This is about the life cycle of a frog, Cincinnati Edition, October 2010, Room 3.
In this episode Christopher Schwarz shows how to properly grind tools. The emphasis throughout the session was on properly. Of course, I have never done it properly. But, after this session, I will – the best part is that I know I will!
That is the true significance of attending the Woodworking in America conferences. The sheer number of sessions, and the teaching and learning that goes on in the classrooms is truly amazing. But how does one go about selecting a class, when so many are offered? It is a simple process – and it involves planning ahead of the conference. Don’t get me wrong; I can get a sharp edge on my chisels and plane irons, as they are mostly flat edges. But what about grinding a plane iron that has a curved edge? This was the key point as, in my case, I wanted to get a good perspective (OK, a great one…) from someone who knows a lot more about sharpening tools than I know. This session was a perfect fit, and a great way to kick off the conference (for me). I set off to learn how to grind that iron, and how to do it right.
Let me know in the Comments section if this video helps you in any way. And if you already knew this technique, I request that you also let me know. I edited the video down to over 8 minutes, from a 40-minute session.
Enjoy!
— Al Navas
Right-click to download the low-resolution video (92MB)
Right-click to download the high-resolution Quicktime video (529 MB)
Duration: 8:20 minutes
About Al Navas
Thanks for the vid. – I’ve been grinding this way since reading Joel Moskowitz’s excellent article in FWW. He also has a great video, which has unfortunately disappeared.
Brian,
You are welcome – will check with Joel, to see what happened to the video.
Thanks for posting this video, Al!
It’s just common sense, so why could I not figure it out for myself..? LOL!
You are welcome, Hoody! The Schwarz has systematically approached sharpening – which I never did…
But maybe you and I needed to do the same thing?
Oh, I’m definitely following his methods, Al..!
Thanks again for posting it, I would have been less wiser but for you!
I’m saving for next year’s WIA. Hope to meet you then!
Have a great one!
Hoody,
good for you! Glad to help in this very small way – and looking forward to meeting you next year!!!
Very cool! I would have never thought to do it that way but it makes a lot of sense.
Now, where’s the rest of that cambering tease?
It does make so much sense! Another video will show how to do the curved irons. Please stand by, Steve!
THANKS Al!
Some time ago, I read about this method … probably on Chris’s Lost Art Press blog. Some of my early learning was to grind back only so much of the 25 degree bevel leaving the micro bevel untouched. Wow, does that save time and effort! You’ll also find a thin plywood template with an 8 inch radius hanging from one of the pegs in my shop and a couple of irons ground to that camber.
So yes, I’ve read of these techniques, but this is the first time I’ve seen a GOOD video explanation that reinforces the learning. Yes, it was valuable and THANKS for all the work editing it.
Very cool you were already doing it this way, Bob! You are welcome!!!
I have struggled, but slowly catching up. And these sessions are very helpful to a newbie like me.