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Rockler's
Recommended Sharpening Systems
Sharp Tools are a Woodworking Necessity
If you enjoy woodworking, you know how important it is to have sharp power and hand tools.
With enough use, even the best tools eventually get dull. So, if you're serious about
woodworking, you'll need to develop some sharpening skills to keep your tools in good,
safe woodworking order.
Hand Sharpening
When done correctly, hand sharpening produces very sharp edges. When done incorrectly, it
will produce dull, unsafe cutting edges and frustration. If you are committed to
developing old-fashioned hand sharpening skills, and have the patience to complete it
properly, this system will serve you well. Rockler has a complete line of hand sharpening
supplies that will keep your tools in great shape and last a lifetime.
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Preliminary
Grinding (honing will also be required) |
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| Honing Edges by Hand |
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The Hand Sharpening Method
Unless your tool is in good shape, you'll want to start with the Grinder. Grinding will give your tool edges a
hollow grind, or a concave shape, that will allow you to hone only the back and front
length of the tool edge, a faster way to sharpen. It is very important to use an aluminum oxide wheel on your grinder to prevent
your tool from overheating. Aluminum oxide wheels run cooler than the wheels
that come with most grinders. (Tool steel loses its hardness and its ability to keep a
fine edge when it is overheated.)
The angle of the bevel is produced on the grinder (generally, chisels and plane irons are
30 degrees) using the aluminum oxide wheel to prevent overheating. Next, hone your tool
using either the Rockler Plate Glass Sharpening System or a series
of Water stones, working up through course, medium and
fine grits. Oilstones cut much slower with similar results, so
we do not recommend them. You can also use Diamond stones.
They're not required unless you're sharpening carbide cutting edges, and they are more
expensive.
You'll also want to invest in a good Honing Guide to keep your tool steady and at a
consistent angle while honing.
 Makita Blade Sharpener
Makita Blade Sharpener is a 560-RPM, motorized grinding station. It will reduce the time
and skill needed to produce sharp edges on a wide range of tools, including jointer and
planer blades up to 15" long. The large, slow turning, precision-made aluminum oxide
wheel offers a peaceful and quiet alternative for precise sharpening. The continuous water
feed keeps your blades cool to prevent them from overheating. The Makita Blade Sharpener is a good value for a
motorized sharpening system.
The Makita Sharpening Method
The Makita system uses a horizontal, aluminum oxide water stone wheel. Using the blade
holder (included as standard equipment), you hold your tool firmly against the rotating
face of the wheel, mounted horizontally in the grinding station. This produces a perfectly
flat edge rather than a hollow grind produced with a typical 6" grinder. With a few
additional accessories, you can sharpen a wide range of tools, including jointer knives
and planer knives. The water stone wheel will eventually wear, but it can be easily
re-flattened.
Tormek Sharpening System
This is the Cadillac of sharpening systems, it's our favorite way to sharpen tools!
A vertically mounted, slow turning wet grinding stone gives you absolute control over
every phase of your edge grinding and honing. The quiet and vibration-free motor is well
built and rated for continuous operation. Included with each system are a straight-edge
jig for sharpening chisels and plane irons, a genuine leather honing wheel for producing
razor-sharp edges, the 6th Edition Handbook, and a tube of honing compound. With
additional honing guides and accessories you can make the Tormek System a virtually goof-proof method for
producing razor-sharp edges every time.
Tormek sharpening is a significant advance in the process of edge tool sharpening. With
the Tormek system, anybody can quickly and consistently sharpen edge tools to almost
surgical sharpness. With the right accessory, all of your tools, even your radiused edge
tools like your fingernail turning gouges, spoon-carving gouges, and oval skew chisels can
be sharpened to your exact, individual needs. Previously sharpened edges can be replicated
in less than 60 seconds. For serious woodworkers, that means a lot less time sharpening,
and more time woodworking!
Tormek Accessories included with the Tormek
Sharpening System
Straight edge jig for plane irons
6th Edition Handbook
Honing Compound 70 Grit (Tube)
Horizontal Base for Universal Support
Video on the Tormek Sharpening System
Pro Angle Master
Additional Tormek Accessories (Sold Separately)
Planer/Joiner Blade Jig
Multi Jig
Long Knife Jig
Short Knife Jig
Stone Turning Tool
Short Tool Jig
Scissors Jig
Universal Gouge Jig
Turning Tool Jig
Stone Grader
Axe Grinding Jig
The Tormek Sharpening Method
With the Tormek system, a precision-made water stone rotates slowly and safely through a
water reservoir to keep your tool cool as you sharpen and hone. The patented Angle Master
enables you to set a precise edge angle. You simply steady the tool in a corresponding
guide and let the Tormek do all the work. Because a very small amount of steel is removed,
a sharp edge is produced quickly. Once you have ground your tool to the desired shape and
edge angle, you can reproduce it exactly in future sharpening. This is even possible for
difficult tools with unusual shapes. There is a guide or accessory available for virtually
any type of tool (including knives and other household cutters), which makes Tormek one of
the most versatile sharpening systems on the market. The grinding stone is precision
balanced to retain perfect stability and water-cooled to ensure that your tool steel does
not overheat and lose its hardness. After grinding an almost perfect edge, you can finish
by honing it on the leather-honing wheel for a surgically polished edge. No need for
messy, unsafe bench grinders or flying sparks. The Tormek method is a low speed and safe
grinding and honing method that allows you to complete your initial grinding and final
sharpening on the same stone.
Now check out our tool sharpeners and enjoy some great special
offers.
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