As they say, a sharp tool is much safer than a dull one. The same goes for chisels, especially since it needs more force to drive. It will have a higher chance of skidding or slipping out of the cavity and cutting your own skin rather than the wood if the force applied is greater. What’s more, dull chisels have a tendency to crush.
An appropriately honed chisel is a very useful woodworking tool. Imagine the frustrations you can have when doing a woodworking task and suddenly, your chisel is not giving you the desired result. Sharpening it won’t actually give you so much sweat. This is true, especially if you use a bench grinder.
Why Sharpen One’s Chisel?
Sharpening chisels is one of the occasional tasks that some people overlook. However, it must be sharpened and treated with the utmost respect. Every tradesman understands the real value of sharp tools as well as the money it saves. Unless you always have the funds to purchase a new one, then it is not a problem at all.
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The most important reason why you need to sharpen your chisel is to ensure your own safety. As have mentioned above, a dull or rusty chisel could cut you when there is too much force applied. So, it might be the best time to invest in a quality bench grinder to give your chisel a brand-new look every time and improve its overall performance.
Before starting…
What Are Bench Grinders?
A bench grinder is an innovative handy tool for sanding, sharpening, and many other tasks highly beneficial for many DIY projects. It is installed on the workbench. Its function depends on the bond and grade of the grinding wheel.
The vitreous bond wheels are a bench grinder’s most common components. Though, it is not recommended to use wheels for grinding softer materials since these wheels are basically intended for steel processing. Aside from sharpening the metal tools, bench grinders are also a must-have for shaping and removing rust from the tools.
Wheel speed, tool rest, and spark arrestor are among the machinery’s essential aspects as well. The spark arrestor keeps you safe and catches all the stray sparks while the RPM ratings merely depend on different grinders since the machine is available in various forms. Wheel guards, on the other hand, act as an intercept to prevent the bench grinder from bursting out.
Who Are Bench Grinders For?
Any person who needs a bench polisher or metal shaper could take advantage of the grinder’s application. It is specifically imperative in the woodworker’s inventory. It helps to keep your tools, including the chisels, in excellent condition by means of improving their sharpness. The sharpening process is just simple and quick as long as you follow the important steps which we will tackle below.
Proper Ways to Sharpen Chisels on a Bench Grinder
So, following are the steps to sharpen your chisel with a grinder machine.
- Using both your hands, take a solid grip of the chisel against the wheel. Make sure the angle is accurate.
- Move your chisel evenly on a horizontal and across. Then, move from left to right – around two to four sweeps at a single time.
- Do not overheat. Remove the chisel from the wheel every two to four swipes. Dipit in a cold water afterward. Use a variable speed so as to minimize the speed of your grinder machine.
- Move to the steps of the sharpening stone. Start by applying a few amounts of water and oil to lubricate the sharpening stone onto the low grit side.
- Move your chisel up and down at the two different angles at a time according to your individual preference or the manufacturer of your chisel.
- Flip over the stone to achieve a good grit side.
- Repeat the moving the chisel up and down until you think it is looking sharp.
- Get rid of the hiddenburr by scrapping the blade backward on some leather such as the leather work boots.
- Test the sharpness of your chisel. If it is not yet capable of slicing out some wood, for instance, in a smooth and quick way, then your best alternative is to repeat the above steps.
- But, if the blade’s sharpness has significantly improved, apply some lubricating oil in order to avoid the buildup of rust.
Safety Precautions
Remember that sharpening the chisel with a bench grinder is not similar to regular tasks you usually do. It might involve injury or accident when not done properly and if you neglect or overlook the benefits of wearing the right set of gears.
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Make sure to wear a pair of safety glasses and long trousers of a reliable material (e.g., jeans). Sparks are extremely hot, and they could set inyour eye accidentally. The safety glasses you’ll be wearing should seal your face completely. Protect your foot too, by wearing robust steep cap construction boots.
Choose the Right Bench Grinder
Before proceeding to the process, it is important to look for a bench grinder that can deliver the best results.
A bench grinder featured with the capacity to work at variable speeds is called Variable Speed Bench Grinder. It enhances control and flexibility. It will be easier for you to use them in numerous settings. Ideal to use both for work stations and homes.
If you’re looking for a portable grinder, it is worth investing in the Electric Bench Grinder. Make various metal adjustments and carry it from one place to another. We also have the Woodworking Bench Grinder, which is most popularly used by all types of woodworking industries. It works at a slow speed for tool sharpening.
So, as you see, you don’t need to have an extensive experience just to sharpen your chisels. With the right tools and safety gears, you’re on the go! You don’t even need an assistant or a helping hand (unless you wish to have one).
Ready to turn your rusty, old hardened chisel into a much more usable working tool?
