Oar Sharpener

torpidhummer · #1 12-15-2007, 08:19 PM

Hi folks have any of you used the Oar Sharpener if so how do you like it? I purchased one a couple of weeks ago and I didn't think to much about the intructions enclosed in the package. However what I got out them was that it seems like it takes a lot of time to get the tools in the right angle to sharpen them and it takes a third set of hands to to tighten the dang thing down. What am I doing wrong, what I believe to be the concept of the sharpener is great(as soon as I figure it out).
Oscar

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #2 12-15-2007, 08:43 PM

never used one, or even seen one in person lol

MelNM · #3 12-15-2007, 08:55 PM

I don't have one but I am pretty sure he has a website you can contact him on.

Here you go http://www.oarcarver.us/
Mel

Eddy Smiles · #4 12-16-2007, 04:58 PM

Oscar... I don't know right at the minute but I asked Santa for one so if his main elf comes through I'll know more about them on Christmas morning. Here's his email address. Let me know what you find out.

WEST FALLS WOODCARVING's
7458 Ellicott Road, West Falls, NY 14170
716-662-9253
broar@verizon.net

Dan S · #5 12-17-2007, 12:12 AM

I've got one and I agree that it's not the easiest thing to use. I modified mine by placing a cap on the end of the bolt that holds the chisel in place. It helped some but not enough. My next plan is to install some type of wood block to support the chisel better. There is a book called "sharpening" written by Nick Inger. It has plans for a jig that may work better then the oar gizmo.

Dan
In defense of the Oar jig I use japanese tools that are thicker and a bit harder to lock down.

torpidhummer · #6 12-17-2007, 02:02 PM

Thanks Dan:
Your idea of a cap on the end of the hold down sounds great.

is this a cap one that can screw over the bolt or is it glue on? the concept of the oar jog is good but it take so long to screw in & level the lock down bolt that I forget what I'm dooooing,"oh aging is great".
Oscar

Eddy Smiles · #7 12-17-2007, 08:59 PM

I sent an email to West Falls Woodcarving to see if they'll come on board and review this thread. Who knows? They may have some great suggestions on making the sharpener work as designed? Anyway, all this negative input makes me think that I might want to return Santa's gift if it shows up in my stocking.

Dan S · #8 12-17-2007, 09:37 PM

If you are going to mount a cap on the Oar jig, use something that can turn freely. I found some type of snap on cap like you would use to hold the wheels on a childs wagon. If it doesn't turn it will only make it harder to adjust. Try drilling a 1/4" hole into a small block of hardwood and see how it works. My solution was far from perfect, I just haven't had time to fiddle with it.
I have also thought about using some epoxy putty to reshape the area where the chisel rests. I don't know how well this would work however. Let me know if you have any better ideas.
Good luck
Dan