Six months ago I finally sharpened my cheap chisels and it changed everything

I used to fight with dull chisels for years on simple dovetails. Then I spent $15 on a set of diamond plates and watched a 15 minute video on sharpening. After the first session I could pare end grain like butter. Yesterday I cut a half blind dovetail joint in walnut without a single tearout. It took me about 20 minutes total compared to the hour of frustration I used to deal with. Has anyone else put off sharpening for way too long and found it made that big of a difference?

2 comments

2 Comments

nancyd8519d ago

Makes you wonder why we're all so stubborn about admitting we've been working harder not smarter.

rowangonzalez19d ago

Yeah I put it off for years too. Bought a cheap set of used chisels and just kept hammering away with them dull. Finally picked up a simple sharpening jig and some wet/dry paper and it was like someone turned on the lights. Those first cuts after sharpening are almost embarrassing when you realize how much extra work you were making for yourself.