The Most Important Skill In Woodworking

Sharpening is not only a fundamental skill to the woodworker, but it is perhaps the most important skill in woodworking. It allows your tools to function at their fullest capacity. Sharp hand tools give you the option to step away from the machine and embrace a quieter approach. And so, I'm showing you how I sharpen my tools. Because sharpening isn't as hard as it seems. It just takes a little practice.

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[erichargrove]

"8 to 12 strokes and I'm done"

Me too buddy, me too 😢

[dekim]

That little bit when u said "listen, they sound the same." The importance of listening to your tools I don't think is said enough. Great vid

[georgetumillo]

Guess what tomorrow is? It’s sharpening day! I purchased stones a few months ago, but they’re still in the bags that I brought them home in but watching this just gave me the confidence to go into my shop and get it done. Thank you!

[stevecunningham]

You are becoming my new favorite woodworker. Your video production is excellent and your teaching method is great!

[j.r.tidwell]

THIS HAPPENS TO BE THE BEST SHARPENING VIDEO I’VE EVER SEEN. I HAVE WATER STONES, DIAMOND FLAT STEEL AND EVEN A ELECTRIC SHARPENING MACHINE. THEY ALL WORK GREAT. YOUR APPROACH TO SHARPENING IS THE ONE I WILL USE FROM NOW ON. THANKS FRIEND

[m.altonplummer]

On your example I purchases a 10000 Ohishi stone and I LOVE IT!!! Thanks for the guidance.

[robohippy]

There was a guy, maybe 30 years ago, who wrote for American Woodworker. Can't remember his name. He had a unique sense of humor.... How do I know when my table saw blade is dull? If you are setting off the smoke alarms, that is a pretty good indicator!

[robynbazlen-weglarz]

Thanks for putting out a simple explanation of how to sharpen tools.

[buddywilson]

I have been woodworking and hence sharpening for years; have found the water stones work best for me.

[hectoralfi]

Well hello dude is by far the best video on sharpening, clear and on point, it's like a master class of sharpening and set up thanks for sharing

[nickpederson]

Great video! A trick I use when flattening my water stones, which I do every time I sharpen, is to use a pencil to draw 8-10 lines across the stone before starting to flatten. This gives you a great visual indication of how flat you’ve gotten the stone. Just keep flattening until all the pencil lines are gone.

[curtispaddock]

I check for edge imperfections by lightly dragging the edge of my finger nail along the blade edge. Super sensitive technique and less chance of laceration! If your fingernail is too short you can pull back the flesh a bit to avoid skin-to-blade contact. 40 years in fine furniture and curvy staircases. And still learning. Great video! Mahalo!

[JaneGraeSmithy]

One of the best plane setup videos along with a great sharpening explanation. Thank you.

[gunthermertens]

WAUW. What an educational force you are. Watching the videos makes me dream about making furniture.

[meleader]

One of the best plane sharpening and adjustment I've ever seen. Thanks!

[brianeaves]

This was the clearest, most concise demo of sharpening and setting up a hand plane I have seen. Great video. Can't wait to try your techniques out

[toyfiretrucking]

nice. one of the better sharpening videos i have watched. thankyou.

[thlchmst]

Holy words, man. I can split hair, sharpening with a 18$ water stone (double face grit 1000/4000) purchased on the famous online shop. I love water stone.

[graynanuuq]

This is the video I've needed for years.

[PeterCook-gplc]

Quality advice and a very nice presentation…agreed, no BS