Woodworking Class: Sharpening Woodworking Hand Tools with Jeremy Tritchler (2 Days)

Sharpening tools is a fundamental skill set every woodworker should learn in order to not only maintain their tools, but to aid in the enjoyment of using hand tools. In this two day class we will explore the art and principles of sharpening several of the basic tools found in the hand tool woodworker’s toolkit. Beginning with basic edge tools, such as chisels and hand planes, then moving to hand saws and card scrapers, Jeremy will demonstrate and discuss various techniques and sharpening mediums used for achieving a truly sharp cutting edge. Participants will then be able to practice techniques demonstrated on their own tools in order to help build confidence in their own abilities.

New tools always need initial tune-up and sharpening before they are ready for use. Students should provide a new (or like-new) 1-inch chisel to practice on. This could be a good chance to purchase that new set of chisels you’ve been hoping for, or just a single chisel for mundane tasks around the shop. Check the suggested tool list for recommended brands for new chisels. In class we will start with flattening the back and work the chisel through all of the steps of achieving a sharp edge.

After sharpening a chisel, students will then be able to sharpen a plane blade. Students are encouraged to bring a good condition, rust free, plane blade (with or without the plane body).

For the second day we will focus on card scrapers and hand saws.

Due to limited time constraints, we might not be able to tune up used tools which require significant rehabilitation, such as used blades with excessive rust and surface pitting. Students are welcome to bring 1 or 2 used tools in need of some additional TLC to receive advice and feedback on how they may be able to bring them back into working order as time permits, however the class will be focused on sharpening one new 1-inch chisel and 1 good condition plane blade in order to help all students experience the process of sharpening and walk away with the confidence to sharpen addition tools in their own shops and studios.

Day 1: sharpening edge tools:
◦ Basic intro to edge sharpening theory and sharpening media types
◦ Sharpen a bench chisel: grinding, flattening backs, honing, stropping
◦ Sharpen a smoothing plane iron (Stanley #3 or #4, or wooden smoother) or a jointer plane iron (#7 or #8, or wooden jointer): grinding, flattening backs, honing w/ slight camber (to prevent plane tracks), stropping to keep the edge sharp.
◦ Demonstrate sharpening a highly cambered scrub plane iron (Stanley #5 or wooden scrub plane): grinding/shaping the camber.
◦ Discuss and demonstrate sharpening other edge tools as time permits, such as carving tools, draw knives, molding planes, etc
◦ Material fee will cover required sharpening supplies to be used in class. Additional supplies may be available for student purchase at the time of the class and subject to availability.
◦ Note: Sharpening supplies used in class may differ from those in individual student shops, however the principles and techniques taught will apply to most sharpening mediums on the market

Day 2: sharpening handsaws:
◦ Sharpen a card scraper
◦ Intro to saws; types, uses, and geometry
◦ Sharpen a rip hand saw (tooth size 5-7 ppi, 24-26" saw plate).
◦ As time permits, sharpen a crosscut hand saw (6-10 ppi , 24-26" saw plate).

Note: Sharpening supplies used in class may differ from those in individual student shops, however the principles and techniques taught will apply to most sharpening mediums on the market.

Material Fee:

$50 - covers sharpening kit for students to keep (sand papers, glass plate, 2 saw files), as well as usage and wear of class sharpening supplies. This fee is payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Material fee will cover required sharpening supplies to be used in class. Additional supplies may be available for student purchase at the time of the class and subject to availability.

Required Tools:

Students should provide their own hand tools, if possible. A few extra tools will be available for use by those unable to provide their own (e.g. those who can’t take their tools on an airplane). However it will be most beneficial for individuals to be able to practice on
their own tools which they can then take home and begin to enjoy. Your tools should be in good condition, with no rust or grime, so we can focus on sharpening, rather than on rehabbing.

1. A 24-26-inch rip hand saw (i.e. “panel saw”) with large teeth, around 5-7 points per inch (or a crosscut saw which we can file into a rip saw in class; not from a big box store which sells saw not intended to be re-sharpened). Saws should be classic-style saws with symmetrical teeth and a 60 degree gullet between the teeth). Antique hand saws are ideal for sharpening in this class, due to easy availability, low cost, and good quality steel. For those unable to bring a hand saw, some saws will be available on site to practice with, and may also be available for sale as supply allows. We recommend bringing hand saws you don’t mind practicing on, which don’t have high sentimental or monetary value. Avoid bringing saws with rust, pitting, kinks or bends, and missing or damaged teeth. Before class, we highly recommend that you watch and follow our video “Understanding & Restoring Antique Hand Saws with Tom Calisto”, which you can watch here. It will help you clean your hand saw before class. Also, for more information on buying vintage hand saws please read our hand saw guide.
2. A new (or like-new) 1-inch bench chisel (preferably not butt chisels or from a big box store due to shorter blade lengths and low quality steel). Here is our list of acceptable new bench chisel brands: Narex bench chisels, Pfeil bench chisels, WoodRiver bench chisels, Two Cherries bench chisels, Irwin Marples bench chisels, Hirsch Firmer Chisels, Lie-Nielsen bench chisels, Blue Spruce bench chisels, etc.
3. Smoothing plane, or just the blade, such as a Stanley #3, a Stanley #4, or Stanley #5, in good to like-new condition. Some new planes, like Lie-Nielsen, Veritas, or WoodRiver are also great. Please no blades that are overly-pitted or have been over-sharpened with little blade left.
4. Rectangular card scraper (card scrapers will be available to purchase on site, or you can purchase one here).

Optional Tools to bring:

• Card scraper burnisher
• Wooden plane blades welcome
• Back saw, such as a dovetail or tenon saw. (sharpening backsaws will be dependent on individual progress sharpening larger saws first)
• 1-2 additional chisels (sharpening additional chisels will depend on time and progress)