UPDATE: Taunton’s Complete Illustrated Guide to Sharpening by Thomas Lie-Nielsen
Jan 30, 2014
Taunton’s Complete Illustrated Guide to Sharpening by Thomas Lie-Nielsen
The Taunton Press, 2004.
$39.95; 224 pp.
Huskey won the copy of this book.
Taunton’s Complete Illustrated Guide to Sharpening is written by toolmaker, Tom Lie-Nielsen, and he brings his tool expertise to the sharpening arena with step-by-step instructions for sharpening woodworking tools. The book covers the tools and materials you might need for the job and then focuses on ways to sharpen all sorts of different tools. More than 750 photos and drawings help guide the way to sharp edges on your tools.
Our lucky winner this time around is Huskey. His comment was chosen at random.
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Comments
I could use some pointers to enhance my sharpening skills.
Count me in
I do all the "right" things but still don't have a shave ready blade.
I struggle with sharpening and would love the book.
Allons-y!!!
I'm in the middle of trying out several different sharpening setups (scary sharp, water stones, etc) and would love to have some guidance from an experienced author.
A great addition to my shop library.
A great addition to my shop library.
I still need help achieving elusive that razor sharp edge.
Looks like a good book!
I love books, count me in!
Count me in too!
looks sharp.
Learning to achieve a razor edge will make it much more likely for me to sharpen my tools
that would make a great addition to my shop library.
I would love to add this to my sharpening library!
Yes please.
Need all the help I can get!
Sharpening is a skill I want to master.
I have a lot of hand tools ( none of which are lei Nielsen due only to cost) I believe he would know all there is to know. I want this book
I have a lot of dull tools, so I could really use this.
Please count me in for the book.
I would love to have this book. Please count me in.
I would love to learn how to perfect my sharpening techniques. This will be a great addition to any shop library, hope it ends up in mine. Thanks!
Not only do I have a lot of chisels and planes for sharpening, I just started to use a straight razor too - and that will need sharpening eventually. And i need help ...
Just a beginner when it comes to woodworking but would love to start off in the right way and with the right priorities
Need to cut my teeth from the best author on sharpening!
Inherited a new classroom this year and there is lots of tuning up to be done. This would sure help me in the process!
Maybe this will help me solve the mystery of sharpening
Maybe this will help me solve the mystery of sharpening
Maybe this will help me solve the mystery of sharpening
How will I use the book?
As novice and a learner I will use it to start developing and practicing my sharpening skills.
I know that I will enjoy both the journey and reaching my destination.
Sharpening tools is something most people put off until it is absolutely needed. Anything that will make the job easier, I'm all for it.
sharpening is a gateway skill and critical to progressing in woodworking. every edge needs to do the job it was intended to do. I need this book.
It is never to late to learn new skills or improve on the methods I use now. I would love to read this book and add to my knowledge and pass on these skills to my sons and grandsons.
I am being taught by a master craftsman and I now appreciate how little I know and how little I can remember.
At my age I need a reference book. I don't have enough time left to learn from my own mistakes.
Always stop by and watch the LN demos at shows. Difficult to keep all the instructions in my head.
I've got two water stones from way back. I can't remember the grits. Any tips on how to tell?
I would really enjoy a copy of this book on sharpening. Count me in.
Would love a copy of this book.
Would love a copy of this book.
Sharpening, maybe I can finally figure it out!
Beginner that would like to learn. Need explanations that are clear and enable learning.
Want the book to be informative, instructive and no nonsense.
I am at the beginning of the task of refurbishing and sharpening a number of planes, chisels, and scrapers I inherited. I sure could use this book!
With this book, maybe I can toss my folder of sharpening articles culled from years of Fine Woodworking issues.
Honed my first plane iron yesterday, would like to know if I am om the right track.
Honed my first plane iron yesterday, would like to know if I am om the right track.
Looks interesting. Sign me up!
Very good series. I don't have this one/
I own so many sharpening machines and accessories. Motorized discs and wheels, hand stroked diamond plates, oil and water stones all sitting on shelves and in drawers. Unfortunately, it's up to me to actually bring iron to abrasive to enjoy keenness.
It's not easy living less than 20 miles from the Lie-Nielson showroom.....
Many years ago my dad taught me how to sharpen whatever needs to be sharp. With him long gone I still quite often wished to be able to ask him....is there some trick with thís tool to get is really sharp? Information about sharpening never seems enough.
A good refresher on sharpening tools is always good, and seeing how others have their own techniques can help tweak your own.
I'm tired of working with dull tools
99.99% of my 'bad' cuts were made because I didn't take the time to resharpen my blades as I worked...a book can't replace haste but its contents and wisdom can be a constant companion to aid the skillful work of our hands.
Just from reading the introduction and the Table of Contents this looks like the ultimate reference book on sharpening. I would truly treasure such a book.
I have always struggled with sharpening for some reason, never can get that crazy sharp edge. Would really love a guide by one of the best!
Would love to read this book
Like all L-N products, this one looks like a real winner too. I'd love to have this to read while I wait to get back to my summer-only shop.
Could use all the sharpening help I can get.
This would surely help me _hone_ my sharpening skills...
Always need additional help on sharpening!
After 50 years of trying to get things sharp, I've tried what I think are every possible trick, technique and gizmo. All to varying degrees of success, and often with much expense. Many of the gizmos are now in the landfill or passed along to other craftsmen. A guide like this could help me avoid more wasted time, effort and money.
Inexact at best.
couldn't think of a better source on how to sharpen tools
Working is boring when your tools are dull. Sign me up!
Sharping has always been a struggle for me because of the time involved. Would rather be making about anything as opposed to doing the tedious time consuming task of sharping. Just maybe the book along with all it's wisdom would make this task less a task.
In the pursuit of Fine Woodworking a major issue is to have your tools ready. Maintaining that keen edge on tools can be frustrating, would like to pick up some tips from the Master.
Sign me up!
A few years ago we lost our home. Not willing to give up woodworking, I took up carving (due to lack of space for my shop etc). Sharpening carving tools is a real challenge to me. A book like this would be a great help!
Than k you!
I'm a beginner with a lot of second hand chisels that need work! Could really use some instruction...
Lie-Nelson tools are such high quality it would be a crime to attempt an incorrect sharpening. There are tons of videos on the net but following the manufacturers procedures is the only way to go. Even if you don't win a copy buying one would be a wise investment in maintaining the manufacturers quality and the tools life.
Would-be nice,
Thans
Jaap
Every woodworker could use this book. Especially me !!!
Love to win this.
I would love to own this book.
Would love to win it.
Looks like an interesting book.
I am a beginner and this book would be a great addition to my learning library.
I am just about to really focus on fine tuning my sharpening skills and this book would be a huge help
Why lie? I just love books!
Aha! A book to sharpen the dullest tool in drawers.
I think I've got the flat stuff down but as for the curvy & toothy blades I could use some direction!
I've been wanting to start sharpening my own blades but don't know how or where to start. This would be a wonderful gift. Thanks for the chance to win!
My cabinet making & house building grandfather taught me that a sharp tool made for a safer tool. I want my granddaughters to understand this also. Thanks for the opportunity to learn from this fine book.
I am a life long student. This book will was meant for me to have. You can fulfill the wish. Thank You.
A book from the master of planes and other things. I am looking forward to either buying or winning this book to add to my collection. I have met him and learned so much, and need reminding on how to sharpen: properly.
Yes, a book from the master would be welcome. I need technique on how to sharpen my tools.
Hoping this book can teach an old dog new tricks!
Lots of tools that need to keep an edge. Always helpful to get good advice and maybe save some time too.
This old man has ruined more good tools through unskilled and impatient sharpening efforts than you can possibly imagine. I truly need the help that a book like this offers.
I am terrible at sharpening and sure could use some help.
Please
Want it!
I would like a chance to Win this book! Thank You!
my little LN block plane is my favorite tool in the shop and it holds an edge like no other tool that I've owned. I'm a believer in the quality of these tools and would love this book.
Want it very very much
Tom is god.
LN is usually on the cutting edge of hand woodworking tool making. Now, I'd like to be too!
Looks great. Lets see who wins.
Winning the book would be pretty sharp.
Fairly new to woodworking, and I need all the help I can get to hone my sharpening skills.
My things are dull! I could use this book.
This book would be very useful.
Would love to own a copy to hone my sharpening skills.
I have watched many videos on sharping and still I can't get those beautiful thin shavings from my hand planes. I would love this publication.
The system I like best is grades of wet/dry sandpaper (320 up to 2000 grit) put to a three-foot long by three-inch wide piece of Corian with spray adhesive. I get excellent results!
More info on sharpening is always great, and in your publishing history it is great.
I have never been a randomly chosen winner. I think it would be very pleasant. I could certainly use the info on sharpening too :)
This would be nice to have. Tips are always helpful
I need to sharpen my jointer
One of the few Taunton titles I don't already own!
Taunton's The Complete Illustrated Guide to Sharpening is an exciting addition to the finest series of woodworking books. I have enviously given several as gifts. My modest (and much beloved) collection of Lie-Nielsen planes could use the sharpest edge deserving of these wonderful hand tools. Perhaps those gossamer like shavings are within our grasp.
Just starting out in woodworking. This book would give me the edge to improve my skills.
Awesome idea, Yes please.
Absolutely. Have never sharpened a tool so it would be so helpful!!! Thanks
love to have it.
I have flicked through a copy at the local woodworking shop it looked brilliant, deffinatly on my wish list.
The more I learn about sharpening tools, the more I realize how little I know. I'd love to have this sharpening bible to further advance my skills. There's nothing more satisfying than working with super-sharp tools.
Way back in High School in the first day of woodshop the last thing anyone one wanted to hear about was sharpening. For most of us that continued for most of our woodworking journey. For me after 30 or so year I saw the light and that changed my view of everything woodworking. Thanks to Fine Woodworking and Lie-Nielsen my skills and knowledge of the craft has changed and continue to change for the better. By presenting the skill of sharpening in a way to get the most disinterested woodworker to see the light both Fine Woodworking and Lie-Nielsen have done a great service to the craft.
Thanks for chance to win a great book
Ted
I just got in line...
This book would be so helpful for a beginner such as myself.
Everyone can use better sharpening skils
I actually like sharpening! Imagine that.
I have zero skills/experience with sharpening, so this would be a really helpful book to have.
I need to sharpen everything!
I would happily provide comments after reading this book, which is on my long list of coveted Taunton publications.
I could certainly use this, thanks for the opportunity!
Sharpening is a skill I definitely need to work on. I'm sure this book would really help.
Great book!
I used to view the sharpening of tools and equipment as a necessary evil. After a number of less than perfect furniture fits, I realize that it is essential to the quality of a finished piece. I would love to have this one-stop reference critical to the making of high quality wood products.
I could use a copy of this book.
I'd love it!
I has got to be the world's mostest worstest sharpiner, so if I could lern to reed, this here book wood reely help develop my skils. Wood appresheate you throwin in a spellin book too.
End results and safety are directly proportionate to the sharpness of the tool.
I've been buying Stanly Bailey wood planes at antique stores, in Charm, Ohio, which is in Amish Country. I've bought a No. 7 with a corrugated bottom, a No. 8, a No. 5 Sweetheart, a No. 5, two No. 4s and an antique Craftsman plane. I recently bought a Mark 2 honing guide. I have never sharpened plane blades and I'd hate to ruin them, since I want to learn to use them, to make a workbench for my garage/workshop. This book would be the start of my woodworking library. Thanx for a GREAT product. :)
Sounds like a great book.
I have been told that skill with sharpening provides a person with an opportunity to get better results in his/her work while at the same time giving a break to consider the next moves. Or contemplate the universe.
This is one in the Tauton Woodworking series that I don't have and would love to win.
this would be a fantastic reference on sharpening to own!
Would love to add this book to my library, just put new bookshelves in my workshop! Thanks :)
I'm always eager to learn more about sharpening.
A perfect companion to go with my new #4 Lie-Nielsen smoothing plane. Pick me please..
This book will look sharp on my bookcase.
Looks great. If it's as good as their tools, it will help anyone.
New to planes and chisels and in need of this book to know how to sharpen and care for my tools.
Ooh, looks interesting!
Sure
count me in
Need one to match my wit....
Very usefull !, I want it !,
I will win.
As a carpenter I had always rushed my sharpening efforts trying to get to the job at hand. Now as a newly converted woodworker I find that I have retained many bad sharpening habits. I find a lot of my problems are rooted ignorance.This book could go a long way towards helping me.
Can we get it signed as well?
Sweet, pick me!
My workshop is 60 miles outside the small town of Grand Marais, Minnesota. The nearest sharpening service is 170 miles away so the sharpening book would be very helpful.
Counnt me in
Sharpening has always been a challenge for me. I have tried many different methods/stones/jigs and find that although I can get a "good enough"edge, it never seems to be as good as the pros.
Sharpening your tools is not only a good workmanship necessity, but a safety issue and health issue. Having your chisels, saws, planes, etc properly sharpened makes ease of your work and adds greater success to the end piece. This book will take you to the next level of woodworking.
Count me in! Still pretty new to sharpening my tools...could definitely use this.
Need.
Need sharpening advice.
Putting in bookshelves in my new residence so I have the perfect place to display this book and readily get to often.
Sign me up. I can use all the sharpening advise I can get.
Just got a set of water stones. A new book would look good on the table.
I've met him before. Quiet and very friendly. Appreciate the chance at his book.
YES!!!
YES!!!
He already signed all my planes, so having his book would complete my set!
count me in.
What a great series. I bought the ones on turning and finishing.... Well done!!
I am up for this. I have a nice reference library that this would fit well with as I have nothing on sharpening.
Proper sharpening is life blood of any susseful woodworking project.
Enter me in the contest please.
Sharpening is one of most necessary jobs in the shop.
Looks great. I could always use some help sharpening. I have the Working with Wood version and it is excellent.
Boy, could I use this. Better sharpening means less sharpening.
As I am busy setting up my workshop and upgrading my hand tools. I would love to have this book in order to look after my new investment.
I am still very scared of messing up my tools trying to sharpen.
This book would work great for me.
Proper sharpening not only makes the job safer, but taking the time for proper preparation on any job always makes it go smoother. I could really use this guide in my shop.
I have NO clue about sharpening. I love the other books in this series. (Had to get them from the library)
A sharp tool can eliminate a lot of woodworking frustration. Learning to sharpen is a real art.
I have sharpening books by Ian Bradley, Jim Kingshott, and Leonard Lee (and am still not a proficient sharpener). I am always looking for new viewpoints.
Would love to own
I'm a newcomer to this site and this is my first comment. I've always been interested in woodworking. Some of my fondest childhood memories are tied to my Grandfather and spending time with him in his basement workshop. That man could fix/build ANYTHING!
Anyway, I typed "woodworking" into a search engine, clicked a link at the top of the list, and here I am. I enjoy reading almost as much as working with my hands and I'd love nothing more than for this book to find its way into my personal library...
After years of trying to perfect the art of getting wood flat and square with power tools I'd like to give it a shot using hand tools I understand, however, I'm going to have to know how to sharpen also?
Enjoy Lie-Nielson tools. Keep up the good work.
I've always had trouble sharpening tools , knives or even my skills sometimes. I would love to own this book.
My tools (ALL of them) are screaming for this book!
I've heard it is a good book
Terry T
I could use more knowledge on sharpening.
Please!
I wish someone had taught me the importance of learning how to sharpen when I first started trying to work with wood.
This would be a great bookshelf addition for an area where I'm constantly working to improve my skills.
If you can read you can learn anything. I am 66 and teaching myself woodworking, what a joy.
I have some of the tools for sharpening maybe this book would help me learn how to use them better.
This looks like a good reference.
The Introduction to the book says: "This book is not about turning sharpening into a hobby. Sharpening woodworking tools is a means to an end". True, but it sure can be a satisfying pastime if you can get the right results!
It would be a great addition to my library.
Count me in...
Count me in as well. I've never used a tool that was too sharp.
I'd live to own this book.
I'd live to own this book.
How do you sharpen a gouge that has the bevel on the in side? Why do we procrastinate sharpening?
My tools are never as sharp as I would like.
Love the complete illustrated guide series of books. I'm sure this one is a winner as well.
My tools are crying out for a good sharpening. I could use the guidance
This Book would improve by not so good sharpening skills :-)
Judging this book by its cover it appears to be cutting edge, something I could readily hone my skills with. :O)
Heidy-Ho Good Neighbor
I could use help achieving a keen edge on my tools.
Visited his business in Maine last summer...great experience, great tools!!
I use several of his tools including sharpening. The book would be a nice compliment.
I like to think I do a pretty good job of getting and keeping my tools sharp. Then I watch videos on sharpening on Fine Woodworking (and elsewhere) and doing an only okay job of it. There are some sharpening tasks I'd really like to perfect. One easy one is getting that "perfect" edge/curl on my scrapers. I do it okay, but I watch the real pros make it look so simple and they scrape see-thru shavings from any stock. I'm just not there...yet. I'd bet my scrapers that this book can help me with this and other more challenging sharpening tasks.
Just started using hand tools. Have watched several shows on sharping. This book would make a great addition to my growing reference collection
Don
I am enrolled in a hand plane workshop in mid-February. I would
like to know more about sharpening before I take the class.
Bob Gerfy
[email protected]
Since attending 2 FWW live events I have learned that fine well maintained hand tools are integral in "dialing in" tight joints and creating smooth almost finish ready surfaces.
I went to school in Maine for forest management, spent several years living in the state. So for me it was natural "two-for" for me to purchase hand tools from Maine based Lie-Nielsen. I get great hand tools and support a small Maine business at the same time.
I have used the recommendations from the contributing editors of FWW and the folks at Lie-Nielsen to make my tool purchases to date.
So far I purchased the low angle jack plane ( w/ extra blades and the hotdog handle for "shooting" work), the 601/2 block plane, the rabbet block plan, the chisel plane, and a few bevel edge chisels.
As the household budget permits and my skills grow my collection of hand tools will expand.
Thanks to the whole staff at FWW for creating a vehicle that informs and inspires us folks who work alone out there in our workshops.
Time used to be the hardest thing to find while pursuing my passion for woodworking. Two years ago I received a very generous gift from a friend. He upgraded a number of his tools, and gave me his "old" tools: a 14" band saw, 8" jointer, woodpecker router lift (and 2 PC 7518 routers), and some other bits and pieces. All still in good condition, needing only minor maintenance to put in first class working condition. Now I needed a workshop worthy of this gift, so began a remodel of my garage. Insulated the walls and ceiling, added 220 volt outlets in several location, a dozen 110 outlets, five new ceiling light fixtures and two track light bars, all off a new sub-panel ... and so much more. Then last year I suffered a spontaneous severe brain hemorrhage. A rare side effect of a medication I was taking. Recovery is slow but steady. Though technically disable now and forced to retire, it just means I have to do things a little slower, and more deliberately.
I've known since I was a boy scout that sharp tools are safer than dull ones. Keeping your tools sharp requires discipline and know-how. The know-how is what I'm still lacking. I would love to have this book on my new workbench. Thank you for the chance to win it.
It sure would look nice on the coffee table between reads.
I want to restore my Grandfathers old tools and this book would help a lot with this project
As a beginner who loves to use hand tools I would value this book.
I'm in.
My tools are already sharp! Sharp enough to cut warm butter Maybe I can learn to get them sharp enough create shavings instead.
I need help with my sharpening.
Don't mean to harp, but I wish it was sharp! (er)
Tom Lie-Nielsen. A remarkable individual whose heart is consistently manifested in his company and the products they produce. Everything they do, they do exceedingly well.
I have a sharpening addiction it would be nice to know I'm doing it right. Hope to be leaving a comment post contest on how much I love this book. Thanks
My first set of water stones should arrive this week. If only I had a book that taught me how to use them properly...
Maybe this will teach me the dark secrets.
Well now, this is a funny thing. My favorite book for the last month as been "The Complete Guide to Sharpening, a Fine Woodworking book, By Leonard Lee (Lee Valley Tools) published in 1995.
I bought it back then but due to severe immaturity I didn't read it until now. 'Exhibit A' in my case that the mind works better with a little age.
It has led me to explore many articles and videos here in FW.com and elsewhere.
Finally, I'm getting it. It is immensely gratifying.
I can't see any harm in reading the new one.
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