In this video, I show Big D how he can use the T8 sharpener and Japanese Stone to get his new chisel set to a mirror finish. These chisels didn’t need major grinding; they were basically just putting up a fine polish. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on our process.
Unboxing the Chisel Set
First, we unbox the chisels. They are a decent German steel set, and they are metric, which is a plus. Just as any new chisel has to be prepared for work by honing the back. More often than not, new chisels come with a fast machine sharpening, but the best results require doing things properly.
Working on the Japanese Stone
We are using a Cormac sharpening system. Formerly, we used an SG250 grindstone which has been replaced by a Japanese Stone. This stone progresses from 220 to 1000, but for our chisels, we start with the 4000-grit side for some finer polish.
Setting Up the Tool Holder
Before we start, set up the tool holder or chisel holder and make sure it’s adjusted to the correct bevel angle. A small square checks that the set-up is at 90 degrees.
Prepare the Stone
We ensure the stone is setup right. A SG250 stone has slowly worn away, so we will move the bevel gauge accordingly. The new Japanese Stone is fresh and works just a little different, so setting this one up precisely is vital.
Sharpening the Chisel
First, we sharpen it by marking on bevel to check for progress. Then, adjust the tool rest to get the correct angle. Lower the tool rest a little so we are sharpening the chisel’s edge correctly.
Checking the Progress
We hone and continue to monitor the bevel. What we’re after is a mirror polish; some minor tweaking may be involved. We look at the chisel edge often to make sure that it’s getting sharper and more polished.
Final Checks and Testing
After sharpening, test the chisel on a piece of end grain to check its cutting effectiveness. We’re looking for that nice sharp chisel that will slice through wood without a problem or force. We also make sure there are no light wire burrs so as to give clean finishes.
Conclusion
Finally, Big D’s chisels are ready to roll. Now, they have a mirror polish and are sharp enough to do some precise work. It’s always worth taking out time to regularly hone your tools for optimum performance.
Recall, ‘Keep your chisels sharp, and they will perform better; be positive and stay sharp!
