: Hello all,
: With the weather starting to turn around in Michigan, and my
: thoughts turning back to my project, I want (need) to sharpen my
: plane blades.
: I picked up a 4 sided diamond sharpening block over the winter
: (200, 300, 400, 600) and a honing guide.

: I've never used a diamond kind of block before and really don't
: know much about them.
: I've also never sharpened anything but a kitchen knife. So I
: apologize if these are stupid questions.

: Do I need to use any type of oil or water on this diamond block
: thing? It didn't come with any kind of instructions :/
: Should I put a lot of pressure on the blade while running it back
: and forth on the block with the honing guide? Or is it more of a
: just slide it across gently kind of thing?

: I've got the honing guide and angles figured out I think, but how
: to actually use this block is my trouble...
: I'd hate to ruin blade and the block by not doing it right.

: Thanks much for any advice and wisdom..
Andrew, For a very clear and concise primer on sharpening, pick up the current issue of Fine Woodworking magazine, April 2012. It is the best article I have seen on the subject. Oh yeah, don't read any of the other articles or you may become hooked on building furniture and cabinetry as well as Kayaks. This could be very dangerous financially if you don't already own a shop full of tools. LOL. Blades are made of a pretty hard material ,don't worry about ruining the blade, any mistakes you might make in sharpening can easily be fixed.

Happy Sharpening,
Mark