Sharpening question - Don't panic!

[WellsWood]

Has anyone out there had any experiences they'd care to relate regarding the sharpening of hollow mortice chisels? In particular with THIS KIT from Aminster. I have about 50No. mortices to make in Oak for my current project, and want to make sure the Japanese pattern chisel and bit I have in this size are up to the task before starting - they've seen a fair bit of action already.

They also do a diamond cone sharpening set, which appeals due to being significantly cheaper, but looks like a right faff to use.

Any thoughts?

 

[Steve Maskery]

I have a very old (1950s or 60s I think) version of the first one and it does a fine job. I've not tried an un-piloted cone like the latter.

As an aside, I seem to remember a FWW article extolling the virtues of polishing the inside of the chisel to improve chip-clearance.
S

 

[Roxie]

Wellswood
Got the Axi kit and find it useful. I tend to use the cone in a hand drill as I found the pillar drill a little brutal. Agree with Steve, keep the surfaces polished.

John

 

[WellsWood]

Sorry John, but which kit do you have, the one with the different pilots that looks like a countersink bit or the diamond cone one?

 

[OPJ]

Hi Mark,

I bought what looks to be an identical set of those from Rutlands, either last year or the year before. It works well and doesn't require much effort. I even put a 'rough' video of it all on YouTube, if you have a spare ten minutes. ;-)

 

[Roxie]

One that looks like a countersink.
John

 

[WellsWood]

Thanks for the replies guys, a great help. Great video too Olly, it's always reassuring to actually see the process, thanks.

I reckon I'll go for the set with the pilot guides despite the expense, the diamond cones just look far too easy too make a hash of the job (and are suspiciously cheap). It's a shame they don't offer them in anything other than the whole kit though - I've already got more than enough diamond stones :roll:

Weather forecast looks OK for tomorrow so I reckon a quick ride down to Axminster in Sittingbourne may be in order - those Christmas vouchers won't spend themselves after all :wink:

 

[Eric The Viking]

I've also got the Axy kit. It works very well, especially if you use a little Trefolex on the 'countersink' cutter.

I gave myself a quite nasty cut a couple of months back, when I brushed the back of my hand under the chisel whilst setting up the morticer!

I can't imagine how you'd get a decent result with the diamond version though - you need the centre guide.

E.