Honing Jig
Basic materials from aluminum angle stock, t-bolts, knobs, and some 1/8" sheet nylon.
My son was about to toss an outgrown scooter when I noted the sturdy wheels and bearings. An idea came to mind to create a honing jig that would handle ¼” mortising chisels and chisels with a short 2” length. The standard honing jibs don’t handle these chisels well, nor do they prevent side-to-side roll, causing a rounded tip on the chisels. I used MS Visio to define the dimensions, and built a prototype with materials that I had on hand that works quite well. I then constructed a small square that aligns the blade to the jig, and when marked, will define the extension of the blade for either 25 or 30 degrees (or anything between).
The jig provides excellent side-to-side roll stability, consistent results, and given the sturdy wheels and bearings, should outlast me. (Of note, the wheels and bearings are available for only $10 a pair…. You can even get them with built-in flashing lights!)
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Basic materials from aluminum angle stock, t-bolts, knobs, and some 1/8" sheet nylon.
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This is the view of the completed jig and the small square I put together to assist in mounting the blade.
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This shows how the square is used to align the chisel in the clamp tightened with the knobs seen in the previous picture.
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Here, the chisel and jig are positioned to begin honing on a sheet of 600 grit laying on a granite tile.
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This is how the jig is used, applying just enough pressure with the thumb as you roll the jig away from you. You lift the tip off as you bring it towards you, then press down on the back-stroke.
Comments
i love it !!!
Sweet, just sweet! My buddy made a "honing jig" at one point, if I recall correctly it's now about 100 feet to the right of his shop in the woods.
Making a jig that functions well isn't as easy as it seems, at least for some, and it appears you have a very well engineered design.
I know all too well the frustrations of the typical honing jig, and I have had to modify mine just to hold a chisel, and it will never accommodate a mortise chisel or anything remotely short.
You should patent and market your jig, and I'm full on serious! You have an awesome design, and if it were made with aluminum and delrin or nylon, you would have a sure winner on your hands!
At least sell the plans! I know I'll buy plan or the jig, whatever you want to distribute!
To Eaton474, I don't know how to get the plans to you...
This is the true "sharp skate" method! Accept no substitutes! ;-)
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