Robert Allison wrote:
> DS wrote:
>
>> Robert Allison wrote:
>>
>>> I have never bought a chisel that I considered to be sharp when it
>>> was new. I always had to tune it up a little to get it just right.
>>
>>
>> I'm terrible at sharpening. When I buy a chisel, it's likely as
>> perfect as it will ever be. I use it as long as I can before
>> sharpening, because after I sharpen it, it's misshapen, sharp
>> here/dull there, overheated, lopsided, and abused.
>>
>> The sharpening jig I'm looking for is a box into which I can place the
>> tool, close the lid, then come back in a few minutes to a finely honed
>> edge.
>> If it's more complicated than that - I'm gonna bugger it up.
>
> Don't worry, you are not alone. Sometimes on a job I will pull out my
> stones and start tuning up a chisel or something. You would not believe
> how many people come over with horribly mishapen chisels or knives and
> want me to "fix them up".
>
> I generally take everyones chisels home when I have the time and sharpen
> them all at once. It is a zen like experience, really.
So... I've got a shop full of chisels, plane irons, gouges, skews,
knives, awls, and even a couple of screwdrivers that I'd like to box up
and send to you for rehabilitation!
In article
<[email protected]>,
Charlie Self <[email protected]> wrote:
> Sharpening is interesting for a few minutes. After that, I want to
> start working with wood. I just can't get as persnickety as some
> woodworkers seem to be. I'll spend a couple hours, maybe three, to
> save a favored old tool, but after that, it gets the same sharpening
> as any other, which takes five minutes. Or less.
Is it sharp enough?
Yes: Use it.
No: Sharpen it so it's sharp enough.
Repeat loop.
--
Help improve usenet. Kill-file Google Groups.
http://improve-usenet.org/
DS wrote:
> Robert Allison wrote:
>
>> DS wrote:
>>
>>> Robert Allison wrote:
>>>
>>>> I have never bought a chisel that I considered to be sharp when it
>>>> was new. I always had to tune it up a little to get it just right.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I'm terrible at sharpening. When I buy a chisel, it's likely as
>>> perfect as it will ever be. I use it as long as I can before
>>> sharpening, because after I sharpen it, it's misshapen, sharp
>>> here/dull there, overheated, lopsided, and abused.
>>>
>>> The sharpening jig I'm looking for is a box into which I can place
>>> the tool, close the lid, then come back in a few minutes to a finely
>>> honed edge.
>>> If it's more complicated than that - I'm gonna bugger it up.
>>
>>
>> Don't worry, you are not alone. Sometimes on a job I will pull out my
>> stones and start tuning up a chisel or something. You would not
>> believe how many people come over with horribly mishapen chisels or
>> knives and want me to "fix them up".
>>
>> I generally take everyones chisels home when I have the time and
>> sharpen them all at once. It is a zen like experience, really.
>
>
> Actually, I just noticed the Georgetown in your sig. Next time I'm in
> Round Rock for training, maybe I could drop a couple of gouges by, then
> head to Reds in Pflugerville for some range time before heading down to
> 6th street for some music and brew.
> That's pretty much my SOP when I'm there.
You have to be earning money for me to provide that service for
free! I figure that if I sharpen their chisels and such for
them, they will accomplish more, therefore more profit for me.
Apparently, zen can be capitalistic, too!
:-)
--
Robert Allison
Rimshot, Inc.
Georgetown, TX
On Feb 15, 2:28 pm, [email protected] (J T) wrote:
> http://www.woodcraft.com/articles.aspx?articleid=395
>
> A bit too fussy for my taste.
>
> JOAT
> 10 Out Of 10 Terrorists Prefer Hillary For President - Bumper Sticker
>
> I do not have a problem with a woman president - except for Hillary.
Thought there might be some reference material there, but it's just
another snip that Woodcraft picked up from a book they sell.
Sharpening is interesting for a few minutes. After that, I want to
start working with wood. I just can't get as persnickety as some
woodworkers seem to be. I'll spend a couple hours, maybe three, to
save a favored old tool, but after that, it gets the same sharpening
as any other, which takes five minutes. Or less.
DS wrote:
> Robert Allison wrote:
>
>> You have to be earning money for me to provide that service for free!
>> I figure that if I sharpen their chisels and such for them, they will
>> accomplish more, therefore more profit for me.
>>
>> Apparently, zen can be capitalistic, too!
>>
>
>
> Well, I do spend quite a bit of money on beer and wild women in Austin.
> Since I'm enriching the local economy, I'm sure some of that ends up
> there in Georgetown. So really... If you think about it in the right way...
OK, you have convinced me. When you are coming through
Georgetown, take the Westinghouse road exit (south end of
G'town). You have to turn left on Westinghouse Rd. Go over the
interstate, then continue up the hill. When you are past the top
of the hill and going back downhill, you will see some VERY large
boulders stacked on the right side of the road. Leave all of
your chisels, etc. on the backside of the northeastern most
boulder. Be careful to wrap them in plastic to avoid moisture
damage.
Come back in six months and they will be ready.
Post here when you have left them.
:-)
--
Robert Allison
Rimshot, Inc.
Georgetown, TX
On Feb 16, 4:01 pm, "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "Charlie Self" wrote
>
> > Sharpening is interesting for a few minutes. After that, I want to
> > start working with wood. I just can't get as persnickety as some
> > woodworkers seem to be. I'll spend a couple hours, maybe three, to
> > save a favored old tool, but after that, it gets the same sharpening
> > as any other, which takes five minutes. Or less.
>
> Purchased the WorkSharp 3000 (partly based on Charlie B's review and other
> gathered information) and for the first time in a long time all my chisels,
> and most of my planes, are 'scary sharp' in less than 10 - 15 minutes each
> ... all with no mess whatsoever.
>
> ... and the "mess" is what's turned me off for umpteen years, to the point
> that I'd almost rather buy a new, almost sharp chisel, then sharpen an old
> one.
>
> Nice to be able to grab a sharp chisel out of the drawer, use it a few
> minutes, touch it up in seconds, then put it back, still sharp, for the next
> time.
>
> --www.e-woodshop.net
> Last update: 12/14/07
> KarlC@ (the obvious)
Sounds like my kind of machine. I'll check that out.
Robert Allison wrote:
> I have never bought a chisel that I considered to be sharp when it was
> new. I always had to tune it up a little to get it just right.
I'm terrible at sharpening. When I buy a chisel, it's likely as perfect
as it will ever be. I use it as long as I can before sharpening, because
after I sharpen it, it's misshapen, sharp here/dull there, overheated,
lopsided, and abused.
The sharpening jig I'm looking for is a box into which I can place the
tool, close the lid, then come back in a few minutes to a finely honed edge.
If it's more complicated than that - I'm gonna bugger it up.
"Charlie Self" wrote
> Sharpening is interesting for a few minutes. After that, I want to
> start working with wood. I just can't get as persnickety as some
> woodworkers seem to be. I'll spend a couple hours, maybe three, to
> save a favored old tool, but after that, it gets the same sharpening
> as any other, which takes five minutes. Or less.
Purchased the WorkSharp 3000 (partly based on Charlie B's review and other
gathered information) and for the first time in a long time all my chisels,
and most of my planes, are 'scary sharp' in less than 10 - 15 minutes each
... all with no mess whatsoever.
... and the "mess" is what's turned me off for umpteen years, to the point
that I'd almost rather buy a new, almost sharp chisel, then sharpen an old
one.
Nice to be able to grab a sharp chisel out of the drawer, use it a few
minutes, touch it up in seconds, then put it back, still sharp, for the next
time.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 12/14/07
KarlC@ (the obvious)
Robert Allison wrote:
> OK, you have convinced me. When you are coming through Georgetown, take
> the Westinghouse road exit (south end of G'town). You have to turn left
> on Westinghouse Rd. Go over the interstate, then continue up the hill.
> When you are past the top of the hill and going back downhill, you will
> see some VERY large boulders stacked on the right side of the road.
> Leave all of your chisels, etc. on the backside of the northeastern most
> boulder. Be careful to wrap them in plastic to avoid moisture damage.
>
> Come back in six months and they will be ready.
>
> Post here when you have left them.
Deal! If I can remember all that after practicing for deer hunting at
Red's then dear hunting in the warehouse district, I'll wrap 'em up and
leave 'em.
Swingman wrote:
> "Charlie Self" wrote
>
>
>>Sharpening is interesting for a few minutes. After that, I want to
>>start working with wood. I just can't get as persnickety as some
>>woodworkers seem to be. I'll spend a couple hours, maybe three, to
>>save a favored old tool, but after that, it gets the same sharpening
>>as any other, which takes five minutes. Or less.
>
>
> Purchased the WorkSharp 3000 (partly based on Charlie B's review and other
> gathered information) and for the first time in a long time all my chisels,
> and most of my planes, are 'scary sharp' in less than 10 - 15 minutes each
> ... all with no mess whatsoever.
>
> ... and the "mess" is what's turned me off for umpteen years, to the point
> that I'd almost rather buy a new, almost sharp chisel, then sharpen an old
> one.
>
> Nice to be able to grab a sharp chisel out of the drawer, use it a few
> minutes, touch it up in seconds, then put it back, still sharp, for the next
> time.
>
I have never bought a chisel that I considered to be sharp when
it was new. I always had to tune it up a little to get it just
right.
--
Robert Allison
Rimshot, Inc.
Georgetown, TX
"Tanus" wrote
> I don't think this system is as good as
> what charlieb and Swingman are using,
> but it's a bit cheaper. YMMV
Actually, I've spent far more on waterstones than I did on the WorkSharp
3000. The basic unit, which will set you up to immediately do chisels and
plane irons, 'out of the box', is $199.
I found that much more attractive, costwise, and less messy, than the
Tormek, which I could have sprung for many times in the past, but was always
put off by the inherent "mess" of any water based grinding system.
The WS 3000 is probably not for everyone, but it certainly suits my purposes
_much_ better than any other sharpening method I've tried, and no sludge to
deal with.
(I've got a Grizzly slow speed water based grinder I'll give to anyone who
wants to come pick it up)
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 12/14/07
KarlC@ (the obvious)
DS wrote:
> Robert Allison wrote:
>
>> I have never bought a chisel that I considered to be sharp when it was
>> new. I always had to tune it up a little to get it just right.
>
>
> I'm terrible at sharpening. When I buy a chisel, it's likely as perfect
> as it will ever be. I use it as long as I can before sharpening, because
> after I sharpen it, it's misshapen, sharp here/dull there, overheated,
> lopsided, and abused.
>
> The sharpening jig I'm looking for is a box into which I can place the
> tool, close the lid, then come back in a few minutes to a finely honed
> edge.
> If it's more complicated than that - I'm gonna bugger it up.
Don't worry, you are not alone. Sometimes on a job I will pull
out my stones and start tuning up a chisel or something. You
would not believe how many people come over with horribly
mishapen chisels or knives and want me to "fix them up".
I generally take everyones chisels home when I have the time and
sharpen them all at once. It is a zen like experience, really.
--
Robert Allison
Rimshot, Inc.
Georgetown, TX
Robert Allison wrote:
> DS wrote:
>
>> Robert Allison wrote:
>>
>>> I have never bought a chisel that I considered to be sharp when it
>>> was new. I always had to tune it up a little to get it just right.
>>
>>
>> I'm terrible at sharpening. When I buy a chisel, it's likely as
>> perfect as it will ever be. I use it as long as I can before
>> sharpening, because after I sharpen it, it's misshapen, sharp
>> here/dull there, overheated, lopsided, and abused.
>>
>> The sharpening jig I'm looking for is a box into which I can place the
>> tool, close the lid, then come back in a few minutes to a finely honed
>> edge.
>> If it's more complicated than that - I'm gonna bugger it up.
>
> Don't worry, you are not alone. Sometimes on a job I will pull out my
> stones and start tuning up a chisel or something. You would not believe
> how many people come over with horribly mishapen chisels or knives and
> want me to "fix them up".
>
> I generally take everyones chisels home when I have the time and sharpen
> them all at once. It is a zen like experience, really.
Actually, I just noticed the Georgetown in your sig. Next time I'm in
Round Rock for training, maybe I could drop a couple of gouges by, then
head to Reds in Pflugerville for some range time before heading down to
6th street for some music and brew.
That's pretty much my SOP when I'm there.
DS wrote:
> Robert Allison wrote:
>
>> I have never bought a chisel that I considered to be sharp when it was
>> new. I always had to tune it up a little to get it just right.
>
> I'm terrible at sharpening. When I buy a chisel, it's likely as perfect
> as it will ever be. I use it as long as I can before sharpening, because
> after I sharpen it, it's misshapen, sharp here/dull there, overheated,
> lopsided, and abused.
>
> The sharpening jig I'm looking for is a box into which I can place the
> tool, close the lid, then come back in a few minutes to a finely honed
> edge.
> If it's more complicated than that - I'm gonna bugger it up.
I"m gonna get flamed but here goes.
Many years ago, I had an excellent
woodworking instructor who spent a great
deal of time showing us how to sharpen
with an oilstone. Ostensibly we had a
project to make out of pine, but it was
bogus, cause what this guy really wanted
to do was teach technique. And he did
that. When I left that little course, I
could sharpen chisels and plane irons.
However, that skill is now lost. And I
don't have the patience to re-acquire
it. I've tried to sharpen free hand on
oil and water stones. I've altered the
angles of every tool I own and ground
them back to shape with shitty grinders,
being rewarded with that lovely blue
that comes with lousy stones. I've spent
hours with sandpaper on glass to get my
angles back and have produced edges that
couldn't cut butter in July.
At some point, one realizes that
pounding a head against a brick wall
will feel much better if one simply
stops. Which I did.
I got the Veritas Mk II jig.
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=51868&cat=1,43072,43078
That, and a decent set of water (or oil)
stones and I consistently produce edges
that I'm satisfied with. Scary Sharp?
No. Not quite. But I can shave the back
of my arm.
It took me an hour or so the first time
using it to get to where I wanted, and
now it takes a few minutes with each
chisel or plane iron.
I don't think this system is as good as
what charlieb and Swingman are using,
but it's a bit cheaper. YMMV
--
Tanus
www.home.mycybernet.net/~waugh/shop/
Swingman wrote:
> "Tanus" wrote
>
>> I don't think this system is as good as
>> what charlieb and Swingman are using,
>> but it's a bit cheaper. YMMV
>
> Actually, I've spent far more on waterstones than I did on the WorkSharp
> 3000. The basic unit, which will set you up to immediately do chisels and
> plane irons, 'out of the box', is $199.
>
> I found that much more attractive, costwise, and less messy, than the
> Tormek, which I could have sprung for many times in the past, but was always
> put off by the inherent "mess" of any water based grinding system.
>
> The WS 3000 is probably not for everyone, but it certainly suits my purposes
> _much_ better than any other sharpening method I've tried, and no sludge to
> deal with.
>
> (I've got a Grizzly slow speed water based grinder I'll give to anyone who
> wants to come pick it up)
>
SOLD! I'll be by in..oh, wait. Houston,
right? As in Texas? Google maps says
you're a bazillion miles away. At
$4/gal, with a truck that makes 20 mpg,
that Griz will be a steal at $3,986 plus
customs duties once I bring it back to
Canada.
OTOH, I've always wanted to see the
Astrodome...
--
Tanus
www.home.mycybernet.net/~waugh/shop/
On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:06:39 -0500, Tanus <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>I"m gonna get flamed but here goes.
No flame here! We all need to solve this problem in the way that
works best for us, because dull tools are awful.
>Many years ago, I had an excellent
>woodworking instructor who spent a great
>deal of time showing us how to sharpen
>with an oilstone.
I actually took a specific sharpening class
>
>However, that skill is now lost. And I
>don't have the patience to re-acquire
>it. I've tried to sharpen free hand on
>oil and water stones.
Any hand skill needs constant use to stay sharp. (sorry, bad pun)
Your experience is exactly why I broke down and bought a Tormek. As a
part timer, I couldn't keep the skill fresh. I can now get a tool
properly sharp, and keep it touched up on 4000/8000 grit water stones,
all the while getting back to working wood.
Whatever machine, jig, or technique works for the particular
craftsperson is the correct answer. <G>
This is the same reason I do a five minute dovetail to warm up for
hand work and spray scrap panels or cardboard boxes before I start to
spray a project. This is the woodworking version of the pre-game
skate!
Robert Allison wrote:
> You have to be earning money for me to provide that service for free! I
> figure that if I sharpen their chisels and such for them, they will
> accomplish more, therefore more profit for me.
>
> Apparently, zen can be capitalistic, too!
>
Well, I do spend quite a bit of money on beer and wild women in Austin.
Since I'm enriching the local economy, I'm sure some of that ends up
there in Georgetown. So really... If you think about it in the right way...