Re: Questions for freehand sharpeners
Mark Nowicki
>1/2. Chisels: yes. Bench planes blades I grind on a stick; place blade on a broom handle, place end of handle against foot. (FWW Shop Tricks and Tips) I try to make the bevel twice as wide as the blade it thick.
3. I look at the surface of the lubricating fluid (I use oil). When a dimple forms, I know the bevel is seated properly.
4. Huh????
5. Apparently not
6. No
7. No
8. I hold a plane blade like I pitch a forkball.
Holding a chisel, the index and middle fingers are obviously closer together. The handle of the chisel, and, if long enough, the plane blade, rests agaist the wrist, stiffening the arm. My arm feels like I am wearing a cast or a wrist brace (touch wood). I stroke very quickly for 5-10 seconds, feel for burr, repeat if neccesary.
My sharpening stand is 25" high.
I learned this method at a woodworking course. The teacher demonstrated it once, I got a burr on my second try.
Regards Mark Nowicki