How to Sharpen a Wood Chisel

Keep your chisel sharp to make precise cuts in wood.

Wood chisels vary in size from 1/4 to 2 inches wide and come with wood or plastic handles. Chisels are commonly used to create wood carvings by using one of two methods - hand driving the chisel into the wood or pounding the chisel into the wood with a mallet. When selecting a chisel, choose one with a blade that is about half the width of the cut that you need to make into the wood. The chisel blades are made from metal and should be regularly sharpened to maintain peak performance.

Things You'll Need

• 600, 400, 220 and 120 grit sandpaper
• Sanding wheel
• Safety goggles
• Gloves
• Honing guide
• Wood chisel
• Glass pane

Instructions

1. Put on safety goggles and gloves. Place a piece of 600 grit sandpaper on the sanding wheel and turn on the wheel. Press the tip of the chisel blade gently against the sanding wheel to remove any nicks or dents from the blade. Observe your chisel blade and sand out any dents or nicks.

2. Lay a pane of glass down on a flat surface, such as a work table. Spray the back of a piece of 400 grit sandpaper with adhesive and gently glue the sandpaper to the glass. Lay a honing guide on top of the sandpaper at a 30-degree angle. Rest the end of the blade nearest to the handle on the guide. Hold the handle with one hand and place the thumb of your other hand on the top of the blade, near its tip.

3. Gently guide the tip of the chisel back and forth into the sandpaper. Press the tip so that it lays flat against the sandpaper. Flip over the chisel and repeat this process for the other side of the chisel blade tip, sanding for about three minutes on each side.

4. Replace the sandpaper with a more fine grit, such as 220, and repeat step 3. Replace the sandpaper again with fine, 120-grit sandpaper and repeat step 3 one last time. Dip the chisel in water and use a dry towel to wipe away any sanding ash.

Tips & Warnings

• Sharpen your wood chisel regularly to keep it sharp and in good working condition.

References

• Sawdust Making: Chisels
• Family Handyman: Sharpening Basics