When you are taking what is in your imagination and transforming into a tangible item of furniture or other type of wooden item, having keen, properly sharpened tools ensures the experience is safe, precise and pure joy. However, a dull tool can have the opposite effect, producing frustration and possibly dangerous slips.
So how do we avoid the drawbacks and keep our faithful woodworking pals in top working condition?
Sharpness for cutting without effort
While the most obvious benefit of a sharp tool is how effortlessly it slices through wood, the other advantages more than make up for mere ease:
- Sharp tools are safer as they require less pressure, which lowers the probability of slips and wayward motions that lead to injuries
- A sharp, clean cut is the hallmark of fine precise woodworking – sharp tools make smooth surfaces and allow precise detail
- Dull blades crush and tear wood fibers rather than cut them cleanly, creating rough edges
- Less effort translates to less hard labor and less exhaustion, allowing you to work quicker with the time freedom to focus on the creative process
- Well-maintained tools, especially sharp ones, are less likely to be damaged and will work for you reliably for years to come
Creating a sharpening habit
As with any good habit, frequent sharpening is much more effective than occasional, unscheduled firefighting.
Develop a routine based on the frequency of your woodworking and the types of wood you typically work with, softer woods will dull edges less quickly than hardwoods due to their higher density and silica content.
- For frequent woodworkers, setting aside time each week or month for sharpening can prevent tools from becoming excessively dull
- Before embarking on a new project, take a moment to assess the sharpness of your tools, a quick touch-up can make a world of difference
- Learn to recognize the signs of a dull tool: increased effort required, burning smells, rough cuts, and excessive tear-out; don’t wait until the tool is completely blunt
The fundamentals of sharpening: a step-by-step approach
While various sharpening methods and tools exist, the underlying principles remain the same: creating a new, crisp bevel at the cutting edge.
- Ensure your tools are clean of any dust, rust, or pitch, a wire brush or solvent can be used for this purpose
- Grind the primary bevel to the correct angle, bench grinders are often used for this initial shaping but care must be taken to avoid overheating the steel
- Honing the edge refines the bevel and creates a razor-sharp edge, this typically involves using progressively finer abrasive stones (water stones, oil stones, or diamond stones) lubricated with water or oil
- As you hone, a fine wire edge, or burr, will form on the back of the blade, this needs to be removed for a truly sharp edge; this is often done by lightly stropping the back of the blade on a very fine stone or leather strop
- Stropping on a leather strop charged with honing compound further polishes the edge and removes any remaining microscopic burr, resulting in an exceptionally keen edge
Choosing your sharpening tools based on preference and budget
The world of sharpening offers a variety of tools, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
- Bench grinders are excellent for initial bevel shaping and quick material removal but require careful technique to avoid overheating
- Water stones offer a very fine finish and cut relatively quickly but require water lubrication and can dish over time, requiring flattening
- Oil stones are traditional and durable but tend to cut slower than water stones and require oil lubrication
- Diamond stones cut very quickly and stay flat, but can be more expensive
- Leather stropping is essential for the final polishing and burr removal
The best choice for you will depend on your budget, the types of tools you own, and your preferred method of working. Many woodworkers start with a basic set of water or oil stones and gradually expand their sharpening arsenal.
Tips for sharpening success
- The factory bevel angle is crucial for optimal performance, ensure you use the correct angle for your specific tools
- Let the abrasives do the work, excessive pressure can damage the stone and the tool’s edge
- A dished or uneven stone will result in an uneven bevel, flatten your stones regularly
- Use the appropriate lubricant (water or oil) for your stones to prevent clogging and ensure smooth cutting
- Carefully test the sharpness of your tools on a piece of softwood, a truly sharp edge will shave thin curls of wood with minimal effort
- Sharpening is a skill that improves with practice. Don’t be discouraged if your initial attempts aren’t perfect
Finally, plan ahead with proper tool care
Maintaining sharp tools also involves proper storage and handling:
- Avoid dropping tools or using them for tasks they weren’t designed for
- Allowing sharp edges to bang against each other in a toolbox will only blunt the edge; use shadow boards, tool rolls, dedicated drawers or magnetic strips
- Apply a light coat of oil or wax to metal surfaces, especially in humid environments
Your finished products will reflect the care you invest in all stages of production so spend the effort in advance in aspects like tool sharpening to reap the rewards.
