There are three distinct operations in sharpening a plane, bit or chisel; first, grinding, Fig. 21; second, whetting the beveled side, Fig. 22; third, removing the wire edge from the plain side, Fig. 23.

In grinding a plane iron loosen the cap screw with a screw driver and set the lever cap back on the plane iron so that it will be out of the way when removing the wire edge from the plain side.

Fig. 21. Grinding a Chisel.

The plane iron or cutter should be held on the grinder so that the edge will be a perfect right angle with the side. It should be held firmly in one position so that only one bevel will be formed. In grinding, the tool should be moved from side to side on the grinder so as to prevent wearing the stone unevenly.

In whetting the beveled side of the chisel or plane iron it should be held firmly in both hands as indicated in Fig. 22 and given three or four forward strokes, pressing the iron firmly on to the stone. Do not move the wrists for this motion. The movement should occur at the elbow and by the swaying of the body forward and back.

Fig. 22. Whetting the Beveled Side of a Chisel.

Fig. 23. Removing the Wire Edge from the Plain Side of a Chisel.

To remove the wire edge, lay the flat side of chisel or plane iron, flat on the oil stone as shown in Fig. 23 and move it back and forth three or four strokes. Under no circumstances should the end of the iron be raised or lowered so that it won't lie flat on the stone.

Until one becomes thoroughly familiar with tool sharpening the whetting of both beveled and plain sides may need to be done more than once to insure a good cutting tool.