Rob Cosman Sharpening Station - QUICK, EASY & EFFECTIVE

The Rob Cosman sharpening station is designed for the real world of hand tool woodworking! Cheap and easy to build, it helps improve your sharpening body position, which is critical to achieving a razor sharp cutting edge. Designed by Rob specifically for his 32 second sharpening system.
Sharpening is the most import skill for a hand tool woodworker. Build and use this simple sharpening station and get back to woodworking, not sharpening forever.
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[@lukethegr8]

What helps me the most is seeing the whole process, including the trouble shooting, the measuring, all the behind the scenes stuff that so many videos just edit out. Thank you for a great video.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thats one of the things we purposefully do to set us apart from the rest.

[@charles.neuman18]

I agree. I realize I'm not wrong when I think that there are so many steps in even the simplest thing. It's nice to see how it flows in a shop where every tool is available.

[@mitchstephen5491]

Must be nice having someone to work with that can actually think ahead and know your every move. Great job Luther

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Yes, COl Luther was there when I needed a pencil!!!!!!!! Almost perfect anticipation of the required momnets 😂

[@MrAtfenn]

once again, thanks for the great advice. i have a bad spine, so what i have done is created a surface that is just beyond the reach of my outstretched fingers. that way i can still hold the blade as you have shown, lock my wrists and elbows, and pivot my shoulders to maintain the angle. this has allowed me to use your method at a low enough height but i dont have to bend over so much that it hurts.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Than sounds great. I love to hear folks solving problems. Great job

[@inspectr1949]

Rob, hard to believe that nearly 5 years have gone by since spending a week with you in Niagara Falls and your passion for teaching the finest in hand tool woodworking is as strong as ever I haven't touched a dovetail jig since then everything is by hand and finally building a new shop and home 4 miles away on 20 acres competed with a new work bench and sharpening station although somewhat higher to more accommodating for my 6'2" frame and bad back.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Awesome. Great to hear from you. If you get a chance you should come see my new shop / teaching space in Grand Bay

[@danielgeng2306]

You and the Colonel make a great team, thanks Rob I know this was taken from your bench build video, you could’ve just told folks to buy the video to see this, but that’s not how you roll and that’s why we love you !

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

So many folks were asking for it I I decided to share....its on 20 minutes of the 4.5 hour build video

[@danielgeng2306]

RobCosman.com it’s a great video, like all your videos the time flies by and it doesn’t seem near that long.

[@MANJITSINGH-ko2oi]

THANKS rob super cool.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@MrMaacin05]

Great bench accessory. I’ve been using a large baking sheet with rubber drawer liner attached to the table of my floor mounted drill press. Makes adjusting the height super simple

[@kyongb786]

Look at those equipments……he got everything!

[@EvulDali]

Col. Luther is by far the most focused, organised and helpful person i`ve ever seen. Crazy how all the tools and materials just pop out of nowhere exactly when you need them. It would take me quite some time to get used to that level of assistance in the shop. The only thing is that he just never shuts up. All the talking omg. :)

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

He is a talker

[@Ammed_KN6STX]

Great Video!!!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Glad you enjoyed it. Dont forget to sign up for our free monthly newsletter

[@Ammed_KN6STX]

RobCosman.com, I already do!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Well go shoot something then

[@Realism91]

I've done this 3 years ago to my workbench didn't do the 2° slope though and put an extra one below it for storage. Everyone should do this to their bench. Thank you for the video it always great seeing how other people do things differently even if I already did it.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for the comment. So how do you like sharpening on the low station

[@Realism91]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking it's great, accept my bench is also my table saws outfeed table and the end of it is 30" from the wall so mines confined I often end up using it from the side.

[@tonysouthwood8010]

Thanks for the response Rob. Always great advice.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Glad to help....So what video should we do next?

[@benjaminadair9548]

My outside workbench is built on saw horses so my sharpening station will be on an A-frame. We video watcher's need to chip in and buy Rob a box or two of pencils and red pens. Or give Luther a raise. Thanks again been using the Cosman sharpening method and my hand wood working has gotten better I laugh at sapele and oak now. Still waiting on my 5 1/2 to make it to WOODCRAFT S.W. Houston store.

[@jimmymack517]

Love your videos. Thank you!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Glad you like them! You win the first comment award!!!!

[@watermain48]

Thanks Rob, been waiting for this one. Thank you for your service Col. Shealy.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Glad you like it Bill......This one isnt getting as many views as the others though. Curious

[@watermain48]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking I don't have enough room in my shop to mount a station like that to the end of my bench, but I'll come up with a solution.

[@crs1012]

I’ve thought about doing this for a while. Thanks for the video, Rob!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Know you know....Time to build one

[@darrenwolfe1660]

Great video! I added this station to my bench and what a difference it makes in keeping your tools sharp and always ready to go. No excuses now. 👍

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Super. Hows your sharpening skills now?

[@darrenwolfe1660]

Sharpening skills have greatly improved. Free hand is the way to go. Seconds to sharp just like your other video. Keep making great videos. Thanks for everything!

[@codykniffen]

When spacing out the holes you said something along the lines of there being a better way to do that with math, there sure is but I'd still have stood around eye balling it and agonizing about the spacing looking just right for a good ten minutes. Love the content, Rob.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

I think math should be banned from woodworking!!!!!!!!!!

[@larrychristensen5917]

Thanks for another great video. What a team!!!!!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Yes everyone should have a pencil caddy to help them!!!!!🤩

[@andrewbrown8148]

Just the video I've been looking for~! I'll be adding this to my bench this weekend. Thanks for sharing~!!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Glad you liked it. This video is not getting so many views as our other ones. Any clue why?

[@andrewbrown8148]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking No sir, that's a mystery to me. With as many of your videos as I've watched, I've been waiting to see "what's behind the curtain", or rather what's under the rubber mat. I surely thought that that would go for MANY of your viewers as well. I put the finishing touches on mine this morning and will be doing some sharpening shortly~!

[@athmostafa2462]

Wow , might do mine with my new workbench , thanks 😊

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Go for it! its super easy

[@donmartin88]

Awesome video Rob.... Definitely putting one of these on my bench. Thanks!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Glad it was helpful,, very easy and quick.

[@scottgates601]

YYEEEEEEEEEEIIIIISSSSSSSS!!!!!!! Awesome!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

And now you know how to build a sharpening station......

[@Cactustone]

24-inches is a good reference, but how tall are you? How do you determine the ideal height?

[@juancamore05]

Thanks Rob for the video! I made my station a few months ago and did not consider slightly sloping it away from the bench. I will add some shims to mine. Also on a video topic. How about a more detailed explanation on why you shift the tail board the thickness of the saw kerf blade, when doing dovetails. I understand the concept but have seen the question a few times in the comments section. I think a visual explanation would help beginners grasp the concept better. Thanks again for all you do!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks Juan....also thanks for all the comment help I see you doing answering other folks questions , I really appreciate it. Makes my life a little easier. Yup, COL Luther has a dovetail video coming.

[@juancamore05]

RobCosman.com you’re very welcome. Just trying to pay it forward.

[@Woodwork-Learner]

It just proves no matter how big or small or how organised it is you always need someone to find you a pencil! On another note what ear protection do you use around the shop as I did not notice any in this video?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

I don’t wear ear protection generally, probably should

[@heystarfish100]

I love your bench. The sharpening station upon it is nice and convenient mounted in that way. I think I would be the guy running into it constantly and my knees ache every time I see it. Is it a problem for when new students are around the shop or is it different when actually working in the area. You seem to skate around it gracefully. I plan on building a new bench soon. Thanks Rob.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

No its never and issue and wee have thought lots of classes with these benches

[@eodeberhard1066]

Rob, I attached the sharpening station that Kim Nilson provided for my bench this weekend. He delivered it unattached so that I could attach it myself at my preferred height (which happens to be 22”). Anyway, I have an idea/request for your KZbin content I wanted to share. If your looking for ideas on future projects I would love to watch some videos on bench modifications and improvements. Topics could include adding a tool tray, making/installing an adjustable lamp slider, bench care and maintenance, installing Cosmanized castors (I think you did this one already), putting a tool shelf, cabinets, and or drawers underneath, adding posts to hang/store shooting board or bench hook from, or even adding a Scandinavian style shoulder vise bracket like Kim Nilson did on mine (I sent you a photo via text). Bench projects are a great way to practice skills while improving your working environment, and it would provide lots of opportunities for you to demonstrate techniques and highlight certain tools.

[@michaelshick4612]

I enjoy watching you work on different projects, and I noticed your always looking for your pencil. Don’t get me wrong I’ll do the same thing. I’m thinking I’m going to sew some Velcro onto my apron and glue some on my pencils. So as I’m working, marking I’ll always know were it is. 😊

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thats why I have COL Lither; my pencil caddy!

[@gssmith1986]

I would put a piece of plastic laminate on top of the plywood. Easy wipe up of the swarf.

[@alwoods9977]

Jeez Rob! Get a pencil pocket stitched onto that apron. Good to have a helper cart around your marking tools for you.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

COL Luther is my pencil caddy!! Our new aprons have a pencil pocket. So soon

[@fredzaspel7350]

Thank you for this. I want to build one for myself. What are the dimensions of the plywood?

[@thomasalton2804]

Rob, I wish you would use a push stick when you use the table saw! Otherwise this video,is very helpful.

[@digital5806]

Just hand the man his pencil back for crying out loud! 🤣

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

I have had so many people send me so many pencils I must have 3000, but can I find one when I need it?

[@tallyman15]

Great video. Would not be complete without some hand planing.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Of course, got to make shavings.

[@adrianabshire]

Nice! Would be great if that shelf would fold down...

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Then all the stones would fall off of it!!

[@willclarke5979]

What are the dimension of the plywood?

[@jimmysiniawski7391]

I got my new 5-1/2 . I also got a new 16000 stone and holder. But I am not crazy about the handles on my new plane. Have you ever made a new replacement handle for your 5-1/2’s?

[@mio-tl9ho]

I have watched all of your sharpening videos to hear you articulate why you have set the sharpening station less than two feet above the floor. I have not heard an explanation. I guess it is to place more body weight on the tool to be sharpened and, perhaps, to aid in keeping the wrists and elbows locked. Are these the reasons or are there others?

[@JohanLarssonKiruna]

I can't figure out why he didn't use a pair of brackets instead of that massive chunk of wood?

[@1deerndingo]

Any chance of a video on how to plane smooth a board with cathedrals in it - grain going shallow and multi directional. I have a small slab of beautiful, light, soft wood that has gone through a thicknesser and I would plane to surface it anyway, but there's some small amount of tear-out in there that needs removal.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Deerding we have a video on preventing tear-out coming soon. Short version is sharp blade, shallow projection, close the mouth down

[@ehudgavron9086]

Rob, love your work! I watch your videos all the time. In the old-timey piece here though... you fed stuff through table saw with your fingers (and a piece flew off), and that's going to send the wrong message out there. (There was one other safety issue but I don't want to pick on you too hard since you're so helpful... be careful out there because YOU can do it but others will follow ... and maybe they can't.)

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for the advice. Yes I need to do better, and will try

[@jumbocaso]

Rob, you are a terrific craftsman and teacher. On safety, I would also add hearing protection. James Hamilton recently did a video of on hearing protection, tool db and a chart on potential ear damage. Stay safe.

[@harleywood9588]

Is that a Clemson Grad?

[@scottlouis7785]

That pencil holder looks like he`s essential

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

In a Rob Cosman shop its an essential position.....pencil caddy that is!!!!😂

[@tonysouthwood8010]

Love your videos, love your T-shirts, really love the maple syrup. I see you now have green shirts. Guess I'll need to buy some of those. My question is on the Woodriver planes. I notice that you've replaced the blades with IBC blades. Do you recomend replacing the blades right away, or are the blades that come with them good enough to start with? Or replace them right away, and use the original blades to practice sharpening with?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Tony, I have not "replaced" the WoorRiver blades with IBC. I have a ton of IBC and WoodRiver blades because I work with both companies. I probably have 5 sets per plane. We sharpen in mass (actually Jake does most of the sharpening) and I put whatever is handy into the plane. I have tested them for a while and 95% of woodworkers wont be able to detect the difference between the two brands. The IBC is slightly thicker and a slightly better blade, but for most woodworkers I recommend sticking with the WoodRiver blade.

[@tonysouthwood8010]

Thanks for the response Rob. Always great advice

[@cmoore7723]

I have a bad back so I'm concerned about using the sharpening station where I would be bending over. Thoughts?

[@jimmccoy3438]

Hi Rob, Another great video but I didn’t catch how you determined the height of the sharpening station. I’m not sure how tall you are but I’m 6 and a half feet tall with a bad back and the height you placed your station seems really low for me. Do you have any guidelines for placing the top relative to your knees or waist? Thanks.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Hi Jim, the height is just fitting it to your body. The whole concept is the lower the station enough so your wrist, elbows, are easily locked so movement comes from your shoulders. Also that you are a bit above and over your stones. Typically this is somewhere between mid thigh and your waist. Do what is comfortable for you back and helps you lock in your sharpening position.

[@jimmccoy3438]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking Thanks for the reply. I guess I will have to do some trial and error to see what works. FYI, I received the package with the new white oak handled dovetail saw. It is perfect and fits my hand better than any other saw I've tried. Cuts like a dream too. Thanks.

[@mchristopher]

Great video! Do you find that having the sharpening station located below the bench that you wind up with sawdust/shavings etc contaminating your stones and if so, does that matter much? Can you just wipe off any dust from the stones? Thanks!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

No sweat, annoying but not a problem

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Learn how to use this sharpening station to sharpen your hand plane blades in 32 seconds: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZyvenilr5VjrJI

[@deancollins1371]

Hi Rob. What is the silver colored finish on the sharpening station? Marine grade varnish to prevent water damage?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

No thats just sharpening water crud after being used as a sharpening station in our classes numerous times

[@MrAtfenn]

i have a request for which video you could do next, since you have asked. you did a video a while a go featuring your wooden hinge kit. in that video you mentioned that you were going to do another that went through the process of making and dialing in the dowel making jig that you use. i am going to have to do this pretty soon so i would love to see how you do it. also, and very important, what are the names of radar's stuffed bear and klinger's two wives?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Tiger , Laverne and soon-lee. I am at the house right now and will have to measure the shoulder vise in th emorning.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

oops,, a part of this answer was for someone elses questions....

[@Blue60]

Hi Rob, what’s the significance of the 2 degree slope.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

So that the water used in sharpening runs away from the workbench not towards it

[@simoncoldrick8508]

Thanks for the video, a question slightly removed. On your personal bench what is the measurement from the inside of the shoulder vise to the bench, so ignoring the thickness of the movable vise face? Many thanks in advance.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

I will have to get measurement in themorning

[@simoncoldrick8508]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking thanks Rob

[@45mattress]

Did you add a television to the shop?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Yes, cant live without it late at night when we are working on producing tools

[@garyowens8201]

A tiny bit of wax works wonders to keep screws from twisting the heads off. Ask me how I know, lol

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Good tip. The screws we use are pre-coated.

[@nos2142]

That's a great idea about having a red light come on when your table saw is not at 90. That's burned me more than once.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

I think sawstop should add it and pay us for the idea!!!!!!!

[@4dchessplayer516]

Do you have your HOSE grounded? I mean what are the odds of a dust explosion?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Well actually there has been a bunch of testing and research recently that had debunked the whole dust explosion theory that we have all learned, but yes my whole system is grounded

[@bmedicky]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking Even if the shop won't blow up, grounding the hose will avoid unpleasant static shocks when you touch it, isn't that right?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Yes but our hose system is 8 feet off the ground and we have electronic blast gates so we never touch it. Regardless, our is grounded

[@smtitmas]

so did you just run your tablesaw sled through at 2deg?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

No, after the tables saw sled when i cut the edges

[@smtitmas]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking whew! That would have sucked. Speaking from experience.

[@BitsOfEternity]

Closed Captioning thinks you're Rob Gosselin.....

[@Grovesrussell]

Out of interest is there much difference between the old and new workbench build video?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Well we never had a full workbench build video for sale. We did have one in the online workshop. The big difference in the two is in how we laminate the top together. We developed a method that you do not need a bunch of expensive clamps and we include a lot of bench accessory items

[@Grovesrussell]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking i will have to buy the new version to see the improvements ready for when i build mine sometime during the summer. Shame there isnt a way to buy the sjoberg vice here in UK/EU without having to import it from yourselves. I cant find it anywhere

[@lstanczykRC]

Since I down voted I thought it would be respectful to say why. In my opinion it is a bit overdone for such a utilitarian project. I get attention to details and making sure that you work with precision, but planing a piece of wood that will be hidden under green treated plywood is a bit of an overkill. But to each their own.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Its just how i approach all my woodworking

[@lstanczykRC]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking fair enough. I am still a fan!