I use two different honing guides at a variety of angles. So I designed a continuous-distance jig that will set any guide to any angle. It relies on a simple disk, mounted off-center, along with a printed label I created with graduations and a list of settings for my two jigs. When creating your own label or markings on the jig, you’ll find that some honing guides list the distances that blades need to protrude for given angles. On others, you’ll need some trial and error (or trigonometry). Also, you’ll need a way to produce a perfectly round disk, such as a lathe, hole saw, or circle cutter. After that, you’ll be able to produce any angle in seconds, with any honing jig you own.

—Steven Roman, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.

Drawings: Dan Thornton

From Fine Woodworking #274

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

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Starrett 12-in. combination square

This accurate, robust, well-machined, easy-to-read combo square is as great as ever.

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