Wood chisels, there are many types for many purposes but they all have one thing in common; they need to be sharp. With proper care and appropriate storage you can insure your chisels will last to the next generation. With regular sharpening you can guarantee your chisels are always ready when they are needed. Care and StorageThe first rule in chisel care is don't hurt the chisels.
Although it may seam obvious, it is a point worth emphasize. Chisels can often be damaged when used on inappropriate materials. Always check that the material you are working on is free of nails, screws, and staples. Obstructions like that can easily put a nasty gouge in your sharp blade.
Also make sure the materials surface are is clean. Dirt and debris prematurely dull an edge. Any time your blade is damaged it will manifest its self in the finished surface of your work. Moisture is the enemy. There may be times when you can not avoid some moisture on your chisels.
Simply wiping off the excess water helps to prevent corrosion. However there are other times when humidity and condensation can be a problem and a simple wipe with a towel will not work. The solution is simple. Just keep a slight amount of oil on the surface of the blade.
The oil will prevent water from being in contact with the metal. Do not store your chisels loosely in a draw or toolbox. This is because the chisels are able to move around and collide into one another. Again, this leads to slight damage and to the cutting edge becoming prematurely dull. Instead, hang them up, use draw dividers, or purchase a caring pouch.
SharpeningA sharp edge is important for your chisels to perform properly. Without a properly sharpened edge you will take long to complete your work as well as the finished product will not be as nice. However, do not worry because sharpening is easy with the proper equipment and knowledge.
Materials needed:
- Sharping stones (in several grades of finish)
- Slip stone
- Oil
- Leather Strop
Steps:
1. Lubricate the sharpening stone; put a few drops of the oil on one of the rougher graded sharping stones.
2. Form burr edge; Hold the chisel at a 20 degree angle to the stone and glide the blade along the stone. Work both sides of the chisel evenly and gradually change to the finer grades of sharping stones.
3. Check the burr edge; Lightly dragging your finger away from the cutting edge. Should you be able to feel a slight roughness to the edge. When you do then you know the blade is ready for the next step, else you need to continue to form the burr edge.
4. Remove burr with slip stone; Using the slip stone like the other sharping stones hone away some of the burr so it is ready for the final polish.
5. Use leather strop to finish the edge and polish the blade; draw the blade across the strop away from the cutting edge until the burr has been removed.
6. Check for sharpness; rest the cutting edge of the blade lightly on your fingernail then if the blade catches slightly or feels sticky the blade is ready to use. Your chisels are now ready for years of use. Although it is not necessary, it is often fun to check your work.
Go ahead. Find some wood and check them out. I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the results. Find other great tips on using fine woodworking tools at http://fine-woodworking-tools.com a site that brings you the best info for America's woodworkers. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Wegener
No comments:
Post a Comment