Chisel Sharpening

Have you ever tried working with a blunt chisel? A blunt chisel slips off the surface of the material being cut and can result in serious mishaps. The blunt edge of the chisel, though not of any use to cut wood, is sharp enough to result in a cut thumb. A blunt chisel has ragged edges and may not leave clean cuts on the surface. It may also require the use of unnecessary pressure and may result in wearing of the tool making it permanently useless.

How to Sharpen a Chisel

A chisel is mainly used in woodworking or to carve or cut hard materials like stone, metal or wood. They can be used by tapping lightly with a mallet or can be simply worked by hand. There are several types of chisels that are used for different purposes. Sharpening a chisel is not at all that difficult and can be done easily, for better results. There are two different ways of sharpening a chisel depending on the availability of tools. Have a look at them.

Using a Bench Grinder
Here are some simple steps that will guide you in the process of chisel sharpening using a bench grinder.

Things Required:

• Bench grinder
• Fine grit sharpening stone
• Magnifying glass
• Light machine oil
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

Step 1: Inspect the chisel carefully with a magnifying glass. Check its edge for nicks and burrs. This will give you an idea of the area that needs to be sharpened.

Step 2: Once you locate the nicks and burrs, grind them off using a medium grit wheel and the bench grinder. Holding the chisel with its beveled edge up, move it side by side against the wheel. Make sure the cutting edge of the chisel stays square with the grinder.

Step 3: Now, turn the chisel over so that the beveled side faces down. Repeat the above step of moving the chisel side by side, holding the blade at and angle of 25° with the grinder,to match the bevel.

Step 4: Apply some machine oil to the fine grit sharpening stone. Now pull the chisel towards you holding the bevel flat against the stone. Do not forget to lift the chisel at the end of each stroke. Wipe the bevel side clean after running it a couple of times across the stone and re-oil the stone.

Step 5: Examine your chisel with the help of a magnifying glass to check if all the nicks and burrs are gone. If there are still some nicks and burrs left, repeat the entire process till you get a sharp surface.

By Hand
Following are the steps involved in sharpening a chisel by hand.

Things Required:

• Combination sharpening stones (800/4000 grit and 1200/8000 grit)
• Nagura stone
• Honing jig
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

Step 1: Place the combination grit stones and the Nagura stone in water for about 10 minutes. You could also keep them longer if you want.

Step 2: Honing jig allows you to secure the chisel in place for the process of sharpening. Insert the chisel in the space provided, in such a way that the beveled edge entirely touches the stone.

Step 3: Secure the 800 grit stone safely on the workbench and start off by passing the chisel over the stone, pulling it towards you several times. Then move up to 1200 and then 4000 grit.

Step 4: Rub the 8000 grit side over the Nagura stone, taken out from water, in a circular motion. This creates a small amount of liquid, giving a watery texture to the 800 grit stone. Now, pass the chisel over it in the same manner as the other stones.

Step 5: Examine your chisel properly. You can repeat the entire process again if you want an even more sharper chisel.

These were the two different ways of sharpening the chisel. I'm sure they were quite simple! So, use this article as a guide and get ready for a sharp edged chisel! All the best!