DIY Network

Sharpening and Stone Sculptor: Sharpening Chisels From "DIY Tools & Techniques" episode DIT-224

Tool sharpening expert Al Hudson offers tips for keeping chisels sharp.

Materials:

Japanese water stones in 1000, 3000, 6000 and 8000 grit
100 grit piece of sandpaper glued to a piece of plate glass
DMT diamond stone
Spray bottle with tap water
Honing guide
Permanent marker
Leather strop
Honing compound

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• First, make sure the water stone you're using to sharpen the chisel is completely flat. In order to sharpen the 1000 grit water stone, rub it against a 100 grit piece of sandpaper glued to a piece of plate glass. Rub the water stone back and forth against the sandpaper (figure A) until it becomes a consistent flat surface. A diamond stone can also be used to flatten the water stone.

• Next, flatten the back of the chisel. Spray tap water onto a diamond stone, then rub the back of the chisel against the stone (figure B). This will eliminate any nicks or scratches in the back of the chisel.

• To flatten the bevel, put the chisel in the honing guide. Use a permanent marker to color the entire bevel. Spray tap water on the 1000 grit water stone. Then, use the honing guide to hold the chisel in a constant bevel (figure C). When all of the color from the marker is gone, you know you have completely flattened the bevel. Once that is done, go through the process of flattening the bevel with each of the finer grit stones.

• Finally, use the leather strop to hone the chisel (figure D). Take some honing compound and rub into the strop. Then, rub the chisel against the leather a few times to give it a mirror finish. Your chisel should now be perfectly sharp.

GUESTS :

Al Hudson
7201 Wellington Drive
Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone: 865-588-0330