Sharpening class

#1 02-25-2003, 08:43 PM

I have a question for carvers who have trouble sharpening.
This August I will be teaching a class on sharpening carving tools.

My question is what would you like to know about sharpening?

That may seem like a stupid question, but your answers would be appreciated.

#2 02-25-2003, 09:01 PM

I'll get first in line for this one. I wish I were going to BE at your class. So far in my short carving life, I haven't done much real sharpening at all. I'm just learning a bit about it, but I need:

[move]SHARPENING FOR DUMMIES 101[/move]

Explanations of the sharpening 'terms' thrown around by carvers - i.e., 'wire edge' 'hone' 'strop', etc.

There seems to be SO many ways to sharpen - about as many ways as there are carvers, I'm learning. How does one decide whose sharpening advice to follow, without going out and buying tons of stuff in order to following everyone's?

Clear, concise explanation of what a sharp chisel or gouge FEELS like...LOOKS like...what the cuts look like if you're sharp.

You know, silly simple stuff like that :-)

Teri (boy, when I learn to sharpen, then I'm going to REALLY learn to carve!!)

don · #3 02-25-2003, 09:19 PM

Free hand sharpening or power ? How to maintain the right angle on gouges ,Slips and stropping on gouges ,v tools ?Perhaps a comparison of different stone types and their uses-arkansas,diamond-ceramic,sand paper. And as Teri said an explanation of the terms we might find in other sharpening instructions.
I have no problem with knife blades but I'm sure there are other swho would add them . Don

#4 02-25-2003, 09:32 PM

Thanks, those are things that I had not considered.
That is the type of information I am looking for.
I was preparing to start right in with some close-up technical instruction.

AlArchie · #5 02-25-2003, 09:58 PM

'V' tools, Rick! What relief angle for those dang things? + or -? and how do you keep the wings equal when sharpening?

These are a couple problem areas to deal with. and if you want to tell me the answers, feel free!

Al

#6 02-25-2003, 10:15 PM

Al, the process of sharpening a V-tool is easiest to explain by demonstration. I have tried here before with mixed results.
Hmmm..... maybe if I had a chalkboard.

Callynne · #7 02-26-2003, 07:55 AM

Â* Â* Please start from the beginning like no one knows anything! Â*Too many times when someone who really knows what they are doing starts teaching they take the knowlege of some simple, basic things for granted. Â*Don't assume your students know anything, even if they do some may need to have their memories refreshed.
Â* Â* One of the simpliest things was mentioned here, no where in my 'learn to sharpen' research was it said so simply, push to sharpen, pull to strop. Â*Made a big difference in my sharpening skill. Â*I'm certainly no expert but I can put a pretty mean edge on all of my tools now. Â*Not that I wouldn't jump at the chance to take your class!! Â*Callynne

#8 02-26-2003, 08:10 AM

Rick
Have you given any thought to video taping your class and offering your tapes for sale? I would buy one for my library in a heartbeat. If not let me know when and where your class is and how I can attend.

Rick

#9 02-26-2003, 09:29 AM

Rick: I would also be interested in a tape of your class, I am afairly competent woodworker who is interested n learning to carve. I know zilch aout sharpening carving tools. My sharpening consisted of buying a new blade. I see that this is not cost effective, and I need to learn to sharpen.

Thanks

stevefrfla

#10 02-26-2003, 04:52 PM

Hi Steve,

Even though there are plenty of sites, books, and tapes on sharpening, NOTHING beats learning one on one from someone who has sharp tools. I would suggest that you try to find a local carving club or someone in your area who can show you the proper techniques for sharpening and tell you what you need to buy.

Good whittlin, Cliff
Charles City, Iowa
http://cliffordparker.tripod.com