sharp chisels

["George Graham" <georgergraham@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi all,
I like to keep a used up green carbide sharpening wheel in the tool box for
resharpening of flat carbide chisels. Use it just like any other sharpening
stone, and it will do a nice job giving you a very sharp edge.

Many years ago I saved a large number of old regular steel air hammer
chisels from the recycling bin. It was one of the high points in my
scrounging, dumpster diving career. Point being, that the temper and taper
of these tools are perfectly designed for soft stone work. Being designed
for air hammer use, they are drawn out to be very thin and sharp at the
edge. There is no shoulder or roundness at the cutting edge, so the tool
cuts right through the stone. I have learned to be careful using them with a
hand hammers because the corners can be broken off.

I sharpen regular and carbide chisels the same way, very gently and slowly.
Just floating the tool across the grinding wheel will do the job. Bearing
down on the chisel really makes the sparks fly, but its the surest way to
burn the steel. I always do the final sharpening by hand if needed.

I've got a project waiting for me, so I better sign off!
George Graham