To sharpen chisels and other tools, I screwed a small 30¡ block of wood to the back side of the stop bar on my stationary belt sander. I use a 220-grit belt and make sure the back of the tool is flat against the block when I press the blade against the moving belt. The longer belt on the stationary machine helps prevent overheating and softening the edge of the tool.

Because I grind most of my tools at 30¡, I usually leave the block at that setting (it does not interfere with the normal use of the sander). But if I need a different setting, I can loosen the stop-bar attachment and pivot the block to any angle between 25¡ and 40¡. One thing to remember: If you have a dust collector connected to your sander, disconnect it when sharpening tools. The sparks could start a fire.

Bob Kelland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada

Fine Woodworking Magazine, December 1998 No. 133

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