How Do You Sharpen Your Chisels? - Ask Matt #2

[@johnhammond5314]

Wow! Mathew. What a gifted tutor you are. keep posting and thank you. John from Australia

[@rsv-code7004]

Yah man, 100%! I do the same process. What's so great about O1 is that you can just strop it back to razor sharp in 30 seconds. The strop is so quick. A downside to using chromium steels like A2 and PM-V11 is that they don't strop up as well and you really do need to go back to the stones in my experience. I've gone exclusively to O1 just because of this quick process.

[@stevehurn29]

Thank you Matthew it was one of the most informative videos to do with woodworking I've seen. I learned so much from the way you used the strop, to the stones and the honing guide and how to set the chisel

[@mcremona]

Steve Hurn Thank you Steve! I'm glad you found it useful!

[@LillianKZ123]

This was great! just what I needed to continue with my Kumiko project. I've watched it three times now and I think I'm ready to try.

[@CMRWoodworks]

Good info! I have 3 diamond plates up to 1200 grit. I know I need to make the jump to a 4000/8000 water stone, but have yet to do it knowing about having to flatten them. I'm glad to now know that my course diamond stone can flatten the water stones! This has me more anxious to make the jump now.

[@mcremona]

You can use those diamond plates to sharpen carbide ;)

[@CMRWoodworks]

It just keeps getting better :)

[@diycentral]

Thanks for the info about the flattening stone wearing out. Always wanted one of those even though a thick piece of glass and sandpaper has been working fine for me.

[@mcremona]

diycentral No problem. I didn't know any better when I bought it. Sandpaper on glass works well too.

[@SteveCarmichael]

Great video Matt and good info on sharpening.

[@mcremona]

Steve Carmichael Thanks Steve!!

[@derekoliver1548]

So according to you my go to dance move ( don't move your upper body while rocking back and forth) is also good for sharpening chisels!! Good to know.

[@mcremona]

Derek Oliver Being a sweet dancer really helps!

[@GarageShopWoodworking]

I needed to hear everything you said in this video. Thanks!

[@stevecollins9450]

Great video, Matt! I wasen't real good at sharpening anything until I took up carving years ago, that sure forced me to get decent at it if I wanted to continue. Happy Holidays to you guy's.

[@mcremona]

Steve Collins Thanks Steve! I picked up this method from he carvers. I noticed they take great care to keep their tools sharp because they can he hard to sharpen. I figured it should apply just as well to standard straight chisels. Happy Holidays to you as well!

[@sawdustbob6508]

You're method of holding the chisel as an extension of your arm is great. Once again, wonderful lesson. Sawdust Bob r2t2 Merritt

[@tazza1076]

G'day Matt .... The wooden jig too set your chisel on the gauge .. What is the length and what angle do you preferably set to sharpen your chisel on ?? .... I enjoy your videos.... Easy to understand ...

[@j.d.ransom6721]

Great info Matt! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@mcremona]

J.D. Ransom Thanks J.D.!

[@woodturningjohn]

Great stuff Matt, I think the jig would be good for my to pick up. Maintaining the proper angle is what I have the most problem with, and since most of mine are yard sale finds of old chisels the edges are already a mess, lol.

[@mcremona]

woodturningjohn Yes a jig is super helpful for something like that. Once the angle is established it makes it a lot easier to maintain.

[@WoodworkingBarcelona]

Interesting "how to" Matt. Thanks for share and Merry Christmas!

[@mcremona]

Woodworking Barcelona Thanks! Hope you had a great Christmas!

[@TheChrisPineWorkshop]

I am also sold on the water stones. I have the norton ones that are similar if not the same ones you show here. Combination stones were a very economical alternative to buying individual stones. My set also came with the flattening stone. The diamond plate is an excellent tip! I will have to loo at that. Do you store your stone in the water? I know of some friends who do. Not the 8000 grit on but the lower grit ones. The strop method is so awesome... razor sharp tools are awesome to use! Great stuff Matt! Chris

[@mcremona]

Chris Pine Thanks Chris! I leave the combination stone in water (That plastic takeout container works well). I used to dry it out between uses but about two years ago I started just keeping it in water that way it's always ready to go. The Shapton stones are nice since you can just spray some water on it and it's ready to go. That strop really makes all the difference. It's definitely a great investment.

[@johnconklin9039]

Good info Matt. I use a Tormek for my 'hardcore' sharpening and high grit sandpaper for quick touch ups. Think I'll have to try the strop and compound. Enjoy the Holidays!

[@mcremona]

John Conklin Thanks John! Sounds like a strop would be a nice addition to your set up.

[@OneWoodAuwoodworking]

Nice video thanks Matt, i do a similar thing with a piece of plywood and the honing compound, i will have to try the leather as well. I have patches of hair missing on my arms from doing the shave test with them as i go :)

[@mcremona]

OneWood - Warren Downes That's interesting. I suppose pretty much anything could be used as a strop. If you keep testing on your arm, you'll run out of hair eventually :)

[@walterrider9600]

thank you Matt . great info . question on my strop it gets black when i use it i do use a compound on it and find i have to use the back edge to clean it up after a bit . why is this happening ?

[@chrisb9647]

Hi Matt, great videos. Do you add a micro bevel to your chisels? What are your thoughts?

[@mfwoodshop]

Thanks for the info Matt, good stuff to know

[@mcremona]

Mike Fulton Thanks Mike!

[@christianbuzio9468]

Thank you for precious advices. Merry Christmas from Italy Christian

[@mcremona]

christian buzio Thanks Christian! Hope you had a great Christmas!

[@nordyfamily]

Keep up the great work~

[@crzy4htrods]

A very merry christmas to you and yours matthew

[@mcremona]

crzy4htrods Thank you! You too!

[@Tomlofgren]

Hey Matt - I have a very nice bench vise with soft jaws - is it necessary for me to get a woodworkers vise? Could you make a video to show all the ways you use your woodworkers vise, and why it is better than a standard vise?

[@mcremona]

I don't have and have never used a standard bench vise. My work bench video shows the various work holding options of the vises on my bench: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j56uhKOOp7WNqM0 I think you might find a standard vise limiting in work holding vertically and flat to work on the face of a board.

[@phooesnax]

Nice job! Use a surface plate with wet paper for really beat up yard sale finds...works great even totally abused stuff.....water stones work great. Have not tried the strop yet....need to. Merry Christmas.

[@mcremona]

phooesnax Thanks! The strop makes a pretty big difference :) Hope you had a great Christmas!

[@krisw.6676]

Matt - great video. Thanks for posting it. I definitely fall into that "peaks-and-valley" group - I let the chisel get too dull. Does the strop have a rough side and a smooth side, and which do you use?

[@mcremona]

Kris W. Thanks! Yes there is a rough and a smooth side. I've read that either side can be used with the same result, it just comes down to a matter of personal preference. I use the smooth side so the rough side grips the bench as I'm using it since I don't have it glued down to anything.

[@meanders9221]

Thanks for the info Matt. I think stropping may be the missing element in my sharpening (maybe because people keep telling me that). I've been on the sine wave program. Just ordered the strop and green rouge. Maybe I can get on the high flat curve now :)

[@mcremona]

Michael Anderson The strop works wonders. It's definitely the best bang for the buck. Enjoy the new "program" :)

[@NotJustSawdust]

Very good Info! Thanks... (luckily I can take my chisels to an old craftsman who sharpens everything by eye, amazing...I'm always watching but still...)

[@mcremona]

Não Só Serradura Well that's an awfully nice arrangement :)

[@JimCoogan_CoogansWorkshop]

Great video Matt and thanks for all the helpful hints. Have you ever tried to use sandpaper on glass? I have seen that technique used quite a few times on KZbin. Personally I like the waterstone method. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas and have an outstanding holiday.

[@mcremona]

Jim Coogan Thanks Jim! I've never used the sandpaper method but I know people use it with great results. I like the waterstone method because I don't have to worry about running out of sandpaper. Hope you have a great Christmas as well!

[@spottoms]

Hi Matt, when using the strop, do you need to or ever do anything on back of chisel? Also, do you use it on your plane blades? Thanks for all the great content!

[@mcremona]

I'll usually give the back a pass or two over the strop to knock off any burr that might have formed. Thanks Joel!

[@DIYTyler]

Great info Matt! So when my chisels tear huge chunks off the paper they're dull?! Need a new set and proper sharpening tools....so much I need!

[@mcremona]

***** That's exactly what would happen! :)

[@AdventuresInDIY]

Great video Matt! I've always wondered about using a strop. They remind me of an old school barber I went to where they used a straight razor to shave you. We have those Habitat for Humanity paper pads too from donating. Thanks and have a good holiday.

[@mcremona]

AdventuresInDIY I'm really glad that I got that strop. It's so convenient. The barbershop straight razor is a perfect example of this concept. The barber keeps that edge as sharp as possible. I have a whole stack of those notepads. My wife volunteers on their fundraising committee and I donated one of my spice boxes to their auction a couple of years ago. Thanks Chris!

[@effeinc]

Always wondered if an old belt would work for a strop or if it has to be leather from a horses butt. (from your link) Thanks for sharing, I have that same jig but usually just freehand

[@mcremona]

effeinc I'm sure a leather belt would work well too. The butt is supposedly "the best" but I'm sure any leather would work fine.

[@hspringsteen]

Thanks Matt.

[@mcremona]

Howard Springsteen No problem, Howard!

[@geoffsgarageworkshop9467]

Great idea to leave the stones in water. I usually let them dry out after sharpening, but his will save time!

[@mcremona]

Geoff's Garage Workshop Thanks! That stone has been in water for 2 years. No issues with storing it that way and it's ready to go whenever I need it.

[@TedAlexander24]

Hey Matt, Woodcraft has a set of 6 Wood River chisels on sale right now. Is that a good beginner set? Or should a guy just buy one or two better ones until he has a nice set?

[@mcremona]

Ted Alexander I'm sure they're fine. They're probably the same steel as the butt chisels I have. I have also heard great things about the Narex chisels. I think they might be cheaper as well.

[@williamhodges2786]

Thought I would add my input! Just picked up the Woodriver set from Woodcraft. Out of the box they will need a little work. I spent a little over an hour flattening the backs and working the bevel starting on a 1000 diamond stone and finishing up on a 6000. All in all, they are a great set and I can see the quality in the steel. After the initial investment in truing up the backs and bevel they are razor sharp and feel amazing. If you are willing to put a little work into them they are practically a steal for the price!

[@TedAlexander24]

Hey thanks William.

[@jeph4life]

why do you keep the flatting stone around if it is useless?

[@mcremona]

To use as a video prop

[@jeph4life]

makes sense. ty

[@mmarrinan]

What angle do you set your honing gauge to? And how far is the gap on the wooden setup block?

[@mcremona]

***** I'm not sure what the angle is. I just have it set to be pretty close to what they came ground at. My protrusion guide is set to about 1 7/16"

[@justinreuter351]

Hey Matt, thanks for the great videos. I have been binge watching them. Question for you. I just bought some Shapton glass stones (1000,4000,800). when sharpening my chisels I get a lot of chatter, especially on the bevel side. I am sharpening free hand. any advise to reduce chatter? Thanks a lot Matt. Really love the trailer and bandsawmill!

[@mcremona]

I'll sometimes get chatter if I'm not holding the chisel firmly enough. Maybe your grip is too loose? Thanks!

[@tooljunkie555]

also when flattening the stone how do i go about doing that..just sit it on top and leave it for a while or do i make passes like sharpening a chisel?? thanks man!!

[@mcremona]

Joe Walters You just rub the stone on the flattening stone until the surface is all clean looking. You can also put some pencil lines on the stone and flatten until all the pencil is gone.

[@tooljunkie555]

Matthew Cremona cool! Thanks man I didnt want to do anything til I tty about it.. knkwing me id prolly ruin it somehow..haha I love these stanley sweetheart set s9 light and comfortable to use. And the saw was a good buy too ive been dove tailing pretty much every chance I get ..still have a ways to go but the sharp chisel definitely makes the difference and saw too. What a difference speaking of which I sd the handle is adjustable? How do I adjust it.i dnt wanna mess wth that either..loltil I know how to..

[@RLNTEX]

Hi Matt, I heard or read somewhere that the ideal angle for chisels was 18 degrees. Would you say that sounds right?

[@tweakerkid]

the angle can vary with wood hardness

[@CatholicWoodworker]

Matthew Cremona, Can you use an old leather belt as a strop or would I be better off skipping that step until I buy a strop?

[@mcremona]

Conrad Designs Yes you can. I know people who just put the compound on a scrap of plywood and use it like that

[@DemasShopforEverything]

you keep your stone in water 100% of the time?

[@mcremona]

Yes, that one I do

[@mikkosha]

You can revive your flattening stone with sandpaper, a diamond plate or a truing mesh ;) I used mine for years and just redo the surface of it every once in a while using my diamond plate :)

[@mcremona]

mikkosha Thanks for the tip. I tried using sandpaper to revive it a bit but it wouldn't last very long. I had to prep it with the sand paper each time I wanted to use it. That got a bit annoying :)

[@tooljunkie555]

hey matt, with the water stones i just bought the 800/4000 stone now do i keep that in h2o 24/7? also, do i have to flatten it right out the box? if not how often

[@mcremona]

Joe Walters They need to soak before use, so I just keep mine in water all the time so I don't have to wait before using it. it's flat out of the box (or it should be). I flatten after each use.

[@tooljunkie555]

Matthew Cremona no doubt.it definitely looks flat and when I put the flattening stone on top theres no gaps or light so I wood assume its flat:) nice. .so just put in water and start sharpening or do they have to soak a certain amnt of time first? Sorry for the qs..:)

[@tooljunkie555]

I just spent quite a bit of money on them as you already know and I want them to be sharp and as perfect as possible because I'm making my wife a jewelry box for her bday coming up and it n had 4 drawers so im hoping if i really take my time on the tails and sharpen the chisels right itll come out right .haha anywaus whens ur next vid?

[@CatholicWoodworker]

Matthew Cremona, I currently just use sandpaper taped to either my tablesaw or my granite slab workbench (got it for free). Have you ever used this method and if so, is there anything I need to be careful of using this method? I use 220, 300, and 600 grit paper.

[@mcremona]

Conrad Designs I've never tried it but I know there are a lot of people out there that sharpen with sandpaper. Seems to work well. Is it working well for you? Are you able to get your tools sharp enough?

[@CatholicWoodworker]

Not sure ☺I'm still trying to learn what sharp really feels like. Never used a quality chisel or plane that's been properly sharpened Matthew Cremona​

[@mcremona]

Conrad Designs Have you tried that paper cutting test?

[@CatholicWoodworker]

Matthew Cremona I did pass the paper cut test. It's the old growth white oak I mentioned last night that I'm struggling with. Once I started moving my body instead of my arms, I can get nice thin shavings from birch, pine, and other soft woods. Once I try the oak though, I get tiny, thin chips and the blade likes to stick. Is that just normal with oak?

[@mcremona]

Conrad Designs It really should glide through whatever you are cutting. Old growth tends to be denser so there should be more resistance than something softer. Are you seeing crushed fibers as you are cutting? If so that's a good sign that the chisel to too dull. Regardless of sharpening method, a strop makes such a noticeable difference. Pick up some of that green stuff and give it a try.

[@oneway1811]

Amazing

[@tooljunkie555]

hey matt, just got a card scraper and i cant get it sharp for the life of me!! :/ ive tried wood whisperers way and tried using the stones...- saw it on garage woodwork and keep getting dust..any ideas bro??

[@mcremona]

Joe Walters Are you using a burnisher? My eureka moment was when I realized how little pressure you need to use to roll that bur. Some oil helps too.

[@tooljunkie555]

Matthew Cremona no..its funny because I was going to purchase one and one of the workers sd a brand new screwdriver would work ..so I went cheapo and used a screwdriver...I take it theres a difference? ?:)

[@tooljunkie555]

Matthew Cremona any special kind? Or would like a nail gun oil work?

[@mcremona]

Joe Walters Depends on how hard the screw driver is but it should work. Try letting up the pressure. I just use the some of the weight of my arms. I don't push down on it. Any oil should work fine. It's just to lubricate things - you know metal on metal is never great

[@tooljunkie555]

Matthew Cremona i using the longest driver i have. and its actually really old..from my father but i cleaned it up nicely. So,,. less pressure and some oil. Ill give that a go in the a.m. im sure thts my eureka.. ;) thanks man

[@thomastieffenbacherdocsava1549]

Matt, I'm an Amazon user. You ask that we go through your posting which I did. It addresses me as a new user. Any suggestions to make sure you get credit.

[@qigong1001]

Hello Matt. King is offering a combi stone 1000/6000(kds) for harder metals. It's an extra $20 and a little bigger. Do you think it's worth it ? I'm a weekend woodworker, but I have a lot of old swap meet tools to sharpen. I am getting a 220/800 for reshaping.

[@mcremona]

I think the added surface area would be worth it. The size of the one I have is a little on the small side.

[@qigong1001]

Matthew Cremona . I just purchased a similar one you have. Its on Amazon 4000/800King for 27$. I just couldn't pass it up. You have no idea how much I was agonizing over a decision that should be simple. I have to thank you immensely. I was focusing so much on the 'stone' and not the technique and use/purpose and maintenance that goes along with it. They should name a Pokemon animal after you!

[@mcremona]

Life goal: get my own pokemon

[@jss127ess]

Hi Matt, great video, thanks for sharing! I watched the dull chisel sharpening video which is also very good. My question is about the jig you use to make sure you get a perfect angle every time. How do you come up with the distance from the honing guide to the end of the chisel to get the proper angle?

[@mcremona]

Hey Jeffery, in the chisel sharpening video you saw me expanding the chisel in the jig until the bevel was close to flat on the stone. I just did that the first time and glued up my jig to that distance.

[@jss127ess]

Matthew Cremona OK, thanks Matt! Great videos!!

[@Magnussen92]

Wow, my chisels are far from that sharp! Mine are hammers compared to yours :P I'm really bad at sharpening them, but I also have very cheap stones that are bent, so that probably doesn't help much. Do you have any tips for flattening stones without a diamond plate? I tried using sandpaper, but it's not very effective. Also, I find it so weird that something as soft as leather can sharpen hardened steel like that, quite amazing.

[@VasilyKiryanov]

+Bjørnar Magnussen Instead of getting a flat stone (or a stone flatter) it might be easier to find a fairly flat piece of thick glass (although there are quite pricey special glass slabs to be found, that are guaranteed to have no more than say 0,001 in. deviation), and just glue a pieces of sandpaper to it with some weak glue (that's easy to wash off once the paper is done with), and try to sharpen your tools on that instead of stones. I've tried this - it works.

[@Magnussen92]

VasilyKiryanov Not sure if I have any finer sandpaper than 180 though.. Besides, my biggest issue is probably holding the correct angle and holding it steady. I'm looking into getting one of those jigs that do it for you. Thanks for the tip though! :)

[@frankdushanhanisko4392]

I recommend looking at the 3M finishing films, available from Workshopheaven in the UK and elsewhere. Very high quality and available in very fine micron rated grades. That with the Veritas Mk2 guide and consitent results are easy. I don't like regular sandpaper since it leaves bits of grit that cause scratching if the guide isn't cleaned enough between grits.

[@sharissejones2874]

I am in a wheelchair. How would someone like me achieve this motion? I love your work and your videos.

[@ApexHerbivore]

The motion is only used for maintaining a constant angle without an angle guide. It's keeping the angle constant that's important for a sharp edge. Using a guide will give you the same (if not better) results :)

[@jgunstone1]

Merry Christmas. Now finish your desk.:)

[@mcremona]

Jeff Gunstone Thanks Jeff! Can't wait to get back into the shop and get working on that thing :)

[@jimbol8695]

Good one!

[@boomboomroom1427]

Hey Matthew. Im Mike from Milwaukee. Im curious how you learned your wood working? Are you self taught? Ive watched many of your videos but havent heard you talk on that subject. By the way, your living the life i want, ha ha

[@mcremona]

Here's a video where I address that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3nUo3atZ5uXbck

[@Mike-uj1wr]

Great video Matt, don't let the wife get her hands on that strop. :)

[@mcremona]

Mike 61 hahaha!! Thanks Mike!

[@MRrwmac]

Like the idea of a strop for maintaining that sweet edge! Might have to get one and try it. I'm one of the sandpaper sharpeners on a piece of granite. 1000 grit dry seems to work for me but I don't use my 2 chisels very much!

[@mcremona]

MRrwmac The strop helps a lot! Did you end up getting that new set of chisels?

[@MRrwmac]

No, a little "stroped" for cash due to Christmas gifts.

[@mcremona]

MRrwmac haha! I appreciate the pun!