Daniel Rode
09-09-2013, 1:51 PM
I had a new set of chisels and a new plane iron that need sharpening. I flattened the backs, touched up the primary bevel and then added a micro bevel. I worked this, using sandpaper on glass, up to 1000 grit. I've never stropped before but I do have some green chromium oxide that I used a while back to polish aluminium parts. I have a double layer of buffing wheels loaded with some of the compound, so I mounted them in the drill press and and applied the top of a chisel back to it. It was only a cosmetic change, but it really gleamed after taking out the 1000 grit haze. FWIW, I would normally finish with a 4000 grit stone as that's the finest I have.
Working very carefully, I brought the polished edge all the way down to the cutting edge. That went well, so I tried the same on the front edge. I realize that the corner would be very slightly rounded going from the flat to the primary bevel and the primary to micro bevel. However, those aren't working edges, so no down-side AFAIK. When I finished, it was very smooth with a mirror like shine front and back. But was is sharp(er) or just dull and pretty?
It was not only still sharp, but noticeably sharper than before. This was a newly sharpened, unused chisel. My concern was that this process would make the faces highly polished and shiny but would dull the cutting edge. It did not. The chisels are sharper than I've ever got them before. They easily slice copier paper, shave my arm and pare pine end grain. I went ahead and did the whole set.
I don't think this will be my normal mode of operation, though. For me, it kinda proves that stropping is worth the effort and I'm going to get some leather and make a proper strop. I'm also considering dropping the scary sharp in favor of diamond plates. The sand paper seems to work well enough, but it's a PITA to work with. I'm going to try one last experiment with the highest quality 3M PSA papers. However, despite the higher up-front cost, I think I'll go with a set of diamond plates for the convenience and longevity.
Coarse, medium, fine, strop. Then strop often to maintain the keen edge. That's the plan, anyway. My next experiment will be to start freehand sharpening with a cheap set of chisels (versus the veritas jig).
I'd appreciate any comments or feedback on my little experiment.
Working very carefully, I brought the polished edge all the way down to the cutting edge. That went well, so I tried the same on the front edge. I realize that the corner would be very slightly rounded going from the flat to the primary bevel and the primary to micro bevel. However, those aren't working edges, so no down-side AFAIK. When I finished, it was very smooth with a mirror like shine front and back. But was is sharp(er) or just dull and pretty?
It was not only still sharp, but noticeably sharper than before. This was a newly sharpened, unused chisel. My concern was that this process would make the faces highly polished and shiny but would dull the cutting edge. It did not. The chisels are sharper than I've ever got them before. They easily slice copier paper, shave my arm and pare pine end grain. I went ahead and did the whole set.
I don't think this will be my normal mode of operation, though. For me, it kinda proves that stropping is worth the effort and I'm going to get some leather and make a proper strop. I'm also considering dropping the scary sharp in favor of diamond plates. The sand paper seems to work well enough, but it's a PITA to work with. I'm going to try one last experiment with the highest quality 3M PSA papers. However, despite the higher up-front cost, I think I'll go with a set of diamond plates for the convenience and longevity.
Coarse, medium, fine, strop. Then strop often to maintain the keen edge. That's the plan, anyway. My next experiment will be to start freehand sharpening with a cheap set of chisels (versus the veritas jig).
I'd appreciate any comments or feedback on my little experiment.