New to Handtools

[Ollie Lee]

Hi all. I've found myself here after starting a volunteering/training at a local farm project, where I got to try some handtools for the first time (I'm aged 30). Its all been fun (learning to saw, trying a hand planer, gluing things, making bird boxes) and I then went to YouTube.. and found some channels that I found myself enjoying a lot, and feeling inspired. So now, I have my own handplane I bought off Facebook market.. a saw.. I've borrowed some chisels.. and have myself a combination square, some edges.. and I have a decent bit of wood that I've picked up from skips! I'm based in Bath, Somerset. And really looking forward to making some things. First things first, I need to learn how to sharpen. I'm looking into the options, and I think I may go for diamond plates.

 

[Ben]

Hi all. I've found myself here after starting a volunteering/training at a local farm project, where I got to try some handtools for the first time (I'm aged 30). Its all been fun (learning to saw, trying a hand planer, gluing things, making bird boxes) and I then went to YouTube.. and found some channels that I found myself enjoying a lot, and feeling inspired. So now, I have my own handplane I bought off Facebook market.. a saw.. I've borrowed some chisels.. and have myself a combination square, some edges.. and I have a decent bit of wood that I've picked up from skips! I'm based in Bath, Somerset. And really looking forward to making some things. First things first, I need to learn how to sharpen. I'm looking into the options, and I think I may go for diamond plates.

Thank you for asking about sharpening!

I searched Amazon for the Ruixin pro sharpener...

https://a.co/d/gnhpiz1

I use with Lansky honing oil. It helps me keep the angle right, which is key to sharpening. The set comes with good instructions.

I say thank you because I found there is an upgrade for the Ruixin pro!

https://a.co/d/cTJgYaD

I just ordered the upgrade.

Tip1:
I use a sharpie marker to paint the edge between stone changes. I can inspect the edge to ensure I am sharpening to the cutting edge.

There are also fixtures made explicitly for chisels which are less costly than the Ruixin pro. Check the width of your chisels will fit the jig.

Tip2:
If you are new to sharpening keep bandages handy.

Ben

 

[Jobo]

Ollie. Have a look at Paul Sellars Youtube re: sharpening. His ‘system’ is straight forward, inexpensive and a great place to start. Once you’ve got your eye/hand in you can explore more sophisticated (and expensive) options.

Handtools are a joyous and uncomplicated. Focus on building your skills. Try to keep it that way in all aspects of the craft.

 

[bridger]

I'll second the recommendation for Paul Sellers. He's laid back, doesn't overcomplicated things and has a good, no nonsense approach