A handtool epiphany – all thanks to Norm Abram
I don’t want to start yet another sharpening debate but my woodworking experience took such a turn for the better recently that I felt I should write it up in case it helps others at a similar stage in their hobby.
Although I’ve been woodworking for a number of years I have limited time to devote to it and would consider myself a novice in many ways.
I‘ve always felt that my sharpening left a lot to be desired. I’ve read lots online about sharpening, bought books on the subject and have tried various oilstones, diamond stones, scary sharp with wet and dry paper and used a number of different types of honing guides. I could get an acceptable edge but the process was slow and I found myself using tools which I knew needed attention but with my limited shop time I would have spent more time sharpening than being productive. I always found myself putting off sharpening until next time.
My revelation came when I saw an episode of NYW where Norm was building a sharpening cart. At the start of the programme he showed the process of quickly taking a damaged chisel to a razor sharp edge with a wetstone sharpener with a wet grindstone combined with a leather honing wheel.
I was hooked, negotiations with the wife for an early Christmas present bought me the Jet JSSG-10 unit from Axminster. I couldn’t be more pleased.
A wetstone sharpener may seem expensive but it changed my woodworking experience immeasurably, all my tools are sharp now and the ease and speed of using the Jet means they stay sharp. It’s a joy now to use any of my planes and chisels.
I don’t want to start yet another sharpening debate but my woodworking experience took such a turn for the better recently that I felt I should write it up in case it helps others at a similar stage in their hobby.
Although I’ve been woodworking for a number of years I have limited time to devote to it and would consider myself a novice in many ways.
I‘ve always felt that my sharpening left a lot to be desired. I’ve read lots online about sharpening, bought books on the subject and have tried various oilstones, diamond stones, scary sharp with wet and dry paper and used a number of different types of honing guides. I could get an acceptable edge but the process was slow and I found myself using tools which I knew needed attention but with my limited shop time I would have spent more time sharpening than being productive. I always found myself putting off sharpening until next time.
My revelation came when I saw an episode of NYW where Norm was building a sharpening cart. At the start of the programme he showed the process of quickly taking a damaged chisel to a razor sharp edge with a wetstone sharpener with a wet grindstone combined with a leather honing wheel.
I was hooked, negotiations with the wife for an early Christmas present bought me the Jet JSSG-10 unit from Axminster. I couldn’t be more pleased.
A wetstone sharpener may seem expensive but it changed my woodworking experience immeasurably, all my tools are sharp now and the ease and speed of using the Jet means they stay sharp. It’s a joy now to use any of my planes and chisels.
