Block Plane Choice

[jacko9]

i had the older Veritas sharpening jig with the single brass screw on top that was OK but it did allow the plane iron or chisel to move sometimes.  I bought the newer Veritas MkII sharpening jig and it worked very well except for narrow chisels.  Veritas just came out with a narrow head that fits on the MkII body that works exceptionally well for narrow chisels.

The newer Japanese water stones stay flat a very long time (Shapton Glass, Shapton Pro, Nubatama Ume) to name a few that I use on a regular basis.  I have a Atoma 140 grit diamond plate that I use to touch up the stones when needed.

Here is a link to one supplier;

http://www.chefknivestogo.com/sharpening-stones.html

Jack

 

[mike_aa]

Quote >>>As far as sharpening goes... buy a tormek... it'll make you happy long time.

 

[grbmds]

[member=550]Tinker[/member] The Tormek is a great and very flexible sharpening system but, for me, took a lot of practice which still resulted in inferior edges compared to wither Worksharp or stones (diamond or water). So, my Tormek is also in a cabinet with me wishing I'd spent that money on something I used more.

 

[Tinker]

[member=550]Tinker[/member] The Tormek is a great and very flexible sharpening system but, for me, took a lot of practice which still resulted in inferior edges compared to wither Worksharp or stones (diamond or water). So, my Tormek is also in a cabinet with me wishing I'd spent that money on something I used more.

Amen to that.

 

[Tinker]

Quote >>>As far as sharpening goes... buy a tormek... it'll make you happy long time.

 

[jacko9]

I'd be real cautious not using any lubrication on your diamond plates as the binder holding the diamond grit could break down quicker (I ruined one 3M diamond plate using it dry). 

 

[grbmds]

[member=550]Tinker[/member] I was told recently by a sharpening "expert" that merely drying the tools off and wiping down your tools with some sort of lubricant or light oil after sharpening will keep them from rusting. In fact, he suggested that, at the end of the day, wiping down steel blades and chisels you have used with oil is a good rust prevention idea. Don't know if it's a simple as that, but this guy was a walking reference for sharpening information. His info was very consistent with what I have read, picked up over the years, and know from my experience with sharpening.

 

[Elmar50]

I'm a fan of Japanese block planes. Was introduced to them 20 years ago when I was starting to become more involved in woodworking/carpentry. I have 2 western style planes which work fine but are seldom used. As for sharpening, count me in the Tormek fan club. I purchased one used with a Japanese stone last month. Prior to that I used a diamond block for flattening and Japanese waterstones for sharpening. Effective but very time consuming. Over the years our collection of Japanese knives has grown and this summer I added 20 chisels to my existing 8 chisel collection.  Keeeping all those edges sharp using wet stones by hand wasn't going to happen, thus the Tormek after looking at eBay and CL for several weeks and being outbid a couple of times.
I'm glad the Tormek I purchased included the Japanese stone as that seems to be what allows me to have the same results as my previous method, but in a fraction of the time and with a more consistent bevel. I still use the diamond plate to flatten, however.

 

[tiralie]

I'm glad the Tormek I purchased included the Japanese stone as that seems to be what allows me to have the same results as my previous method, but in a fraction of the time and with a more consistent bevel. I still use the diamond plate to flatten, however.

Agreed. The Tormek or any similar sharpening systems is a real time saver. They do take some time and experience to use properly. Diamond stones, Japanese stones and Arkansas  stones are great for a quick tune up of a micro bevel.
Tim

 

[waho6o9]

The DBS-22 Tormek drill bit sharpener is top shelf for making the sharpest drill bits

on the planet. Spendy  but worth every cent IMHO.
[attachimg=1]

 

[jacko9]

[member=550]Tinker[/member] I was told recently by a sharpening "expert" that merely drying the tools off and wiping down your tools with some sort of lubricant or light oil after sharpening will keep them from rusting. In fact, he suggested that, at the end of the day, wiping down steel blades and chisels you have used with oil is a good rust prevention idea. Don't know if it's a simple as that, but this guy was a walking reference for sharpening information. His info was very consistent with what I have read, picked up over the years, and know from my experience with sharpening.

I'm a big fan of using light oil on my tools just remember to clean off the oil if you ever use some of the Japanese Water Stones.  I have the Shapton and Nubatama brand water stones and oil will effect the binding agent in those stones.

Jack

 

[demographic]

Just a quick one but I've just spotted a Veritas VX60 block plane for sale on UK Ebay, and then checking on the Lee Valley website it seems like they're in stock at the moment.
As a few folk were after one I thought I'd mention it.