How to Sharpen a Marples Wood Chisel

If you own a marples wood chisel then you need to know how to care for it. One of the main problems besides rust for the blue chip chisel is dullness. You can correct that problem by sharpening the wood chisel. The task is not especially difficult but there are a few things that you need to remember.

Things You'll Need

• Bench grinder with a medium-grit wheel or a coarse-grit grinding stone
• Water
• Fine-grit sharpening stone
• Oil for stone
• Clean rag

Instructions

1. Inspect the chisel end for nicks and burrs. You need to remove the nicks before you begin the process of sharpening. You need a bench grinder that has a medium-grit wheel in order to do this job. You also can use a coarse-grit grinding stone if you don't own a bench grinder.

2. Secure a container of water and leave it close to the grinder. The heat from the metal grinding can cause the temper of the steel to be ruined.

3. Place the tip of the chisel on the grinder with the beveled side up. You need to move it from side to side as you grind away the nick. Frequently dip the wood chisel in water as you sharpen the blade. If the water evaporates right away, the blade is still hot. Dip it again.

4. Rough-grind the bevel once the nicks are removed. When you sharpen a wood chisel, each step that uses a power grinder needs water close at hand. Dip the blade in the water frequently. Check for a 25-degree angle on an angle gauge.

5. Begin the final stage after you get a 25-degree angle on the blade. You need to finish-hone the edge of the chisel. This is the last step when you sharpen a wood chisel. Put oil on a sharpening stone. Make sure it is fine-grit for final finish. Pull the chisel toward you with the beveled edge flat to the stone. Lift and do it over again. Wipe the stone frequently with a clean cloth and reoil the stone. Inspect the end for any burrs and remove them.