Post #62744 by Lake Surfer on Sun, Nov 30, 2003 11:38 PM

Some thoughts on quick sharpening...
If a chisel has gouges or chips in it I take it to the wetstone and reshape it. As long as it is not dropped there is an easy way to keep it razor sharp... here's how I do mine...

I bought this "Power Strop" from the Woodcraft store for around $20. I put it on my variable speed drill and clamp that to a stable surface...

Included is this sharpening compound that you hold to the strop before sharpening... it is this that sharpens the edge with the leather...

Then set your rpm to the recommended for the strop and hold the end of the chisel to the wheel... flip to the top to remove the burr edge also... final product should be a shiney surface with a razor sharp edge...

CAREFUL! The sharpened edge should be sharp enough to shave the hair on your arm...

Get back to work!

It is recommended that every 15-20 minutes you resharpen, though everyone will have their own timetable and it also depends on the hardness of the wood...
Sharp chisels make carving easier and deliver precise clean cuts!

[ Edited by: Lake Surfer on 2003-11-30 23:40 ]