Question:
What does sharp mean?
A Sharp Tool Is A Safe Tool
If you took a shop class in school you are probably familiar with this motto: "A sharp tool is a safe tool."
The good news is that the means of sharpening tools hasn't changed all that much over the centuries. Hand tools, such as wood chisels ,can be done on sharpening stones. But there are a number of different kinds of sharpening tools for different jobs.
Sharpening a tool on a special stone is called "honing an edge." At the very edge of the blade there is a bevel. This is where the front and the back of the blade meet. A tool becomes dull when this edge, or point, moves away from each other. Or if the tool edge is damaged by a nail or a really hard imperfection in the wood. Lastly, if a tool is just not handled properly it can be dull quicker and you will constantly need to sharpen it.
Over the years there have been some cool innovations in tool sharpening methods, including the chisel and planner jig. This device fits over a sharpening stone that is about 2” by 8”, and the blade fits inside of it, allowing it to be placed at the correct angle needed for sharpening. By hand sharpening, we run the risk of changing the blade bevel angle. Of course, there are machines that a hobbyist may buy to sharpen his or her own drill bits. This works on the same basic principle as the stone.
Wood Working Frequently Asked Questions
Is dust collection really important ?
What are the real safty risks?
How big of a dust collection system do I need?
How do I know what my machine needs?
What kind of things can I do with a table saw?
What's better about today's saws.
Will the table saw cut anything?
Do I have to buy alot of tools to get started?
Do I need a big shop or building?
I have learned the basic , now what?
What's the best wood for timber framing?
Is all timber framing done by hand?
What are the best things about timber framed homes?
What are the basic steps in building a timber framed home?
Are timber framed buildings warm?
Which sharpening stone is best?
Can I take my tools to an expert to be sharpened?
How do I use a sharpening stone?
Has wood carving always been popular?
What is the best wood carving wood?
What's a good name in carving tools?
What kind of carvings are there?
Where can I learn wood carving?
What are some ways of applying veneer?
What are the steps in veneering wood?
What should I know before applying a finish?
What about handling the veneer during the glue process?
What's a good way to get started?
How to get started in woodworking crafts?
What are other projects I can do?
What are some other pieces of equipment needed?
What kind of woods can I use on a lathe?
Isn't drilling and boring the same thing?
Are common drill bits okay to use?
What is best bit for big holes?
Will I need an old fashion hand drill?
What do furniture maker's use?
What are some ways to save space?
What are some types of router jigs?
What other ways can I save space ?
Am I ready to start my own woodworking business?
I am not sure where to put my business?
What are some real ways to stay safe in the shop?
What are some ways to stay safe from fire?
What about breathing protection?
Where to get some help with blade replacements?
What about buying used pieces?
What are other places to get sandpaper?
Where do I look for woodworking specialty items?
What about my electrical supply?
What are some types of measuring tools I'll need?
Are air tools better than battery tools?
What kind attachments are there?
Are router bits better than chisels?
Are Antique Woodworking Tools still useful?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Phyllis Serbes |
