How to Hone Jointer Blades

Jointer blades are usually 6 inches or longer and require a very flat edge to do their job correctly, which is to flatten the surface of wooden boards. It is very hard to obtain a flat surface when grinding a jointer blade by hand, which is why it is a good idea to send your blades to a professional sharpener who has jigs that can ensure accuracy. However, in a pinch, or between times when you send your blades out, you can hone them to restore the sharp edge.

High-speed grinder with vertical axis
Container full of water
Glass plate

Instructions

- 1
  Turn on a high-speed grinder that's equipped with a vertical axis. This type of grinder differs from a standard vertical wheel grinder, since the grinding wheel is flat. You grind on the wide side of the wheel and not the thin edge. This gives you a wider surface to work with and makes it easier to grind a flat surface.
- 2
  Dip the jointer blade into the water. The water acts as a lubricant and helps to keep the blade cool. During the cutting process, repeat this step whenever you feel the blade getting dry or when the blade becomes too hot to touch.
- 3
  Hold the beveled edge of the blade against the top of the grinding wheel at a slightly lesser angle than the blade currently has.
- 4
  Run the blade from left to right across the surface of the cutting wheel as lightly as possible. You are honing, not grinding, so it is important that you remove as little material from the blade as possible.
- 5
  Place the sharp edge of the blade on a piece of plate glass to check for flatness. If you accidentally created a concave or convex surface on the blade, lightly run the blade across the wheel until you remove it.

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