Diefenbacher Tools Sharpening

Sharpening Angles of 25�- 30� are usually recommended for chisels and plane irons. These angles work fine for bench chisels and as a beginning point for bench and block planes. However, increasing or decreasing the angle may yield better results for other tools or applications. For instance, heavy mortise chisels will hold an edge better if the angle is increased to 30� or more. A 30� bevel often holds a better edge when working hardwoods with a bench chisel. A fine, hand-held paring chisel with a lower angle (25�) will cut and pare beautifully. Use the following in applying your judgment to the situation: a higher angle produces a stronger but less sharp edge; a lower angle results in a sharper, weaker edge.

Tool Steel used in edge tools is a compromise. The characteristics of steel directly affect the quality of a tool: too hard and it breaks, too soft and it won’t hold an edge. The trick is to use a steel that is hardenable, easily sharpened, yet tough enough to resist chipping when encountering the occasional knot. What is needed is steel with a high carbon content (.55% to .95%) and added metals such as manganese, chromium or vanadium to improve hardening and wear characteristics. Our edge tools are manufactured from high-carbon (.90%) manganese-enriched steel. Most importantly, the quality of our steel is consistent because it comes from only one, long time supplier.

Sharpening Stones come in a bewildering variety of materials and styles. Today's woodworker may well feel confused and overwhelmed. Water or oil, diamond or ceramic, man-made or natural? Which is the best stone to own?

We can start by answering the last question first. The best stone for all purposes does not exist. However, there is good news. The best stone for a particular purpose does exist. The answer to the question, "which sharpening stone should I buy?" depends on first determining what kind of sharpening is to be done. Let's look at the strengths and weaknesses of commonly available stones.

Oil stones This class of stones use oil as a lubricant to keep the fine metal particles generated by the sharpening process from embedding into the surface of the stone. The metal particles are kept in solution and as a result do not "clog" or "glaze" the surface rendering it ineffective. Clogging is a potential problem with all stones.

Manufactured oil stones are most commonly made from either silicon-carbide or aluminum-oxide. Natural oil stones are usually referred to as Arkansas stones, the softer variety, Washita.
The coarse and medium grit oil stones will remove metal fairly rapidly. Because their surface is hard, oil stones wear very slowly and stay flat for a long time.
The finer grit oil stones tend to remove metal slowly and are prone to excessive "glazing."
Some woodworkers object to the messiness of oil stones. Oily fingers and the fine project you are working on don't mix! I have found that a mixture of water and dish soap works very well on oil stones. Because they are hard and slow to wear, oil stones are perfect for honing the narrow edge of a scraper blade.

Water stones Man-made water stones have many advantages over other stones, and a few disadvantages. The advantages are:

Very fast cutting action with a good "feel".
Wide variety of grits are available.
Fine grit stones leave a polished, very sharp edge (difficult or unattainable with other stones).
Generally affordable.

Disadvantages are:

These stones wear rapidly and must be flattened periodically.
Water stones are somewhat fragile and must be stored and handle carefully.

Many professionals agree that water stones are superior for sharpening chisels and plane irons, and for general shop use.

Ceramic stones Ceramic stones are normally sold only in very fine grits and are commonly used in applications where structural strength is necessary.

They are quite hard and cut well when new but tend to become less effective over time and need to be re-surfaced to restore cutting action.
The ultra-hardness of ceramic stones insures a flat, long lasting surface.

Diamond Stones These "stones" are made by bonding diamond material to a flat metal substrate. When purchasing check to make sure the steel plate is flat.

Diamond stones cut well and last a long time.
They are the best choice for honing carbide tools.
No lubricant is necessary and surface resists build-up.
Diamond stones are generally expensive.

Woodworkers have different needs when it comes to sharpening stones. They also have different preferences about the "feel" of a stone. Try various stones and see what works best for you. Consider price, speed of cutting, quality or sharpness of edge, durability and usefulness.