Edge angles

The image to the right shows nomenclature used in this outline. The vertical part of the blade (which affixes to the tool holder) is shown perpendicular to the surface of the wood.

As with chisels and plane blades, both surfaces which interface to make the cutting edge must be honed. This is the angle β in the picture to the right.

It is critical that α ≥ 0. The toe (cutting edge) must not be higher than the foot (opposite from the cutting edge). If this is not the case, the cutting edge will not engage with the wood properly and will not cut correctly.

Notes & Comments

Information regarding Grindstones

Grinding on the Stone's Side

When grinding on the side of the grinding stone, the diamond grindstones are recommended.

Noting the Grinding Angle

It is a good practice to note the blade's angle(s) in one of these ways:

1. Record a reference number on the blade, and use an index card to keep the pertinent information for that blade.

   This is the preferred method as it also allows for noting other information about the blade such as metal type, where & when purchased (and cost), and any other sharpening notes.

2. Record the angle on the blade itself.

Sharpness Scale

Example icon

Sharpness scales (as shown in the grey icon to the left) are used to indicate the recommended sharpness for the blades noted above. You can click on any of the icons showing the sharpness scale and be redirected to the page describing this more. Lower numbers are duller; higher numbers sharper.

These are general recommendations; you will need to use your own judgment, based on the tool’s intended purpose.

Alternative Jigs

Tormek Jigs

The Tormek SE-76 Square Edge Jig can also be used. These are no longer sold, but if you have one, you should use it.

Alan Budden's 3D-printed jigs
Grinding the blade’s bottom face	Grinding the blade’s top face on the side of the grinding wheel

The Tormek SVH-60 Straight Edge Jig may be usable also. You will need to ensure the jig will open up enough to secure your tool’s blade. As with the SE-76, these are no longer sold, but if you have one, you should try to use it.

3D-Printed Jigs for Sharpening Traditional Blades

Alan Budden (Dr.AI on the Tormek Forum & Printables.com) posted links in 2023 to some jigs which can be 3D-printed and used for sharping the traditional blades.

Alan created two versions of these jigs:

1. the style shown to the right for sharpening on the Tormek, and
2. a different version for sharpening on traditional bench stones using an Eclipse style honing guide.

Links to the Printables.com web site where Alan published these designs are below.

There is also information about jigs for sharpening this blade on the Traditional Router Plane Blade Jigs page of this handbook.

3D-Printed Jigs for Sharpening Woodpecker Blades

Straight blade in blade holder sharpening jig, held in SE-77, with a Japanese Waterstone

The Woodpeckers router plane has blades which are removable from the blade holder shaft. These blades can then be sharpened on the Tormek grinder using a blade holder sharpening jig held in the Tormek SE-77 Square Edge jig or SE-76 Square Edge Jig.

Pictures of this approach are to the left. The blade holder sharpening jig is shown as the red part.

These blade holder sharpening jigs are designed for quick setup of the Tormek using the Tormek TTS-100 Turning Tool Setter. That means the process is fast, and the craftsman can get back to work sooner.

There are two versions of the one for the spear point blade.

There is also information about jigs for sharpening this blade on the Woodpecker Router Plane Blade Jigs page of this handbook.

More Information

Books & Papers

• The Complete Guide to Sharpening by Leonard Lee

Videos & Presentations

• Tormek Live Sharpening Class - Part 3 - Chisels, plane irons & Tormek grinding wheels (YouTube video). Sèbastian and Wolfgang offer some great tips on the sharpening of chisels & plane irons using the various Tormek grinding wheels, including the use of the diamond wheels.
  • At 00:46, there is a great explanation of sharpening a tool with a radiused end using the SE-77 Square Edge Jig.
  • At 00:52, there is a great explanation of how to use the MB-100 Multi Base.
• Tormek Live Sharpening Class - Part 9 - Sharpen a flat bevel with Tormek MB-100 on a diamond wheel (YouTube video). Sèbastian and Wolfgang show how to achieve a flat bevel with your Tormek wet sharpening system, They also touch upon the differences between the different types of bevels.
  

  Image captured from this video, showing the SE-77 and MB-102

• Tormek Live Sharpening Class - Part 20 - MB-102 Multi Base - Enhanced Knife Sharpening & Flat Bevels (YouTube video). This video covers the MB-102 jig which can be used two ways:
  • For sharpening on the side of the grinding wheel (particularly the diamond grindstones). The value for this approach is:
    • It allows for a flat grind on the cutting edge.
    • It allows for sharpening short tools. This video demonstrates this well.
  • For sharpening vertically from the horizontal position. This is a replacement for the front vertical base. Sharpening knife edges using a edge trailing approach may be preferable if you sharpen on a softer Japanese water stone (so you don't accidentally dig into the grindstone). It is also quite useful for sharpening spoon knives.
  • At about 00:30, there is a great explanation of sharpening the router plane blade using the SE-77 Square Edge Jig & the MB-102 Multi Base..

Web Sites

• Alan Budden's 3D-printable sharpening jigs on Printables.com:
  • Tormek Router Plane Sharpening Jig for use with a Tormek grinder
  • Router Plane Blade Sharpening Jigs for use on traditional bench stones