220 - 60 Seconds to Sharp!

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Original post on our site with additional information, plans, questions & comments:

Fortunately, most systems that work well for the initial setup of an edge also work well for maintenance. If yours doesn't, you might consider looking into other options. I know I'm not alone when I say that if the system isn't fast and convenient, I won't use it as frequently as I should. And it isn't all about the gear either. Some techniques work better than others and your methodology can have even more impact than your sharpening medium.

How it's Done!
Now I can't claim my setup is the fastest one out there, but it certainly is fast enough for me. Most tools can be sharpened in 60 seconds or less. In order for this to work, the tool has to be set up properly in the first place with a flat back and a polished bevel of the appropriate angle. Also, the tool can't be excessively dull. Well, it can be, but that just means taking more time to work with the lower grits.

Sharpening Medium

While expensive, this stone will likely outlast my career and the trait most pertinent to this discussion is the fact that it doesn't require soaking like other water stones. Instead, a quick spritz from a spray bottle is all I need to prep the surface.

Secondary Bevel
The importance of the secondary bevel can't be overstated. The more metal you have to polish, the longer the process takes. So if we isolate our sharpening efforts to the very tip of the chisel, it doesn't take nearly as long to establish a sharp edge. The real trick with a secondary bevel is being able to hit that exact same angle each and every time you sharpen.

Honing Guide
Honing guides are one of those hotly debated topics in woodworking. I myself am an unapologetic honing guide user. I can get decent results going free-hand and some tools just won't fit into a honing guide. So I will go sans honing guide when necessary, but for maintenance sharpening I really enjoy the accuracy and repeatability of a honing guide. The one I use is the Veritas Mk.II. The reason I like this one in particular is because it allows me to easily set the blade for micro-bevel sharpening, which is essential to this quick sharpening system.

Technique
I'll do about 20 strokes on the bevel and then another 20 strokes on the back. That's it. About half of the 60 seconds is spent messing with the jig and the other half is spent on actual sharpening.

With a grand total of one minute invested, you can see how this system allows you to develop a good habit of sharpening early and often. Dull tools are dangerous and the longer you put off sharpening, the more you put yourself at risk. Not to mention, your work benefits greatly from sharp tools. So get yourself a system that's quick, easy, and convenient and you'll never regret it!
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[TheFalconJetDriver]

I just purchased the Veritas Deluxe II set, it arrived today and three Diamond plates a 300, 600, and 1200 grit. I am really impressed with this jig it is easy to set up and use. I have a new set of chisels that needed to be tuned up with a good edge, after using all three plates and then I really think is the most important part is using a honing compound on a leather strop this buffs the honed surface to a mirror finish. I can cut 20 pound bond paper easily and the hairs on my arm.
I put a new edge on an antique hand plane blade that my great Grand Father owned and I am 63 years old. This plane is old. It now planes with a proper edge on it. I forgot to mention that the micro bevel feature works very well. Everything is repeatable to the same angle. And if you really want to see your progress use 10 power jewelers lope to see and fine tune the edges.

[wfparrish]

Thanks, The Wood Whisperer, for adding subtitles to the video. It helps to know what you're saying when explaining about tool sharpening. I use the cheap guide that works pretty well on plane irons but they don't hold the chisels well. I've had to file off the factory paint to try to get the guide to grip the chisel better. I agree the Veritas is a better guide and I would like to have one.

Might I suggest a quick stropping to fine tune the edge. Watch Paul Sellers sharpen and strop a chisel blade on YouTube.

[CheeseBae]

I like Paul Sellers method where he puts a convex bevel on his chisels using diamond stones and a leather strop. The entire process from course stone to stropping takes about 50-60 seconds. No jigs required too.

[tomh]

Thank you for keeping this short, thorough and to the point. Good video.

[SabotPottery]

One thing I use as well as the honing guide is a leather strop. I give a couple of strops on both sides just to finish off and it seems to polish the edge as well as getting it very sharp. Thanks for the video, as always very helpful.

[JorgeAraujo]

I got me Diamond stones... less worrying about are they flat? I got the Trend 360/1000 grit, and the DMT 4000 and 8000 Grit stones... with these 3 I find I can go from beginning to end easily... I don't have a Honing guide though...Hmm... Amazon here I come. Great little video Marc (Mr The Whisperer).

[Justsquareenough]

Good video, Marc, i use the same system.  After leaving the work "sharp" world using water stone(s) and a jig has improved my woodworking greatly.

[adamguyette]

I was wondering if you have or could do a episode on cutting dovetail joints. I'm fairly new into wood working and would like to learn how thanks

[kentaylor]

I had some issues with that honing guide, the chisel wouldn’t sit flat, skewed grinding happened, created an angle to the chisel edge.

[ChristopherSalisburySalz]

I have an altin hone. I put the chisel in square but it still seems to favor one side of the chisel. What am I doing wrong? Also, is the Veritas worth purchasing? It looks more stable and better constructed.

[gkay]

Straight up clear man.
And btw the pinch of humour is aptly dry but refreshingly crisp.
Dude you had me with the Turtles some olde skool 90s cool Im detecting...?

[livewiya]

"you and I both know, we're lazy"
subscribed.

[SchecterMongoose]

Awesome video; but I have a question. Do you have to keep your wet stone level? I use mine for barber shears, clipper blades, and for my block planes. It's got a lot of crap on it staining the white surface. I'm concerned I don't use the whole surface evenly and may create low spots.

[peterbrownwastaken]

I haven't use my guide and stones since a Worksharp landed in my lap, but when the apocalypse comes, it's good to know there is an alternative!
Thanks for the video!

[j.d.]

Wondering if after 300 grit and a 1000 is enough. Higher stones just polish?

[brucemcnally]

Very helpful, many thanks. Content is right to the point and the shirt is attractive too!

[hexcode]

I like to do the final sharpening a bit differently and it's a bit faster I only pull once @ 1200 grit surface the back of the chisel then wipe with rag, but yes also use similar stone although sometimes I pull the edge of the blade through a surface covered with polishing wax or cut into a piece of wood with chisel then add the wax and then do back and forth a bit with chisel but this process takes alot more time

[cathiematthews]

Cute logo. I can sharpen a straight blade by hand, but am having trouble sharping my smaller U tools. Its driving me crazy!

[cabman]

I had a leak in my shop right above the chisels. It took forever to get the rust off and resharpen every one of them.

[ColinMohammed]

hi what is the grit on your ceramic stone and I am basically sharpening chisels and plane blades....where can I pick one like yours online.