*Sharpening Supplies I used (make sure to get the PSA paper)* Main Page of Scary Sharp Supplies - lddy.no/ecii *Individual Products I used (make sure to get the PSA paper)* $12 Honing Jig - lddy.no/ecik $24.99 half sheet starter set - lddy.no/ecic $14.99 set of 7 all grits 3m lapping film half sheets - lddy.no/ehhq $24.99 7 sheets all grits 3M Micro Lapping Film - lddy.no/ecid $23.99 2 sheets of float glass - lddy.no/ehi0 *The Sheets/Grits I used* 0.3 micron (white) or 60.000 grit 1 micron (light green) or 14,000 grit 3 micron (pink) or 8,000 grit 9 micron (light blue) or 1800 grit 12 micron (yellow) or 1200 grit 30 micron (green) or 600 grit and 40 micron (blue) or 300 grit
I first saw the scary sharp method in either Wood magazine or in American Wood Worker magazine back when it was produced by Rodale. Maybe it was Wood Smith. One of those the system works. I’ve never used the paper you used but I have used wet/dry sand paper on glass sheets that came out of an old storm door. I’m going to get this paper and give it a shot. Thank you!!!
Just received the sharpening system from Taylor Tools. To say this system is absolutely perfect is an understatement. I have never gotten my chisels this sharp. thanks for sharing this
As an amateur with woodworker, i typically feel overpowered with the entire arrangement ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxrYREG3-7f1Aqk9ams3ZESRNzGnfdUtyQ . Be that as it may, this arrangements drove me through with much clarity and effortlessness woodplans. Works i now work like a genius. That is great!
I really wish I'd known about this two years ago, Jonathan. When I first started, I found it to be a very confusing subject, which has resulted in me going down the rabbit hole of water stones and diamond stones. As much as I like the two variations that I now own, as a mature student, it would have helped me learn faster and gain good technique if I'd have found this method first. I dread to think how much I've spent... money I really could have done with saving and put into other tools I needed. Great video and I just know this system will help a lot of people.
I wouldnt dismiss those other accessories, as they both have their own benefits. Diamond cuts faster than anything and waterstones develop a slurry, both can act to one's advantage.
@@BRENDANTHERED. Didn’t even see this. Please, understand that I haven’t dismissed those other choices, only that this system works very well and gives great results. In my experience, water stones are very messy and diamond stones are a hell of a lot of of money, again, in comparison to the Scary Sharp System. If you haven’t used it, it actually cuts very well (especially the 100 micron film) and leaves a beautiful mirror finish with the 1 micron film. It’s a great system at a very affordable price and having used it more since I made the original comment, I’m more convinced than ever.
Thank you for bring this idea to my life....the wife gave this to me for xmas. I just finished sharpening my first chisel and I was blown away....stupid easy w stupid sharp results👍
Ok I’m that guy that didn’t know what sharp was! I just spent the last couple hours sharpening my cheap ass chisels with this system. My god I know what sharp is now! I almost bought a diamond plate for $150 that had 300 and 1000 grit. And then I watched this vid and bought this system. Thank you Johnathan!!! Game changer! I’m going to try dovetails soon and it’s because of this channel. Thanks man!
So cool to find an affordable easy sharpening solution. I have been looking at stones the last few days trying to figure out how I'm going to fit it into the budget. This is right on time.
Dear Jonathan. Thank you for all your work. I mean it, you have provided us with so many ways to improve and learn and just when I watch your video on sharpening with waterstones and start to decide whether or not I'm going to buy myself those expensive diamond whetstones or not, you upload this video. I wish you the best and have a nice day!
@@billywillis47 but with razor sharp chisels, i would expect to see patchy facial hair rather than a full beard. I hone and register mine with wet stones and shaving my arms is how i test them first lol
When I got my first tormek I didn't understand why they sent me a box of bandaids without any comment in any of the package literature. I certainly understood within a week!
Thank you so much for this video. I have probably spent around $100 on only 2 stones and some lubricant additive and I still have trouble getting my backside flat at times. This system was the answer to everything I have been researching the last couple days in hopes to hone in my chisel/ plane blades. I have been a big follower of William Douglas for a while now and found your page through one of his videos when you visited his new shop a while back. You both are my first go to wealths of woodworking information anytime I start researching. Point in case… this very video. Thanks again!
I can't begin to tally the number of stones and sharpening systems I've bought over the years. I tried this system following Jonathan's instructions and it works down to the mirror finish where I can see myself on bevel of the chisel (I thought he was kidding). Thank you!!!
Just used the scary sharp system for the first time, and holy cow. Razor sharp tools in a fraction of the time. Had to take one of my chisels to a 220 diamond stone to fix a big booger of a mark on the edge, then 4 minutes on the 3m paper and it is like a barbershop razor. Thanks for sharing this!
I used to use this paper when I worked in semiconductors years ago. My boss was an avid woodworker and would bring in his chisels for some side projects for me. 😆 We had ways of going higher than 60,000, but it was getting silly at that point.
Terrific update of a terrific sharpening system. Thanks! I've been doing Scary Sharp for at least 15 years. It's brilliant, cheap, easy to do. A couple of things: 1. If you use regular gray sandpaper (from the auto supply), it's cheaper, but after you stick it down you can't tell the grits apart. Find some way of marking the grits. (I used to write on the paper, but this doesn't last. the surrounding surface is glass, might try Sharpie PAINT marker next. Blue masking tape is temporary at best) 2. Get the sticky back sandpaper. I haven't tried this high tech paper yet, but I will. I've tried saving a few bucks with different adhesives--they all leave a texture that telegraphs right through the paper. 3. When your friends start going on about their Japan and Arkansas stones.... just nod and wait for a chance to change the subject. Once someone has spent more than $200 on special stones, that themselves have to be flattened-- they're completely immune to something as good, probably better and much much cheaper. Save your breath. 4. The only way to get an edge sharper then either Scary Sharp, or your friend with the expensive stones is by stropping it on leather. (FineWoodworking Magazine did a terrific article in the 90s that reached this conclusion, with microscope photos. ) Wha?!?! excuse me while I twist my head back into position. 60,000 grit????? I've got some Revell 12,000 pads that I use to tune up my fountain pen nibs. Smaller than human blood cells? 60k grit is smaller than my neurons. I don't think this was available back in the 90s when FWW did its article. Don't take this as a negative-- I am curious. (And I can't wait to try this on my fountain pen nibs.) 5. And while I am a Scary Sharperite, the 300/1000 diamond stones are worth every penny and very handy--but use the fluid on them because they can eventually get clogged up. (I've also noticed this with the ceramic sharpening sticks I use on my kitchen knives. I no longer feel bad when about once a year, I drop it on the floor. I coat these in cooking oil.) -- I also have those small red blue and ? diamond grit sharpeners. They're pretty handy, but I don't use them on chisels and plane blades. -- I've got one of those angle-wheelies. It seems more trouble than it's worth. I just do it by eye. -- When you get good at sharpening, you no longer think of a store bought chisel/plane as sharp. 6. Float glass. SOP back in the day was to just look around on trash day for a no longer wanted stereo/media cabinet and just take off the glass doors. You'll end up with a large surface with 4 pieces of sandpaper on it. It's not something you'd carry around in the back of the truck, but if you mostly work in a home shop this is a free option. I've been using the same piece of glass for at least 15 years. (The smaller pieces of glass are a nice option. But how sharp are those edges? A glass shop might sand those down for you, probably sell you a set a lot cheaper. ) 7. It's called Scary Sharp for a reason. You will cut yourself. Scary sharp, or that 300/1000 diamond stone will NOT flatten the bottom of a steel plane. (If you've done this, you know more than I do--so please correct any obvious errors in what I've written.) I've used my scary sharp set-up to tune up kitchen knives, but now I use the 300/1000 diamond stone, some ceramic sharpeners. It's just easier. Anything that spins, has a motor, is super expensive.... won't sharpen as good as this method.
I started sharpening my chisels using a method that Robin Lewis showed on his channel. It was easy and inexpensive too, but since I don't use or need to sharpen them very often, I've misplaced almost everything involved. Not to mention my belt sander is inoperative at the moment, so I'm going to buy into this system and make sure I don't l misplace anything. No belt sander needed!
I was sharpening a plane iron yesterday, getting frustrated at my crummy system while doing so. After watching this video, I have just placed an order for the paper you used. I already have the glass, and can't wait to try this new paper. Wish me luck.
Oh my God scary sharp is absolutely correct. I took an old Stanley cheap cheap chisel that has been my rough use chisel and I just finished putting my scary sharp system together on the glass and did this one chisel so far and I have never in 37 1/2 years as a woodworker trying to get a sharp edge on my chisel ever got one this sharp. You can see yourself in the finish and cutting end grain on oak was a breeze. Thank you Jonathan for sharing this. It was cheap and easy. You can get the glass and the adhesive back sandpaper from Taylor woodwork‘s for I think it was $45. I paid more for other stones than that. Scary sharp. Dam I’m impressed and excited
my "scary sharp" kit just arrived and I was able to get a grizzly number 4 and and cheapie home depot block plane to plane like a charm after properly setting them up and using the methods above... I never knew planing could be fun.. thank you for this!!!
I've been using these for about 1.5 years now. They are absolutely amazing. I use 1 large piece of glass with 3 grits 1 side 3 on the other. Everything i need in 1.5 ft sq. Cutting sheets In 1/3 sheets. Now prefer these over my water stones.
@@Magne-ficent 30,9,3,1,.03 all in micron purchased from lee valley. I dont use the 30 often. Rarely have to replace the 3,1 and .03 as only takes couple passes to make my things as the kids say "scary sharp". Lol.
Jonathan, your content is always so helpful, thank you for posting such good videos. I for one, really appreciate you teaching this beginner woodworker the trade.
So, I followed your advice, and bought the Taylor Toolworks sharpening set, and it really works extremely well ! got my chisels really sharp, also the planer blades.. Had no idea my amazon planer could work so well !
When I first started, I fell into the trap of obsessing over sharpening. I appreciate you emphasizing that it doesn't have to be perfect as long as it works.
Excellent video. Nice to see someone who has a gregarious larger than life attitude with a big heart. Going to try this method on my next day off. Very nice ideas.
I have used this system for about a year now. I works great. I have been looking where to buy these sheets. Thanks for you information. I enjoy watching your videos and I always learn something new each one.
Believe this. Saw it a while back and tried it. I make guitars, so I need very sharp chisels but they don't get much in the way of hard treatment. I've had the same papers on for 6 months used with Trend lapping fluid and they are still good. Don't usually bother with the honing guide any more. It's also scary cheap.
Got system works outstanding, never got my tools that sharp before. Supper easy. Crazy sharp, in fact I used chisel and sliced finger and did not even know it. Besides cutting finger love it.
Was sharpening my drill bits with a cheap plastic jig and this sandpaper for the last 20 odd years. Works incredibly well. Although I used MDF and not glass because, well, glass...
When I first got into woodworking as a hobby I didn’t understand why anyone would want to use hand tools. Fast forward two years, and I have tons of frustrations that are easily solved with hand tools and have started moving in theta direction. Think this sharpening system is on my Xmas list this year.
I bought the Scary Sharp system when I first started woodworking a few years back and it has been great, however, I do wish this video had been around then. I love the water advice on how to attach the paper without bubbles, very helpful. And the number of times I have cut the paper going back and forth hahaha. I will learn one day. Great video :) Thank a lot
Welp, I ordered the honing guide, the glass and sand paper. I’ve be been in the market now for a while for a sharpening system. Was going to go with the diamond plates, but didn’t wanna spend the money. It looks like this system will work well. And for 70 bucks, it’s right where I wanna be.
Awesome video. I sharpen my pocket knifes with the lanskey to 2000 grit. After that I strop it with 1.0 micron paste and next 0,5 micron. It gives a razer sharp mirror edge!
Tried to order these as soon as the vid came out and they were all sold out! Just got some yesterday, along with a few combo/dual squares. Love the site. Great sharpening method.... that 60 grit 👌🏻👌🏻💎
Haha, had autoplay on without realizing. Was watching a different channel when this video queued up...thought...sounds like katz-moses. Turns out it's you. Nice video. I tried making this myself. Works amazing.
I am just learning an was trying whetstones before and did OKish job, but this one is much cleaner, more compact to store, I have 6 grits readily available (instead of two sides of a wheatstone I had before) so it went faster (I just did 30 passes on each of 300, 600 and 1200) and the smallest chisel I tried it on seems to work fine, and my $10 training japanese block plane gave me without too much effort a really nice and smooth result on some scrap wood. I think I'll keep wheatstones for sharpening knifes and this one is perfect for my shop tools. My pro tip: make sure you tape the sheet on the glass really close to one short edge of the glass. This helps conveniently sharpening the back and even without taking it out from the honing guide. On the other side you'll have more room for the sticker with the number.
I saw this in Amazon when I searched for float glass and your video confirmed how good I thought this was! Thanks!!! definitely wish I knew about this before.
Thanks for the video. I used to use stones and diamond blocks to sharpen with until i discovered sharpening on a grinding wheel (with jig for the angle) then polish with a buffing wheel. It really only takes a minute to get an edge you can shave with. Will not go back to stones as its far too slow
Wow great video! Totally ordering these now...I have a set of Narex that have gotten pretty beat up, I've never sharpened chisels before. Pretty confusing and expensive with the diamond/water stones. I did get a honing guide, so I just need the glass and paper. Awesome!
Thank you for sharing an economical way to sharpen. We all need high functioning tools but the DIY guy can't budget $500-$700 for stones, etc. I'll definitely give this a try
I love this system. I use plain 160 grit Wet and Dry to do a repair grind if one of my chisels gets damaged just using water to 'glue' it down then switch to Hermes adhesive backed sharpening papers which I use on a Supermarket bought Granit cutting board (who in their right mind would use something harder than the knife as a cutting block) and a Veritas sharpening guide. I've tried the cheaper guides but always struggled to get a repeatable mount of the chisel. I must try the only sharpening on the pull stroke technique as I sometimes shave the sharpening paper. I've got some old Marples/Stanley chisels (my 'Best' set and the every day chisels that I use on reclaimed timber which I bought at Aldi, a German Discount Supermarket in the UK. The Aldi chisels needed a bit of 'fettling' to get them just right but they've been decent set of chisels since I've set them up.
Gonna get this to get some even higher grits. Also, you answered a major question I've had. I have the same angle jig and thought it couldn't do narrow chisels because I was always using the top part (where you would put a plane iron) I had no idea it could accept chisels in the lower part. So thanks for that!
This is great. I've been using my King water stones for a very long time. They work great on chisels (finest grit 6000), but with my venture into handplaning, I need better as the stones are getting pretty thin. Was looking at Shapton glass backed stones and just haven't been able to pull the trigger. This is a superbly viable option. I get 3/8" float glass from a friend as remnants. Fist-bumps, hugs, high fives @ you. :-)
Wish I had seen this video before buying new stones then getting a whole new sharpening system. Always seemed like I needed a special PHD to sharpen irons and chisels. Thanks for the video.
Looking at all the band-aid on your fingers, these chisels must be crazy sharp! Very interesting method, I'll give it a go... (And get loads of band-aid ready, as I'm far from your level of expertise..) Thank you for sharing the video and the inspiration!
Oscar. Looked to me as though the edges of the glass had not been ‘ made safe ‘. Any decent glass store can do this for you by grinding the jagged edges smooth.
To loosen the backing paper on a PSA surface, curl your middle finger onto your thumb and flick the tip of the corner of the sheet. You can flick the paper several times in succession. The paper and the backing will separate and you can grab the backing and peel it off.
I've been on that very set on Amazon for a couple of weeks now. In conjunction with my diamond stones, I would have a pretty good setup. Thanks for demonstrating this product.
“Woodworking is not machining.” I could not agree more. I see videos where folks spend a ton of time polishing. It won’t be that sharp after a few whacks into some hard maple. Get it good enough and go.
Liked that too. Been machining for years and just getting into murdering tree carcasses, I always laugh at guys obsessing with aligning wood tools with dial indicators (and usually doing it from a meaningless reference plane).
@@mtnbikeman85 likewise. The only thing that really makes me cringe is when I see woodworkers not use the thumb screw to zero out their calipers. That will always bother me lol
Nice. When I first started into handtools, I used sandpaper (scary sharp) but eventually abandoned it for diamond plates and waterstones. However, in the next couple months I will be teaching an introduction to handplanes class at a local store. Although it won't be dedicated to sharpening, I will certainly cover that aspect. In that regard, I ordered the set of 3 glass plates and 3M paper from Talylor toolworks from your video link. I figure that will be a nice introduction to sharpening to show to newbies for only about $50 that will include everything they need. May even add that to the price of the class and make them up for the students. At any rate, thanks for the video and for reminding me of this sharpening method that I hadn't thought about for years.
My system is close to what you have except the glass sheet is much bigger (14 x 14) and more awkward to use. I will look for those smaller blocks. I had the same cheap sharpening jig but poor technique caused the iron roller to become out of round so made a jig with a block of wood, steel axle and two roller bearings. Looks like a cart with the chisel acting as the 3rd contact point. The wheels roll on the glass with the sharpening film in between resulting in wearing the bearings. Great to hear your enthusiasm with this method.
I use 3/8 inch polycarbonate sheets instead of the float glass. It is dead flat, cuts with a table saw, and is very hard to break. I also make my flats about 18-niches long. That leaves enough extra length fo have a good starting approach for the honing jig.
This is a great! I had been researching arkansas, water and diamond stones but what you have shared will work in minimal space (garage workshop where I still need to park my car). I was getting ready to sell my guitar and amp to buy a sharpening stone system! Crisis averted!
Jonathan. Here is an update to the scary sharp system. 1. Water as a lubricant can dissolve the lapping film adhesive between the film and the glass. WD 40 is a better lubricant. 2. I use back strokes for the first 10 passes on the film. Then you can go both ways with a bit of care. Thanks
Got my scary sharp system all set up and ready to go. Just waiting on my new LN rabbet block plane and veritas honing guide in the mail. I can’t wait! So far I’ve been trying to keep my edges star sharp using the wet stones I sharpen my clipper blades with. 😂
This is the method that I use, and it was the first time I ever had that nice zip sound that a sharp plane blade gives you, it's also the first time that I got excited to use a chisel! Personally, I used my table saw surface since it is nice and flat, and I just make sure to keep it waxed so that I don't get it all rusty.
I started with this stuff from taytools, they are a pretty good source for psa film. Be aware that you will go through 40 micron (300) grit quickly, as you use it the most for prep. I ended up switching to a diamond stone for 300/1200 and use the others to polish. The higher grits last 15-20 sessions which is good but they stop cutting fast, quickly. I'm moving to a water stone for polishing but only because I know what I want & need now. This kit is a great start for $50 but get a few more sheets of 300 (40 micron) and 1200 or 1800 (9 or 12 micron) for a buffer.
I read about the scary sharp system years ago on rec.woodworking, but didn't know about the 3M paper you used. Very nice, indeed! I'll be getting some of that to replace what I currently use, which is nowhere near the grits available here. I also use polished marble tiles for my backers, which works great.
I haven't *really* thought about Scary Sharp in years, though I've used it for decades, shortly after Stephen LaMantia wrote that rec.woodworking post. For these interested, it is well worth reading. groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en#!topic/rec.woodworking/rGAGAPR-6ks
Thanks, Jonathan. I love my amateur woodwork, especially now I'm retired. Apart from my music it's the most stress relieving thing that I do now. I normally use increasing grits of standard emery cloth on plate glass but this looks much better. Must try it.
*Sharpening Supplies I used (make sure to get the PSA paper)*
Main Page of Scary Sharp Supplies - lddy.no/ecii
*Individual Products I used (make sure to get the PSA paper)*
$12 Honing Jig - lddy.no/ecik
$24.99 half sheet starter set - lddy.no/ecic
$14.99 set of 7 all grits 3m lapping film half sheets - lddy.no/ehhq
$24.99 7 sheets all grits 3M Micro Lapping Film - lddy.no/ecid
$23.99 2 sheets of float glass - lddy.no/ehi0
*The Sheets/Grits I used*
0.3 micron (white) or 60.000 grit
1 micron (light green) or 14,000 grit
3 micron (pink) or 8,000 grit
9 micron (light blue) or 1800 grit
12 micron (yellow) or 1200 grit
30 micron (green) or 600 grit and
40 micron (blue) or 300 grit
So do you have seven separate sheets of glass, or do you swap out the paper?
Would this be a good alternative for sharpening pocket knives as well?
@@j.cut_ gvvvvv
I first saw the scary sharp method in either Wood magazine or in American Wood Worker magazine back when it was produced by Rodale. Maybe it was Wood Smith. One of those the system works. I’ve never used the paper you used but I have used wet/dry sand paper on glass sheets that came out of an old storm door. I’m going to get this paper and give it a shot. Thank you!!!
The float glass link comes up 404.
Just received the sharpening system from Taylor Tools. To say this system is absolutely perfect is an understatement. I have never gotten my chisels this sharp. thanks for sharing this
the white sheet feels like the backing paper from a shipping label!
As an amateur with woodworker, i typically feel overpowered with the entire arrangement ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxrYREG3-7f1Aqk9ams3ZESRNzGnfdUtyQ . Be that as it may, this arrangements drove me through with much clarity and effortlessness woodplans. Works i now work like a genius. That is great!
finaly a channel that explains things that a novice can understand...thank you for the great videos
I found this method on a shaving forum, for sharpening my cut throat razor, a few years back and it revolutionised things for me
I really wish I'd known about this two years ago, Jonathan. When I first started, I found it to be a very confusing subject, which has resulted in me going down the rabbit hole of water stones and diamond stones. As much as I like the two variations that I now own, as a mature student, it would have helped me learn faster and gain good technique if I'd have found this method first. I dread to think how much I've spent... money I really could have done with saving and put into other tools I needed. Great video and I just know this system will help a lot of people.
I wouldnt dismiss those other accessories, as they both have their own benefits. Diamond cuts faster than anything and waterstones develop a slurry, both can act to one's advantage.
@@BRENDANTHERED. Didn’t even see this.
Please, understand that I haven’t dismissed those other choices, only that this system works very well and gives great results. In my experience, water stones are very messy and diamond stones are a hell of a lot of of money, again, in comparison to the Scary Sharp System. If you haven’t used it, it actually cuts very well (especially the 100 micron film) and leaves a beautiful mirror finish with the 1 micron film. It’s a great system at a very affordable price and having used it more since I made the original comment, I’m more convinced than ever.
I liked the sandpaper system, is very very cheap. For my country only one cost around 1 PEN (1dollar -> 3.7 or 3.5 PEN)
Thank you for bring this idea to my life....the wife gave this to me for xmas. I just finished sharpening my first chisel and I was blown away....stupid easy w stupid sharp results👍
Stay tuned! On the next video, Jonathan will teach you how to stitch your own wound and use a tourniquet.
Something I am very knowledgable on hahaha
Ok I’m that guy that didn’t know what sharp was! I just spent the last couple hours sharpening my cheap ass chisels with this system. My god I know what sharp is now! I almost bought a diamond plate for $150 that had 300 and 1000 grit. And then I watched this vid and bought this system. Thank you Johnathan!!! Game changer! I’m going to try dovetails soon and it’s because of this channel. Thanks man!
Jarrad Benson Dovetail and curved edge sharpening is what I'd like to see on video.
So cool to find an affordable easy sharpening solution. I have been looking at stones the last few days trying to figure out how I'm going to fit it into the budget. This is right on time.
Dear Jonathan. Thank you for all your work. I mean it, you have provided us with so many ways to improve and learn and just when I watch your video on sharpening with waterstones and start to decide whether or not I'm going to buy myself those expensive diamond whetstones or not, you upload this video. I wish you the best and have a nice day!
No video about how to get something scary sharp would be complete without the guy doing the video having at least one Band-Aid on a finger :-)
When I gift one of my carvings, I can literally say it was made with "blood, sweat and tears!"
He really should have a beard though! How can you take a wood man seriously without one?
@Nickvec 🤢
@@billywillis47 but with razor sharp chisels, i would expect to see patchy facial hair rather than a full beard. I hone and register mine with wet stones and shaving my arms is how i test them first lol
When I got my first tormek I didn't understand why they sent me a box of bandaids without any comment in any of the package literature. I certainly understood within a week!
Thank you so much for this video. I have probably spent around $100 on only 2 stones and some lubricant additive and I still have trouble getting my backside flat at times. This system was the answer to everything I have been researching the last couple days in hopes to hone in my chisel/ plane blades. I have been a big follower of William Douglas for a while now and found your page through one of his videos when you visited his new shop a while back. You both are my first go to wealths of woodworking information anytime I start researching. Point in case… this very video. Thanks again!
I can't begin to tally the number of stones and sharpening systems I've bought over the years. I tried this system following Jonathan's instructions and it works down to the mirror finish where I can see myself on bevel of the chisel (I thought he was kidding). Thank you!!!
Just used the scary sharp system for the first time, and holy cow. Razor sharp tools in a fraction of the time. Had to take one of my chisels to a 220 diamond stone to fix a big booger of a mark on the edge, then 4 minutes on the 3m paper and it is like a barbershop razor. Thanks for sharing this!
I used to use this paper when I worked in semiconductors years ago. My boss was an avid woodworker and would bring in his chisels for some side projects for me. 😆 We had ways of going higher than 60,000, but it was getting silly at that point.
Terrific update of a terrific sharpening system. Thanks!
I've been doing Scary Sharp for at least 15 years. It's brilliant, cheap, easy to do. A couple of things:
1. If you use regular gray sandpaper (from the auto supply), it's cheaper, but after you stick it down you can't tell the grits apart. Find some way of marking the grits. (I used to write on the paper, but this doesn't last. the surrounding surface is glass, might try Sharpie PAINT marker next. Blue masking tape is temporary at best)
2. Get the sticky back sandpaper. I haven't tried this high tech paper yet, but I will. I've tried saving a few bucks with different adhesives--they all leave a texture that telegraphs right through the paper.
3. When your friends start going on about their Japan and Arkansas stones.... just nod and wait for a chance to change the subject. Once someone has spent more than $200 on special stones, that themselves have to be flattened-- they're completely immune to something as good, probably better and much much cheaper. Save your breath.
4. The only way to get an edge sharper then either Scary Sharp, or your friend with the expensive stones is by stropping it on leather. (FineWoodworking Magazine did a terrific article in the 90s that reached this conclusion, with microscope photos. )
Wha?!?! excuse me while I twist my head back into position. 60,000 grit????? I've got some Revell 12,000 pads that I use to tune up my fountain pen nibs. Smaller than human blood cells? 60k grit is smaller than my neurons. I don't think this was available back in the 90s when FWW did its article. Don't take this as a negative-- I am curious. (And I can't wait to try this on my fountain pen nibs.)
5. And while I am a Scary Sharperite, the 300/1000 diamond stones are worth every penny and very handy--but use the fluid on them because they can eventually get clogged up. (I've also noticed this with the ceramic sharpening sticks I use on my kitchen knives. I no longer feel bad when about once a year, I drop it on the floor. I coat these in cooking oil.)
-- I also have those small red blue and ? diamond grit sharpeners. They're pretty handy, but I don't use them on chisels and plane blades. -- I've got one of those angle-wheelies. It seems more trouble than it's worth. I just do it by eye.
-- When you get good at sharpening, you no longer think of a store bought chisel/plane as sharp.
6. Float glass. SOP back in the day was to just look around on trash day for a no longer wanted stereo/media cabinet and just take off the glass doors. You'll end up with a large surface with 4 pieces of sandpaper on it. It's not something you'd carry around in the back of the truck, but if you mostly work in a home shop this is a free option. I've been using the same piece of glass for at least 15 years. (The smaller pieces of glass are a nice option. But how sharp are those edges? A glass shop might sand those down for you, probably sell you a set a lot cheaper. )
7. It's called Scary Sharp for a reason. You will cut yourself.
Scary sharp, or that 300/1000 diamond stone will NOT flatten the bottom of a steel plane. (If you've done this, you know more than I do--so please correct any obvious errors in what I've written.)
I've used my scary sharp set-up to tune up kitchen knives, but now I use the 300/1000 diamond stone, some ceramic sharpeners. It's just easier.
Anything that spins, has a motor, is super expensive.... won't sharpen as good as this method.
I started sharpening my chisels using a method that Robin Lewis showed on his channel. It was easy and inexpensive too, but since I don't use or need to sharpen them very often, I've misplaced almost everything involved. Not to mention my belt sander is inoperative at the moment, so I'm going to buy into this system and make sure I don't l misplace anything. No belt sander needed!
I was sharpening a plane iron yesterday, getting frustrated at my crummy system while doing so. After watching this video, I have just placed an order for the paper you used. I already have the glass, and can't wait to try this new paper. Wish me luck.
Oh my God scary sharp is absolutely correct. I took an old Stanley cheap cheap chisel that has been my rough use chisel and I just finished putting my scary sharp system together on the glass and did this one chisel so far and I have never in 37 1/2 years as a woodworker trying to get a sharp edge on my chisel ever got one this sharp. You can see yourself in the finish and cutting end grain on oak was a breeze. Thank you Jonathan for sharing this. It was cheap and easy. You can get the glass and the adhesive back sandpaper from Taylor woodwork‘s for I think it was $45. I paid more for other stones than that. Scary sharp. Dam I’m impressed and excited
Just got all this stuff and man it’s so amazing how easy it is
my "scary sharp" kit just arrived and I was able to get a grizzly number 4 and and cheapie home depot block plane to plane like a charm after properly setting them up and using the methods above... I never knew planing could be fun.. thank you for this!!!
I've been using these for about 1.5 years now. They are absolutely amazing. I use 1 large piece of glass with 3 grits 1 side 3 on the other. Everything i need in 1.5 ft sq. Cutting sheets In 1/3 sheets. Now prefer these over my water stones.
Per say, which grits are 1 - 6? Thanks
@@Magne-ficent 30,9,3,1,.03 all in micron purchased from lee valley. I dont use the 30 often. Rarely have to replace the 3,1 and .03 as only takes couple passes to make my things as the kids say "scary sharp". Lol.
Does this also work for plane blades?
Thanks for your sharing friend
Jonathan, your content is always so helpful, thank you for posting such good videos. I for one, really appreciate you teaching this beginner woodworker the trade.
So, I followed your advice, and bought the Taylor Toolworks sharpening set, and it really works extremely well ! got my chisels really sharp, also the planer blades.. Had no idea my amazon planer could work so well !
I've been using various types of paper/ Emory cloth mounted on display shelf glass with success but I think this is better, thanks.
When I first started, I fell into the trap of obsessing over sharpening. I appreciate you emphasizing that it doesn't have to be perfect as long as it works.
Just did this with a chisel i had laying around. It worked amazingly well. A sharp chisel is pretty neat compared to when it was dull
Yes, I think this is thee best way to sharpen. Thanks for your fine video/s, and all the links that you supply. Very well done sir
This is amazing!!!
Excellent video. Nice to see someone who has a gregarious larger than life attitude with a big heart. Going to try this method on my next day off. Very nice ideas.
I've been using similar papers that are used for polishing fiber optics for many years. They're great.
Agreed!
Thanks for the new sharpening video. Didn’t want to commit to Waterstones. Just ordered this set up.
I just searched them, and they are also available and also cheap in Germany. I will order them directly thank you very much!
I have used this system for about a year now. I works great. I have been looking where to buy these sheets. Thanks for you information. I enjoy watching your videos and I always learn something new each one.
Believe this. Saw it a while back and tried it. I make guitars, so I need very sharp chisels but they don't get much in the way of hard treatment. I've had the same papers on for 6 months used with Trend lapping fluid and they are still good. Don't usually bother with the honing guide any more. It's also scary cheap.
Got system works outstanding, never got my tools that sharp before. Supper easy. Crazy sharp, in fact I used chisel and sliced finger and did not even know it. Besides cutting finger love it.
Thanks for laying this out so clear
Those end grain shavings are legit! That's impressive. Found my new sharpening system.
Was sharpening my drill bits with a cheap plastic jig and this sandpaper for the last 20 odd years. Works incredibly well. Although I used MDF and not glass because, well, glass...
Based on this video alone I ordered the set with the (3) pieces of glass as well as the guide. Thanx!
When I first got into woodworking as a hobby I didn’t understand why anyone would want to use hand tools. Fast forward two years, and I have tons of frustrations that are easily solved with hand tools and have started moving in theta direction. Think this sharpening system is on my Xmas list this year.
I bought the Scary Sharp system when I first started woodworking a few years back and it has been great, however, I do wish this video had been around then. I love the water advice on how to attach the paper without bubbles, very helpful. And the number of times I have cut the paper going back and forth hahaha. I will learn one day. Great video :) Thank a lot
Welp, I ordered the honing guide, the glass and sand paper. I’ve be been in the market now for a while for a sharpening system. Was going to go with the diamond plates, but didn’t wanna spend the money. It looks like this system will work well. And for 70 bucks, it’s right where I wanna be.
Bought the paper and glass…. Worked awesome. Thanks
Thanks Jonathan. Finally a sharpening system that doesn't require a young fortune to own. Great video! Thanks
I took a class on sharpening at Highland Hardware in Atlanta and I always had the sharpest chisels on a job site.
Great video tutorial. Thanks for making it.
Can't wait to try this sharpening system. Thanks for another great video.
Awesome video. I sharpen my pocket knifes with the lanskey to 2000 grit. After that I strop it with 1.0 micron paste and next 0,5 micron. It gives a razer sharp mirror edge!
Tried to order these as soon as the vid came out and they were all sold out! Just got some yesterday, along with a few combo/dual squares. Love the site. Great sharpening method.... that 60 grit 👌🏻👌🏻💎
Thank you for demoing this system
I did the same thing with pieces of granite and sandpaper from car paint supplier. Worked out great
Haha, had autoplay on without realizing. Was watching a different channel when this video queued up...thought...sounds like katz-moses. Turns out it's you. Nice video. I tried making this myself. Works amazing.
Going to get a set of those papers right now and see if I can make my crappy chisels usable. Thanks for sharing!
I am just learning an was trying whetstones before and did OKish job, but this one is much cleaner, more compact to store, I have 6 grits readily available (instead of two sides of a wheatstone I had before) so it went faster (I just did 30 passes on each of 300, 600 and 1200) and the smallest chisel I tried it on seems to work fine, and my $10 training japanese block plane gave me without too much effort a really nice and smooth result on some scrap wood. I think I'll keep wheatstones for sharpening knifes and this one is perfect for my shop tools.
My pro tip: make sure you tape the sheet on the glass really close to one short edge of the glass. This helps conveniently sharpening the back and even without taking it out from the honing guide. On the other side you'll have more room for the sticker with the number.
I saw this in Amazon when I searched for float glass and your video confirmed how good I thought this was! Thanks!!! definitely wish I knew about this before.
We have been honing straight razors on lapping films for years. Works great.
Ordered! I've Struggled with effective sharpening so hopefully this will be the thing that gets me there!
Hooked Workshop hopefully worked better for you then for me. My sandpaper doesn’t stick to the glass at all.
So guys, 10 months later, how are you getting on with this?
Is this really cheaper than stones long term?
How's it been?
great system I was using water stones but I think this is probably the way to go.Thanks
He does it again... another awesome & informative video! Thanks Jonathan!
Thanks for the video.
I used to use stones and diamond blocks to sharpen with until i discovered sharpening on a grinding wheel (with jig for the angle) then polish with a buffing wheel. It really only takes a minute to get an edge you can shave with. Will not go back to stones as its far too slow
Wow great video! Totally ordering these now...I have a set of Narex that have gotten pretty beat up, I've never sharpened chisels before. Pretty confusing and expensive with the diamond/water stones. I did get a honing guide, so I just need the glass and paper. Awesome!
Thanks for this! Self taught and learning lots. Your videos are a pleasure to watch.
Thank you for sharing an economical way to sharpen. We all need high functioning tools but the DIY guy can't budget $500-$700 for stones, etc. I'll definitely give this a try
I love this system.
I use plain 160 grit Wet and Dry to do a repair grind if one of my chisels gets damaged just using water to 'glue' it down then switch to Hermes adhesive backed sharpening papers which I use on a Supermarket bought Granit cutting board (who in their right mind would use something harder than the knife as a cutting block) and a Veritas sharpening guide. I've tried the cheaper guides but always struggled to get a repeatable mount of the chisel.
I must try the only sharpening on the pull stroke technique as I sometimes shave the sharpening paper.
I've got some old Marples/Stanley chisels (my 'Best' set and the every day chisels that I use on reclaimed timber which I bought at Aldi, a German Discount Supermarket in the UK. The Aldi chisels needed a bit of 'fettling' to get them just right but they've been decent set of chisels since I've set them up.
Gonna get this to get some even higher grits. Also, you answered a major question I've had. I have the same angle jig and thought it couldn't do narrow chisels because I was always using the top part (where you would put a plane iron) I had no idea it could accept chisels in the lower part. So thanks for that!
Well it looks to be the same guide I just got, and it literally tells you which to use for planes or chisels
@@Wimpyking17 Just got the Veritas sharpener
Just wanted to stop by show some love and positive energy.
I am new to woodworking. I have been looking up ways to sharpen. I think this is the system I will go with. Thanks for the video.
It's a great way to get started for sure
Just received my set yesterday. Thanks much, Johnny K.
This is great. I've been using my King water stones for a very long time. They work great on chisels (finest grit 6000), but with my venture into handplaning, I need better as the stones are getting pretty thin. Was looking at Shapton glass backed stones and just haven't been able to pull the trigger. This is a superbly viable option. I get 3/8" float glass from a friend as remnants. Fist-bumps, hugs, high fives @ you. :-)
I have been looking for a reasonably priced sharpening option. Jonathan Katz-Moses for the win. Like always.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing. Great demo video.
Wish I had seen this video before buying new stones then getting a whole new sharpening system. Always seemed like I needed a special PHD to sharpen irons and chisels. Thanks for the video.
Been looking for something just like this. Already picked it up. Thanks!
The cheapest chisels money can buy are now scary sharp. You da' man!
Looking at all the band-aid on your fingers, these chisels must be crazy sharp!
Very interesting method, I'll give it a go...
(And get loads of band-aid ready, as I'm far from your level of expertise..)
Thank you for sharing the video and the inspiration!
I feel like I should buy stock in Johnson and Johnson.
Oscar. Looked to me as though the edges of the glass had not been ‘ made safe ‘. Any decent glass store can do this for you by grinding the jagged edges smooth.
Sweet!! You just saved me over $100! Thanks!!
To loosen the backing paper on a PSA surface, curl your middle finger onto your thumb and flick the tip of the corner of the sheet. You can flick the paper several times in succession. The paper and the backing will separate and you can grab the backing and peel it off.
Just got my set in the mail after watching this day of release. I am already amazed by the results! Thank you, much appreciated!
Felix garcia I ordered mine. Sandpaper doesn’t stick to the glass at all. Biggest waste of money.
Have you figured out why the paper won’t stick? I’m really interested. Any comment from the company?
Great video, I have been using this system for years.
I've been on that very set on Amazon for a couple of weeks now. In conjunction with my diamond stones, I would have a pretty good setup. Thanks for demonstrating this product.
Good and valuable video. Thanks. Only thing I do differently is put a hollow bevel on first but I'm not sure that even matters.
Thanks just ordered this
That sand paper is made to polish the end faces of fiber optic connectors. Fun fact, the core diameter of single mode fiber optic cable is 8 microns.
“Woodworking is not machining.” I could not agree more. I see videos where folks spend a ton of time polishing. It won’t be that sharp after a few whacks into some hard maple. Get it good enough and go.
Well clearly your tools aren't hard enough. You should make them out of neutronium too so they don't chip :P
Liked that too. Been machining for years and just getting into murdering tree carcasses, I always laugh at guys obsessing with aligning wood tools with dial indicators (and usually doing it from a meaningless reference plane).
@@mtnbikeman85 likewise. The only thing that really makes me cringe is when I see woodworkers not use the thumb screw to zero out their calipers. That will always bother me lol
Nice. When I first started into handtools, I used sandpaper (scary sharp) but eventually abandoned it for diamond plates and waterstones. However, in the next couple months I will be teaching an introduction to handplanes class at a local store. Although it won't be dedicated to sharpening, I will certainly cover that aspect. In that regard, I ordered the set of 3 glass plates and 3M paper from Talylor toolworks from your video link. I figure that will be a nice introduction to sharpening to show to newbies for only about $50 that will include everything they need. May even add that to the price of the class and make them up for the students. At any rate, thanks for the video and for reminding me of this sharpening method that I hadn't thought about for years.
Sounds like a cool class!
Great video. TY
My system is close to what you have except the glass sheet is much bigger (14 x 14) and more awkward to use. I will look for those smaller blocks. I had the same cheap sharpening jig but poor technique caused the iron roller to become out of round so made a jig with a block of wood, steel axle and two roller bearings. Looks like a cart with the chisel acting as the 3rd contact point. The wheels roll on the glass with the sharpening film in between resulting in wearing the bearings.
Great to hear your enthusiasm with this method.
I use 3/8 inch polycarbonate sheets instead of the float glass. It is dead flat, cuts with a table saw, and is very hard to break. I also make my flats about 18-niches long. That leaves enough extra length fo have a good starting approach for the honing jig.
Thank you thank you thank you! I have needed a video like this. Something cheap that works will make me very happy. You are a gentleman and a scholar!
It's a great way to break into the sharpening game
Cool...I have seen that super fine sandpaper at Walmart automotive dept.
This is a great! I had been researching arkansas, water and diamond stones but what you have shared will work in minimal space (garage workshop where I still need to park my car). I was getting ready to sell my guitar and amp to buy a sharpening stone system! Crisis averted!
Jonathan. Here is an update to the scary sharp system. 1. Water as a lubricant can dissolve the lapping film adhesive between the film and the glass. WD 40 is a better lubricant. 2. I use back strokes for the first 10 passes on the film. Then you can go both ways with a bit of care. Thanks
Got my scary sharp system all set up and ready to go. Just waiting on my new LN rabbet block plane and veritas honing guide in the mail. I can’t wait! So far I’ve been trying to keep my edges star sharp using the wet stones I sharpen my clipper blades with. 😂
Jonathan, this is an excellent video with amazing information! Thanks!!! I’m going to get me a set-up with third-sheet glass 👍👍👍👍👍👍
Just got mine in the mail today. Can’t wait!
So, how is it?
This is the method that I use, and it was the first time I ever had that nice zip sound that a sharp plane blade gives you, it's also the first time that I got excited to use a chisel!
Personally, I used my table saw surface since it is nice and flat, and I just make sure to keep it waxed so that I don't get it all rusty.
I started with this stuff from taytools, they are a pretty good source for psa film. Be aware that you will go through 40 micron (300) grit quickly, as you use it the most for prep. I ended up switching to a diamond stone for 300/1200 and use the others to polish. The higher grits last 15-20 sessions which is good but they stop cutting fast, quickly. I'm moving to a water stone for polishing but only because I know what I want & need now. This kit is a great start for $50 but get a few more sheets of 300 (40 micron) and 1200 or 1800 (9 or 12 micron) for a buffer.
good tip
I read about the scary sharp system years ago on rec.woodworking, but didn't know about the 3M paper you used. Very nice, indeed! I'll be getting some of that to replace what I currently use, which is nowhere near the grits available here. I also use polished marble tiles for my backers, which works great.
I haven't *really* thought about Scary Sharp in years, though I've used it for decades, shortly after Stephen LaMantia wrote that rec.woodworking post. For these interested, it is well worth reading. groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en#!topic/rec.woodworking/rGAGAPR-6ks
Thanks, Jonathan. I love my amateur woodwork, especially now I'm retired. Apart from my music it's the most stress relieving thing that I do now. I normally use increasing grits of standard emery cloth on plate glass but this looks much better. Must try it.