Sharpening is an essential skill for woodturners, as a sharp chisel allows you to create clean and precise cuts in your wood. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced turner, knowing how to sharpen your chisels is fundamental to achieving quality results in your turning projects.
There are several methods and techniques for sharpening turners chisels, but the basic principles remain the same. The key is to achieve a keen edge on your chisel while maintaining its shape and angle. In this article, we will guide you through a simple and effective process to sharpen your turners chisels using basic tools.
Before you start sharpening, it’s important to gather the necessary tools and equipment. You’ll need a bench grinder or a slow-speed grinder with a friable wheel, a diamond stone or honing guide, a leather strop or honing compound, and safety equipment such as goggles and gloves. Having these tools ready will ensure a smooth sharpening process and protect you from potential hazards.
Sharpening a turners chisel involves several steps. First, you’ll need to establish the correct bevel angle for your chisel. This will depend on the type of chisel you’re using and the desired cutting action. Once you’ve determined the bevel angle, you can proceed to grind the initial bevel on your chisel using the bench grinder. Take your time and be careful not to overheat the chisel, as this can affect its hardness.
What are turners chisels?
Turners chisels are specialized tools used by woodturners to create intricate shapes and contours on a lathe. They are designed with a curved cutting edge and a longer handle, allowing the woodturner to access hard-to-reach areas on a spinning workpiece.
These chisels are essential for the art of woodturning, which involves shaping wood by rotating it on a lathe while using various turning tools. Turners chisels come in different shapes and sizes to accommodate different cutting needs and techniques.
Types of turners chisels
There are several types of turners chisels that woodturners use for different purposes:
- Spindle Gouges: These chisels have a shallow flute and are used for shaping spindles, beads, and coves on turning projects.
- Bowl Gouges: Bowl gouges have a deeper flute and wider profile, making them ideal for hollowing out bowls and creating interior shapes.
- Skew Chisels: Skew chisels have a flat profile with angled edges, allowing woodturners to achieve smooth and precise cuts on the surface of a workpiece.
- Parting Tools: Parting tools have a narrow and pointed tip, making them useful for cutting slots, grooves, and separating turned pieces from the lathe.
- Scrapers: Scrapers have a flat profile and are used for smoothing and refining the surface of a turned piece.
Each type of turners chisel serves a specific purpose in the woodturning process and is essential for achieving desired shapes and finishes on turned projects.
Importance of sharpening turners chisels
Sharpening turners chisels is an essential skill that every woodturner should master. A sharp chisel not only allows for more precise and clean cuts, but it also ensures safety in the workshop. There are several reasons why sharpening your turners chisels is crucial.
1. Enhanced Cutting Performance
Sharpening your turners chisels regularly improves their cutting performance. A sharp edge can easily slice through wood fibers, resulting in cleaner and smoother cuts. This is especially important when working with delicate or intricate designs where precision is required. With a sharp chisel, you’ll be able to create cleaner details and achieve a higher level of craftsmanship in your woodturning projects.
2. Reduced Risk of Accidents
A dull chisel is not only frustrating to work with, but it can also be dangerous. When a chisel is not sharp, it tends to slip or catch on the wood, which increases the risk of accidents. By keeping your turners chisels sharp, you’ll have better control and reduce the chances of the chisel slipping or veering off course. This greatly minimizes the risk of injuries, ensuring a safer woodturning experience.
Additionally, a dull chisel requires more force to make the same cut as a sharp one. This extra force exerted on the chisel can lead to fatigue and muscle strain in the long run. Keeping your chisels sharp eliminates the need for excessive force, making your woodturning sessions more comfortable and efficient.
Conclusion
Sharpening your turners chisels is not just a necessary task, but it also improves your woodworking experience. By maintaining sharp chisels, you’ll enjoy enhanced cutting performance, achieve better results in your projects, and work with increased safety. Make regular sharpening a part of your woodturning routine and experience the difference it makes in your craftsmanship.
Methods of sharpening turners chisels
Sharpening turners chisels is an essential skill for woodturners, as a sharp tool is crucial for achieving clean and precise cuts. There are several methods that can be used to sharpen turners chisels, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some commonly used methods:
1. Bench grinder
A bench grinder is a popular choice for sharpening turners chisels due to its speed and efficiency. The chisel is held against the grinding wheel at the correct angle to create a sharp edge. However, caution must be exercised while using a bench grinder, as it can easily overheat the tool and damage the temper of the steel.
2. Water stones
Water stones are another common option for sharpening turners chisels. These stones are soaked in water before use, and the chisel is rubbed against them to create a sharp edge. Water stones come in different grits, allowing woodturners to gradually refine the edge of their chisels. This method requires practice and skill to master.
3. Honing guides
Honing guides are devices that hold the chisel at a consistent angle while sharpening. They are particularly useful for beginners who are still developing their sharpening skills. Honing guides can be used with various sharpening stones or systems to achieve consistent and accurate results.
4. Diamond stones
Diamond stones offer a durable and fast-cutting surface for sharpening turners chisels. These stones can quickly remove metal from the chisel to create a sharp edge. However, they can be more expensive than other sharpening methods.
5. Jigs
Jigs are specialized tools that hold the chisel in a specific position while sharpening. They can help achieve consistent results and are often used with bench grinders or sharpening systems. Jigs can be a great option for woodturners looking for precise and repeatable results.
Whichever method you choose, it is important to practice and develop your sharpening skills. A sharp chisel will greatly improve your woodturning experience and the quality of your projects. Remember to always follow safety guidelines and take proper care of your tools to ensure longevity and optimal performance.
Using a sharpening stone
To sharpen your turners chisels, you can use a sharpening stone. A sharpening stone is a traditional method that has been used for centuries to achieve a sharp edge on chisels and other cutting tools.
Step 1: Prepare the sharpening stone
Before you begin sharpening, it’s important to prepare the sharpening stone. Start by placing the stone on a stable surface. You can use a non-slip mat or a stone holder to keep the stone in place.
Step 2: Lubricate the stone
Next, you’ll need to lubricate the sharpening stone. You can use water or sharpening oil as a lubricant. Apply a few drops of oil or water to the surface of the stone and spread it evenly using your fingers or a brush.
Step 3: Position the chisel
Hold the chisel firmly with one hand and position it flat against the sharpening stone. Make sure the beveled edge of the chisel is facing down and is in contact with the stone.
Step 4: Sharpen the chisel
Using your other hand, apply light pressure and move the chisel back and forth across the stone. Make sure to maintain a consistent angle and keep the beveled edge in contact with the stone at all times. Start with the rough side of the stone and then move to the finer side for a polished finish.
Step 5: Test the sharpness
After a few strokes, you can test the sharpness of the chisel by touching the edge with your finger. Be careful not to cut yourself. If the edge feels dull, continue sharpening until you achieve the desired sharpness.
Remember to clean the chisel after sharpening to remove any metal shavings. You can use a brush or a damp cloth to wipe off any residue.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple and traditional method | Requires practice to achieve the desired sharpness |
| Can be done anywhere | May take longer compared to other methods |
Using a sharpening stone is an effective way to sharpen turners chisels and maintain their cutting edge. With practice and patience, you can achieve a sharp and precise edge that will enhance your woodworking projects.
Using a honing guide
A honing guide is a specialized tool that helps you maintain a consistent angle while sharpening your turners chisels. It holds the chisel securely in place and ensures that you’re sharpening at the correct angle, which is important for achieving a sharp and durable edge.
To use a honing guide, follow these steps:
Step 1: Setting up the guide
Start by adjusting the guide to the desired angle. Most honing guides have a mechanism that allows you to set the angle by loosening or tightening a screw. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance on how to set the angle for your guide.
Step 2: Securing the chisel
Place the chisel on the honing guide, with the bevel resting against the guide’s roller or clamping mechanism. Make sure the chisel is held securely in place, as any movement during sharpening can result in an uneven edge.
Step 3: Honing the chisel
Using a sharpening stone or abrasive paper, start sharpening the chisel by moving it back and forth along the stone’s surface. Apply light pressure and maintain a consistent angle throughout the sharpening process. Keep an eye on the edge, and continue sharpening until you achieve the desired sharpness.
Remember to periodically check the edge and adjust your angle as needed. Once you’re satisfied with the sharpness, remove the chisel from the honing guide and wipe off any residue before using it.
A honing guide can be a valuable tool for maintaining the correct angle while sharpening your turners chisels. By using this guide, you’ll be able to achieve consistent and professional results every time you sharpen your chisels.
Using a sharpening jig
One of the most effective ways to sharpen turners chisels is by using a sharpening jig. A jig is a device that holds the chisel at a specific angle, allowing for precise and consistent sharpening.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a sharpening jig:
- First, attach the sharpening jig to a stable surface, such as a workbench.
- Place the turners chisel in the jig, ensuring that the bevel is facing down and resting against the jig’s angle guide.
- Tighten the jig’s clamp to secure the chisel in place.
- Select the appropriate sharpening stone for your chisel. It is recommended to start with a coarse stone and gradually move to finer grits for a polished edge.
- Apply water or oil to the sharpening stone, depending on its type, to reduce friction and aid in the sharpening process.
- Hold the chisel handle with one hand and the jig with the other, applying firm but gentle pressure.
- Slide the chisel back and forth across the sharpening stone, making sure to maintain contact with the stone’s surface.
- Continue sharpening until you achieve a sharp edge, periodically checking the progress by inspecting the chisel for any visible burrs or imperfections.
- Once sharpened, carefully remove the chisel from the jig and give it a quick honing with a fine-grit stone to remove any remaining burrs.
- Finally, wipe the chisel clean and test its sharpness on a scrap piece of wood before using it on your project.
Using a sharpening jig not only ensures consistent results but also helps to prolong the lifespan of your turners chisels by properly maintaining their cutting edges.
