[Woodcarver] V-tool sharpening

[Joe Dillett]

SNIP
> And I've come across many different ideas on sharpening and know that I'll
> have to find something that fits me.  How do I overcome V tool sharpening
> phobia?
>
> Tom Berent
> Christiana, TN
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Hi Tom,

I recomend you buy the cheapiest V-tool you can find and use it up
practicing.

When you are shaping the tool, removing any amount of metal on a grinder it
is good to grind a flat across the end. Watch that shiny flat area, you
created on the end, as you shape the tool. Grind that whole flat area down
to the same thickness all the way around the V-tool. Bring it down until it
is almost invisable. That is the best way to keep an even metal thickness
around the tool. Than one final light touch on the wheel to get rid of the
flat area and create that slight burr. Than it is on to the buffing
operation. Sharpen and buff as you would 2 straight chisels for the wings
and a small gouge for the bottom, blending them together.

There is no magic to sharpening a V-tool, just lots of practice.

Joe Dillett
The Carving Shop
645 E. LaSalle St. Suite 3
Somonauk, IL. 60552
(815) 498-9290 phone
(815) 498-9249 fax
http://www.thecarvingshop.com
jdillett at thecarvingshop.com
http://www.carvingmagazine.com Carving Magazine web site and Readers Forum
http://community.webshots.com/user/joe_dillett
http://www.citizenactions.org
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