Replies

1. 
   MBerger | May 02, 2006 07:13pm | #1

   Tiger,

   It's tough to answer your question because there are so many sharpening techniques to choose from depending on the tool, and you are going to get several answers depending on who you ask.

   For plane irons and chisels, we mainly use water stones in the Fine Woodworking shop. However, there are techniques that use sandpaper on glass, loose grit on granite, in addition to sharpening machines.

   Check out this video featured on the homepage today if you want to see a demonstration of a common way to sharpen plane irons and chisels. I'd also encourage you to read through some articles in our sharpening section that are more specific to the various techniques.

   I do all of my sharpening for turning tools freehand with a bench grinder with a standard tool rest. However, there are some very good jigs (like the wolverine) on the market. Here is an article that covers the basics of gouge sharpening. Here's another that touches on scraper sharpening.

   That should get you started. Write back if you have more specific questions.

   Matt Berger
   Fine Woodworking

1. 
   Tiger | May 02, 2006 07:26pm | #2

   Thanks for the quick reply.  This help me considerably.

   Keep up the good work.

2. 
   jh0217 | May 03, 2006 03:18am | #3

   I was in the same situation a few months ago.  Try Norton water stones.  For me, they work great.  They cut fast, and are easy to keep flat.  I get a much better edge than I ever could with Arkansas stones.