Chris Pye: Woodcarving Workshops.tv Notes on Sharpening the V tool

<strong>Chris</strong> <strong>Pye</strong>: <strong>Woodcarving</strong> <strong>Workshops</strong>.<strong>tv</strong>
<strong>Notes</strong> on Sharpening the V tool
<strong>Chris</strong> <strong>Pye</strong>©2011
Resources:
In addition to the series of lessons on www.woodcarvingworkshops.<strong>tv</strong>, please see my:
1. <strong>Woodcarving</strong>: Projects & Techniques (GMC Publications) for a written version of the stepby-step
guide to sharpening your V tool that I demonstrate.
2. <strong>Woodcarving</strong> Tools, Materials & Equipment vol.1 (GMC Publications) for an overview of
sharpening
The fine bench and slipstones I use to sharpen are translucent Arkansas, and the Coarse
Benchstone is Carborundum (Norton India). The strops are dressed with an abrasive compound—
you can buy this or see book #2 above to make your own strops and abrasives.
See further WW.<strong>tv</strong> lessons on 'Cutting Angles'.
Naming of Parts:

<strong>Chris</strong> <strong>Pye</strong>: <strong>Woodcarving</strong> <strong>Workshops</strong>.<strong>tv</strong>
Method Summary:
Step Action Equipment <strong>Notes</strong>
1 Set edge Grinder and/or
Coarse benchstone
2 Polish edge Fine (Arkansas)
benchstone
3 Set Keel Grinder and/or
Coarse benchstone
4 Set Chisel 1 Grinder and
Coarse benchstone
5 Set Chisel 2 Grinder and
Coarse benchstone
6 Sharpen Chisel 1 Fine (Arkansas)
bench and V- angled
slipstone
1 Do not overheat on grinder - dip blade in
water.
2 Edge square
Polish away grinder grooves completely across
edge
Set the cutting angle; white line of light at edge
looks 'cut off'
1 Present at cutting angle; keep bevel flat as
possible
2 Thin the white line evenly as far as you dare,
but do not eliminate.
As above …
7 Sharpen Chisel 2 As above… As above…
8 Sharpen Keel
(apex)
9 Strop Benchstrop
Slipstrop
1 Present at cutting angle as chisel; keep bevel
flat.
2 Thin the white line evenly until it disappears;
use V angled slip to remove burr.
3 Test cutting edge in scrap wood.
As above… 1 Present at cutting angle as gouge; merge with
side bevels.
2 Thin the white line evenly until it disappears;
use V angled slip to remove burr.
3 Test apex cutting edge in scrap wood.
1 After the tools cut cleanly, strop both inside
and out at cutting angles.
2 Maintain the cutting edges by regular
stropping,