Sharpening Hand Plane Blades

Keeping your woodworking tools sharp is a necessary step, as it is difficult to enjoy working with wood when you're using dull tools. In fact, using dull hand planes can waste time and materials, not to mention being frustrating to work with. Though it's a time consuming activity, sharpening hand plane blades must be done no matter how often you use the tools in your workshop. Regardless of the method you choose for sharpening your tools, always remember that it will be a lot easier to sharpen your tools when you keep them sharp, rather than waiting years between sharpening your favorite planes.

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In part, the necessary sharpness depends on the type of plane and its use. For example, a general woodworking blade may only require 400 grit, while cabinetmakers' blades and other hand planes designed for very fine work need to be honed with at least 600 grit so that they are as smooth and sharp as possible.

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Although it is possible to send your planes out for sharpening, if you're like most hobbyists, you can't afford to do this. Luckily, it is relatively easy to learn how to sharpen them yourself. Like most projects involving woodworking, it's important to have the right tools before you start. To sharpen hand tools such as planes, you can use nearly any knife sharpening method, such as a wet stone or dry stone, or an electric sharpener or grinder. Some plan designs will require a crock stick or a sharpening rod.

To sharpen the blade of a hand plane, the first step is to remove the blade from the plane. The next step is to examine the blade. Is it perfectly straight, or curved? If the blade is meant to be slightly curved, you'll need to make sure to maintain this shape during the sharpening process. Are there any large nicks or breaks that may not be removable using typical sharpeners?

Most hand planes have a specific angle, which may be disclosed by the manufacturer. For example, many Stanley smoothing planes have a 25 degree angle. As much as possible, you'll want to avoid changing the angle of the blade by using an angle guide. Now, sharpen the blade as you would a knife. Depending on its design, you may need a very thin sharpening rod to fit between the blade and the surrounding metal edges. This steel rod will gently remove layers of metal until the blade is sharpened.

Other planes can be sharpened with nearly any knife sharpening system, since the cutting edge is exposed. Place the blade on your work surface, beveled-side up, or hold the blade against a sharpening wheel with this side facing the wheel. Always make sure that the cutting edge stays level with the sharpener, or you will end up taking too much metal off one side of the blade, making it uneven.

Once you think that you are done sharpening, test the plane out on a piece of scrap wood. If it creates visible lines or does not glide across the wood easily, it needs more sharpening. You can also visibly inspect the blade for burrs or nicks, which mean that the blade has not been sharpened to perfection.

Sharpening Hand Plane Blades
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Christmas Sales DEWALT D28402K 4-1/2-Inch Small-Angle Grinder Kit 201

Dec 12, 2011 15:26:56

Christmas DEWALT D28402K 4-1/2-Inch Small-Angle Grinder Kit Deals
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DEWALT D28402K 4-1/2-Inch Small-Angle Grinder Kit

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Christmas Sales DEWALT D28402K 4-1/2-Inch Small-Angle Grinder Kit Feature

  • 10-amp AC/DC 11,000 rpm motor designed for faster material removal and higher overload protection
  • Dust ejection system provides durability by ejecting damaging dust and debris particles that enter the tool through air intake vents
  • Low-profile jam-pot gear case provides precise gear alignment for a smoother, quieter transmission
  • One-piece brush arm prevents brush hang-up due to dust ingestion
  • Quick-change wheel release allows tool-free wheel removal without need for a wrench


Christmas Sales DEWALT D28402K 4-1/2-Inch Small-Angle Grinder Kit Overview

The DEWALT D28402K4-1/2-Inch Small Angle Grinder features a powerful 10 amp motor and an ergonomic body that's easy to handle. This DEWALT also features an exclusive Dust Ejection System and epoxy-coated motor to provide optimal protection of internal components.

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4 1/2-Inch
Small Angle Grinder Kit
At a Glance:
  • 1.6-horsepower, 10 amp motor delivers 11,000 rpm
  • Compact, easy-to-control tool body fits in tight places
  • Dust Ejection System removes particles for longer tool life
  • Includes two-position side handle, depressed center wheel, keyless adjustable guard, wrench, and kit box
  • Three-year limited warranty, one-year free service, 90-day money-back guarantee
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DEWALT, D28402K4-1/2-Inch Small Angle Grinder

Grinder features a powerful 10 amp motor, and it comes in a sturdy kit box.
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Powerful 10 Amp Motor for Fast Material Removal
Versatile and aggressive, this small angle grinder features a 1.6-horsepower, 10 amp motor that's designed to deliver 11,000 rpm for efficient material removal. Its jam-pot design provides precise gear alignment and allows the grinder's transmission to be smooth and quiet. Also, the low-profile gear case allows the tool to fit easily into tight spaces, so you waste less time hand finishing hard-to-reach areas.

Designed for Comfort and Convenience
Getting the job done quickly and effectively is all about maneuverability. This paddle-switch tool weighs 4.6 pounds and features a switch lock-on and multiposition side handle for multiple grip options. Rubber over-mold on the side handle also reduces vibration and fatigue and allows for excellent control--no matter how tough the job is.

The grinder also features a keyless adjustable guard that allows for hassle-free tuning. In addition, the grinder's matching wheel flanges allow it to be used with a wide range of common accessories.

Performance and Durability
Grinding applications produce a lot of dust and debris, which can be tough on motors and mechanisms. This grinder features a patented DEWALT Dust Ejection System, which improves durability by ejecting damaging dust particles that enter the tool. In addition, a one-piece brush arm prevents brush hang-up due to dust or debris. For durability, this grinder's auto-off brushes shut the tool down when the brushes need replacing, which helps you avoid tool damage and minimizes the cost of upkeep

Quick, Easy Wheel Changes and Maintenance
An oversized, spindle-lock button and Quick-Change wheel release keep wheel removal tool free. A keyless adjustable guard also provides tool-free adjustment to increase productivity.

The D28402K 4-1/2-Inch Small Angle Grinder Kit comes with a DEWALT warranty package that includes a three-year limited warranty, a one-year free service contract, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.

What's in the Box
D28402K DEWALT 4-1/2-Inch Small Angle Grinder, two-position side handle, depressed center wheel, keyless adjustable guard, wrench, and kit box.






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DEWALT D28402K 4-1/2-Inch Small-Angle Grinder Kit

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