Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Prepping the New Japanese Chisels

I've started on prepping the new chisels, I'll do a few at a time, fitting them in between other project. First job is to remove the ring and the lacquer coating the chisel.  An easy way to re-fit the ring is to hammer the end to compress the fibers. When the ring is re-installed soak the handle for 15-20 minutes in water to soften and expand the handle. After the handle has soaked, again with the hammer mushroom the top with glancing blows. Then on to honing the iron.

The first chisel's back was flat and polishing was very quick. The bevel had a little belly, I started out on the 2000 stone and it was soon apparent I needed to go down.....Ended up using the 600 EZLap to remove the belly before I could move on to polishing the bevel.



I finished MsOK's picture frame yesterday and the middle two doors for the kitchen pantry, down to two more grooves on the bottom two doors. Pantry project is finally in the short rows.  

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous4:04 PM

    Very nice looking chisels. I'll be looking forward to hearing how you find the steel.

    Greg

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  2. Greg,

    Thanks, I expect it will be a couple/three sharpenings before they show their true working iron.

    I'll work on some knife lines to prep for the saw as soon as I finish my first cup of.....It will be the first time metal meets wood. I may hurry the coffee, It's always interesting to try a new tool for the first time.

    ken

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