Sharpening Method Poll

[FlyingRon]

I used oil stones and ceramic stones for years and then switched to diamond for a while which I still use for some quick touch up. I got a Worksharp when HD inadvertantly put them all on clearance and after some consternation on their part decided to honor the "clearance" price (something like $70 if I recall). I also got a discount on a Ridgid belt sander in the process which was their consolation they gave initially when they decided initially not to honor the website price.

 

[Raymond]

#4 at this time, I have plenty of time to get it right so I don't mind the slow but scary sharp method.

 

[McRabbet]

I use a Worksharp 3000 equipped with diamond lapping disks from Kent on Amazon.com. I adhere them to glass WS disks using 3M spray-on adhesive and they work like a charm for both chisels and plane irons. I have a wide blade attachment for my plane blades over 2" and a swing arm attachment for touching up carving gouges.

 

[Jeremy Scuteri]

Ceramic stones.

 

[jlimey]

10 (waterstones), 6

 

[woodlaker2]

5,6,4

 

[Ed Fasano]

Sorry for the edit to the post which changed the numbers. A missing return needed correction.

 

[BKHam]

2,3

 

[zapdafish]

6 then strop

 

[golfdad]

7

 

[bluedawg76]

WS to flatten backs, grinder to change angles that are touched up on the WS,
diamond stones and strop for routine maintenance

 

[Gotcha6]

3,4,&6. But in a pinch I'll just grab a flat file. It may not give the keenest edge, but it beats cutting with a chisel that's not as sharp as some screwdrivers I have.

 

[Larry Rose]

1&3

 

[garymuto]

7 (2 and 5). I much prefer using the stones

 

[RandyJ]

Mostly 4 but, if in a hurry, 6.

Edit:

But since the poll was edited, my preference is 5 but if in a hurry, 7.

In case of further edits, my choice is Scary Sharp first and Work Sharp if in a hurry.

 

[Ed Fasano]

Yes, I was forced to again correct the list of choices, for which I am embarrassed and apologize. There is no need whatsoever to correct any of the input prior to this post. I have adjusted the tabulation for the varying numbered choices. Thank you all for your input to date! This is yielding some interesting, but not all-that surprising results. I hope the input keeps coming. More data will produce better information.

Ed

 

[thesource]

3. Shapton ceramic on glass.
It's my Zen time.

 

[Mike Wilkins]

Makita electric water stone horizontal wet sharpening machine, with occasional diamond stones on Forstner and router bits.

 

[JeffH]

#8 (combination) -- first a few grades of wet sanding and then finishing up with water stones 4000 and 8000. Not sure I'm satisfied with that setup, though -- more experimenting to come.

 

[garymuto]

3. Shapton ceramic on glass.
It's my Zen time.

I find it relaxing too!