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Re: Tools: sharpening jigs?
By:Bill Mayberry
Date: 11/6/2011, 9:57 am
In Response To: Tools: sharpening jigs? (Rob)

: Scary Sharp method. My question is ... what do folks use for a
: sharpening jig? Is there a specific model folks recommend?

After struggling for years to get "scary sharp" planer blades, I finally purchased the Veritas MKII honing guide. I made that purchase about five years ago and it's heaven.....:) It will take a bit of time to get the plane blade scary sharp the first time. Then you use the micro bevel feature of the guide and get the blade scary sharp again. From here on, when you find the blade getting a little dull, put it back in the jig and literally a few quick swipes on the micro bevel and you're scary sharp again. I highly recommend this jig.....:)
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=51868&cat=1,43072,43078,51868

Along with the jig, you'll need some micro abrasive to put on the 1/4" glass. Lee Valley also sells some great 3M micro abrasives...
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=33004&cat=1,43072
I use all these sheets but once you're sharp the first time all you need is a couple of the finest. To remove bad nicks etc. you need the coarser sheets. Applying to the glass can be tricky to get the abrasive laying flat with no air bubbles. I use water with a tiny bit of detergent on the glass, lay on the abrasive and then let it dry for a day or so....

Using the above method gets a plane, or chisel etc... "scary sharp". Further to the above, I use an electric powered leather strop as well. http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=44884&cat=1,43072 I apply rubbing compound to the leather and do a final "rub" with the rotating leather belt.... This puts a final mirror polish on the blade. The problem with stropping method is that you have to be very careful not to "round" the cutting edge. If you do, you have to go back to the jig and start over....:(

On a final note... my wife gave me this plane for an anniversary present.....
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=61963&cat=1,41182,48942,61963
She and the plane are sweet hearts....:)

Bill

Messages In This Thread

Tools: sharpening jigs?
Rob -- 11/6/2011, 8:39 am
Re: Tools: sharpening jigs?
Charles Robinson -- 11/6/2011, 9:24 am
Re: Tools: sharpening jigs?
Ken Blanton -- 11/6/2011, 9:32 am
Re: Tools: sharpening jigs?
Bill Mayberry -- 11/6/2011, 9:57 am
Re: Tools: sharpening jigs?
Brian Nystrom -- 11/6/2011, 10:47 am
Re: Tools: sharpening jigs?
Bill Mayberry -- 11/6/2011, 12:13 pm
Re: Tools: sharpening jigs?
David Bynoe -- 11/6/2011, 12:25 pm
Re: Tools: sharpening jigs?
Bill Mayberry -- 11/6/2011, 1:39 pm
Re: Tools: sharpening jigs?
ancient kayaker -- 11/6/2011, 3:39 pm
Re: Tools: sharpening jigs? *PIC*
Will N to Go -- 11/6/2011, 6:26 pm
Re: Tools: sharpening jigs?
ancient kayaker -- 11/7/2011, 12:55 pm