"Vasillis' jig sharpening system"

[nozh2002]

I was asked about this - "Vasillis' jig sharpening system".

When I bought in WoodCraft store my first 11" DMT I noticed ther big block of basswood. I take it to the counter and asked if they can saw it for me in two pieces. The guy who was on the counter was proud to demonstrate me equipment they have in class room and not only saw it in two pieces under 15 degree, but as well plane them.

This is how it came to live. I have it under 15 degree to keep edge under 30 degree.

However now I understand that it is not angle, what is really important, but the fact that stone is lifted up and so hands have enough room to hold blade comfortable. So clay brick will do the trick as well as a base for stones.

Of course if it is not horisontal it is not only keep angle but provide better view on blade once you sharpen it.

In addition to this:
1. Good light is also as important as keeping edge angle.
2. Comfortable body position - chair, table.
3. Safety - 120Mesh DMT not only eat steel as grinder - air pollution is also similar, but much less visible. I found it hard way, in time I found that I had some resperatory problem after heavy use of 120 MESH DMT. Now I position piece of plex glass between my face and sharpener and this stops happening.

This is my sharpening video:

http://www.youtube.com/user/nozh2002#p/u/67/5TscN9h-1xQ

Thanks, Vassili.

 

[samhain73]

My Woodcraft is not as helpful, they twice told me they do not provide that service.
But I found also that if I simply put my stone holder up at an angle on a masonry brick, that it hits exactly 14 deg.

 

[nozh2002]

My Woodcraft is not as helpful, they twice told me they do not provide that service.
But I found also that if I simply put my stone holder up at an angle on a masonry brick, that it hits exactly 14 deg.

I do not think this angle is too much important - room for hands is what important most. It is simple inconvenient to hold blade right near surface. Put it under some angle make surface of the stone and edge on it better visible. But our monkey hand is good enough to keep whatever angle we like after very little training.

This angle issue is just what people think first, but good bright light and body position is more important on my opinion. I pay attention to angle only first few moves, then hands remember this position as well as it will be feedback from the blade - so I feel if it is on same plane as stone or start scratching angle. As well - little variation just will make your edge little convex, so it will benefit from this as well.

Thanks, Vassili.

 

[me2]

I tried the horizontal method you show, but I have trouble holding the angle consistent. I put a base on the angled block and turned it vertical and it works much better. When sharpening flat on the table, I have to use a piece of 4x4 wood so my hands don't constantly bump the table. Clearance is very helpful.