Honing Bench Chisels

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jeff

jeff

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I hollow grind my bench chisels on a grinder and hone them freehand on waterstones. I am reasonably happy with the results, but I think I could do better. I don't feel like the unground edges of the tool are "locked" down to the stone throughout the stroke. I try to keep my arms and elbows locked and just move my upper body, but still I don't think the face stays flat on the stone.

A friend of mine told me that he's extremely happy with this Veritas Jig. The thing that has kept me from buying a honing jig is the fiddling needed to set the angle. That one seems to be pretty quick and repeatable.

Anyone use that Veritas jig and have an opinion to share?
 
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I've never used it but it looks top notch. Even does the secondary bevel with just a twist of a knob. Veritas planes are very good so I'm betting that you wouldn't be disappointed.
 
Jeff

The guy who has made available some of the best info and testing on sharpening is Brent Beach. Take a look at his web pages. He has discussion of jigs and shows the jig he uses.

Brent is obsessive/compulsive about achieving edges to give best cutting.

The testing and micro photos of edges with different techniques improved my sharpening.

That said I am using one of the veritas jigs and Bret's advise.
 
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I have one and a slab of granite that I put a little water on and use sandpaper. The water holds the sandpaper down. It gives a great edge quickly. You also need to face the back of the chisel it makes all the difference.
 
I have the Veritas, but don't use it much. I find that with good flat water stones, I only need to drag the chisel around 3 or 4 strokes to hone with each grit. I only drag the chisel because I can feel the bevel better, and can rock it a little if I push.
 
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