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

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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 planes, then moving to 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.

Students are encouraged to bring some of their own tools to sharpen if possible so they are ready to start working when they return home, as well as to become more familiar with their own tools.

All students will have the opportunity to sharpen at least one of the following; a chisel, a bench plane blade, a card scraper, a 24-26” rip saw, and a crosscut saw. As time permits, students may be able to sharpen addition tools from those they bring with them.

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
◦ Sharpen a highly cambered scrub plane iron (Stanley #5 or wooden scrub plane): grinding/shaping the camber
◦ Sharpen a card scraper (students should provide their own, some scrapers may be available for use and/or purchase)

Day 2: sharpening handsaws:
◦ Intro to saws; types, uses, and geometry
◦ Sharpen a rip hand saw (tooth size 5-6 ppi, 24-28" saw plate).
◦ Sharpen a crosscut hand saw (6-10 ppi , 24-28" saw plate).
◦ As time permits, demonstration on sharpening a backsaw

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

Read about this instructor on our page: "Meet the Instructors".

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 tools if possible. A few extras will be available for use by those unable to provide their own, 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. For saws, we recommend bringing saws you don’t mind practicing on, such as used saws found at garage sales, thrift stores, etc. Saw sharpening takes time to become familiar and comfortable with the process, and it is best to practice on a saw which doesn’t carry high sentimental value. Avoid bringing saws with excessive rust, pitting, kinks or bends, and missing or damaged teeth. Minor surface rust shouldn’t be an issue for sharpening and use.
• 1” chisel
• Smoothing plane, or just the blade, such as a #3, 4, 5, or wooden plane
• Scrub or Fore plane blade (Stanley #6 or wooden equivalent) which can have a heavy camber ground into it
• 24-26” rip saw with 5-6 ppi (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) If unable to find a rip saw, you may bring a spare crosscut saw to be refiled into a rip saw.
• 24-26” cross cut saw, 6-10 ppi

Optional Tools to bring:
• Card scraper (card scrapers will be available to purchase on site)
• 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 with be dependent on time and progress)

No students under 18 years of age are allowed. A PDF document with the full class policies and a liability waiver will be available after you register. All students are required to sign this document, and bring it on the first day of class.

Anyone can cancel a class up to 3 weeks prior to the class for a full refund (minus a $45 fee that covers credit card processing fees and administrative work). Cancellations under three weeks before a class begins will be given a refund (less $45) if we can find someone else to fill the slot. If we can't find a replacement for a cancelled spot (under 3 weeks before class), we will not issue a refund or give credit for a future class (even in the event of illness or injury).

If we have to cancel a class for an unforeseen emergency, inclement weather, instructor illness/injury, or low number of registrations, a full refund will be given to students. We encourage students to not book non-refundable flights, car rentals, or lodging in case of these cancelations.

See our return / refund policy here.

After you’ve registered for a class, you are eligible for a discount from Lee Valley (Veritas) and Taylor Toolworks. Lee Valley offers a 15% discount, and a discount form PDF will be available for download in your Wood and Shop dashboard after your purchase. For a 10% discount from Taylor Toolworks fill out this form and upload a photo or screenshot of your class order email (under the “Student ID” section). The discounts may not be available after the end of the class, so try to place your orders before then.

Please read our page: "Getting Here and Where to Stay".