How to Sharpen Woodworking Blades

Woodworking tools range from basic chisels to wood turning tools. The rule of thumb with edged tools like these is: A sharp blade is a safe blade. Rotary grinders work for creating moderately sharp edges needed on lawn mower blades and basic tools, but woodworking tools need an edge created by hand. Routine sharpening helps to keep a good edge on the tool while prolonging its useful life. Creating a sharp edge requires using varying grits of honing stones and oil.

Medium honing stone
Fine honing stone
Motorized grinder
Oil

Instructions

- 1
  Grind the edge of the woodworking tool to create a uniform edge with a slow moving rotary grinder. Do this for any tools that show signs of major gouges or dents in the blade. Routine sharpening does not require using a rotary grinder.
- 2
  Oil the medium honing stone liberally to aid with removing imperfections along the edge.
- 3
  Lay the tool on the stone at an angle so the beveled edge is flat against the stone. Apply firm pressure so the length of the bevel remains flat against the stone. Holding the tool with one hand while applying pressure to the bevel with the other hand eases the process.
- 4
  Push the tool across the stone while maintaining the same angle. Lift the tool and return to the starting point. Repeat the process until the sharpened edge does not reflect any light.
- 5
  Place the flat side of the tool onto the honing stone and slide the tool across the surface of the stone to remove burrs created during the sharpening process. A few swipes across the stone will remove most burrs.
- 6
  Repeat the whole process using a fine honing stone and oil.

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