spray of household cleaner...

Chris: I use a HNT Gordon shoulder plane frequently. I was just using it again today when I took a break and saw your post. It is very easy to adjust and holds a fine edge well. I just planed some Ebony, Maple, and Walnut. The shavings are fine and consistent. It is one of those planes that one...

Yes, the scraper plane is honed at a 45 degree bevel rather than the 90 used on the card scraper. The tool bar shown in the video can be set to 45 degrees for scraper planes. The sharpening process is much the same.

Karl: Here is a link to a video showing a technique for sharpening card scrapers using a Lap-Sharp. The principles are the same as with water stones. The results should also be the same or at least similar. The abrasive shown in the video is 5 micron. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzAYZ92z5C4

Nads: You are in the geographical area where I believe some of the best hand planes were made, being Spiers, Mathieson, and Norris. I have used planes by each of these makers, and personally prefer the Mathieson infill planes primarily due to the tight throats, but they all work very well. With...

Tony: See the page on abrasives for the pricing. http://www.woodartistry.com/Lap-SharpAbrasives.htm Mike is also correct, that the Japan Woodworker and Woodworker's Supply also have the abrasive prices listed. I don't see what you see in the article I wrote, except for the very last section...

Fair enough. I have updated my profile to show Windsor, CA. Yes, I designed and manufacture the Lap-Sharp, but my input about sharpening is based upon what I have learned in research, not to promote the Lap-Sharp or any tool on a forum. I don't think that is the place to promote ones products...

The rotational speed of the 1206 is listed as 120 rpm vs the 2006 at 90 rpm. The smaller diameter wheel will make a weaker hollow gring than the larger diameter wheel. Either one still requires finishing the edge to create a good cutting tool. Using the leather wheel on the 2006 rounds the edge...

I agree shiny is not a specific requirement, as it often masks a rounded edge. Japanese masters want to see the fine scratches to the edge of the cutting tool, so they know the condition of their tool. I did some research (and more is in process) about the use of Silicon Carbide in sharpening...

Another consideration is to use Japanese chisels. The laminated hard steel holds a fine edge and they require less frequent sharpening. Some modest priced (start at $15.95) bench chisels may be seen at: http://www.japanwoodworker.com/dept.asp?dept_id=12769 The dovetail chisels are a bit more...

In my research when developing the Lap-Sharp sharpening system, I learned Silicon Carbide breaks down very quickly and then begins to burnish the tool which is why it gets shiny. The waterstones and other Aluminum Oxide grits do not break down as quickly, and keep cutting metal. This is why the...