hi guys, i've got a few carving gouges and some small planes that have short curved irons and i'm not sure how to sharpen these, does anyone have any tips of how to do these easily? thanks, jonny
Oh Jonny, you HAD to go and ask THAT question didn't you!:rolf:
Lots of good info, but info doesn't always translate into practice does it? If you can try to find someone that knows what they are doing (Rich may be worth asking) and have them walk you through whatever process they use. You can modify technique once you have the basics down.
Well, thanks Ed. :wink_smil I'll be happy to try to respond if asked, but I really thought the ideas posted are well stated. There's many ways to sharpen from sidewalks to Zormeks -- they pretty much all work and the main thing is to get started. Try a few techniques (I really like the sandpaper spray glued to 1/4" plate glass) and find what you like. Try to avoid buying special tools until you know what's right for you (if ever). My best advice would be to go on-line to finewoodworking.com, get a 2-week free trial, and search for "sharpening", "sharpening techniques" and "gouge sharpening". You'll find lots of good articles. That's how I started changing my methods. Most important is that ALL abrasive methods can be used successfully for sharpening. But you don't need them all -- a sidewalk will do (assuming you have one).
I can't let that last option stand, sandpaper in ever finer grits on a glass plate is dirt cheap and, without question, one of the best. How do I know? Fine Woodworking told me so and I tried it. Habitat stores will probably have a glass plate large enough for at least 4 or 5 grits for just a couple dollars. Rich
...I know for myself anyway reading and looking at videos are helpful, but not nearly as much as having someone that knows what they are doing demonstrating their method...
What I have instead of a glass plate is a synthetic stone tile. There are several different ones at the big home stores. Just go over to the handtool area first and grab one of their pricier T squares or levels - something you are pretty sure has a good straight edge. Take that with you back to the floor tiles and you will find that not all floor tiles that look dead flat really are. But usually some are. Put the straight edge back. This will not save you much, if any, money but they are a nice size, easy to find and I worry less about accidental breakage.