: I'm just finishing up stripping my Guillemot, and I'm interested in
: sharpening the two block planes I've been using. I've done a little
: research on the web and it seems a combo water stone and possibly a
: sharpening jig maybe a good buy. Does anyone have any advice for grit etc.
: Both of my planes are low angle and fit in the palm of my hand. One is
: just a Home Depot special "Buck" the other is a nice
: "Lie-Nielson". Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

: Delaney

Hi Delaney

If you haven't already invested your hard earned $$$ in the stone, then try the "Scarey-Sharp" method. Look back in the archives for scarey-sharp or just ask some of the others and get the website for it. Basically, it is a method of sharpening tools using sandpaper. I use it and have done a set of chisels and my block plane. It was new out of the box and cut O.K., but after useing this method,it's fantastic. I bought a piece of 3/8" plate glass, and some spray adhesive and around 8 different grits of Silicone-Carbide "Wet-Dry" sand paper. I cut the sheets in quarters and glued one of each size on the glass in progression and I just follow the method and it takes only minutes to sharpen tools like you have never seen them before. As the article says, I can see myself in the edge, and THAT'S the scarey part. Course, you probably won't see me in the blade, but, you will be impressed. You can get the paper at an Auto-Paint store. Try it, You'll like it.

Rehd