Time for another silly question. Is it necessary to sharpen new chisels and planes right out of the box.

Dan

All there is on a new chisel is a factory edge and most companies don't put a real keen edge on them so customers don't hurt themselves.

 

So yes, it could use a sharpening to get a sharper edge.

Yes sirree! Do you know how to sharpen yet Dan?

No, not yet. I am researching on the web as we speak. I see a lot about the scary sharp method but did not want to a dozen different grits of sandpaper at $20 a pop. Any suggestions.

Dan

Sandpaper at different grits is only about 2.00 a sheet or less.  And you'll need a sharpening guide to hold the chisel (20-100 dollars).

 

A worksharp 200 ( I believe) is around 99.00 and works on the same principal.

Dittos what Mike said, as far as the the paper cost goes. Although, I would personally hold off from the Worksharp, there is a lot to be said for learning how to sharpen your cutting tools by hand first. It really is easy, and it's very rewarding. Plus, after you sharpen your tools by hand for a year or so, you'll really appreciate that Worksharp Mike is talking about.

I am turning in for now, but I will be back tomorrow night for some more advice on this. By the way, I use a combination of the Scary Sharp method and then I do my final honing on a combo 4000/8000 stone.

I also use a guide as Mike suggests. The one I have is the Veritas Honing Jig.

Also Woodcraft has some less expensive honing guides that'll do fine for you, visit Woodcraft through our affiliate links or banners.

 

Talk to ya tomorrow Dan!

Iuse a combination of all of these. I use the scary sharp sometimes depending on how bad the edge is. I also have a 4000/8000 water stone and guide to put an edge on. I just recently (in the Home Depot mess up) acquired a WorkSharp 3000. I like it and it does a very nice job. I did correct a few edges with it that I had let get off a little bit doing it by hand. With the guide on the WorkSharp you are going to get a good straight edge and a consistent bevel. With that said, you can learn to do that with the scary sharp and the water stones. I used both of those you several years before I got the WorkSharp.

 

And as far as cost for the sandpaper, I really don't think about it, it is part of doing the work. I keep those grits for sanding other projects with anyway.

Can you buy this sandpaper at Lowe's or Home Depot? Anything else would be a 60 mile drive. Or is buying online a better option.

Dan
dragon1 said:

Sandpaper at different grits is only about 2.00 a sheet or less.  And you'll need a sharpening guide to hold the chisel (20-100 dollars).

 

A worksharp 200 ( I believe) is around 99.00 and works on the same principal.

Most certainly Dan! HD or Lowes is an excellent place to purchase the paper. How are the sharpening lessons coming along?

Dan Shuflin said:

Can you buy this sandpaper at Lowe's or Home Depot? Anything else would be a 60 mile drive. Or is buying online a better option.

Dan
dragon1 said:

Had to work late tonight but will go to Lowe's tomorrow and pick up some sandpaper. Thanks for replying so fast John.

John Morris said:

Most certainly Dan! HD or Lowes is an excellent place to purchase the paper. How are the sharpening lessons coming along?

Dan Shuflin said:

Dan you can also pick up the higher grist of sand paper at the auto parts store. That is where I get mine.

 

 

John Moody

 

Dan Shuflin said:

Had to work late tonight but will go to Lowe's tomorrow and pick up some sandpaper. Thanks for replying so fast John.


John Morris said:

Found some 1000 and 1500 grit at the local auto parts store. Thanks guys.

Dan

Great Dan!!! Now your on your way to scary sharp bliss!!!

Dan Shuflin said:

Found some 1000 and 1500 grit at the local auto parts store. Thanks guys.

Dan

You can buy abrasives at your local auto parts store.

 

OOPS!  I missed page 2 replies.