Popular Mechanics South Africa

THE SHARPEST TOOLS IN THE SHED

NO MATTER the type of woodworking you do, whether it’s pallet-wood plant boxes or mid-century modern reproductions, there is one unwavering constant – something that will give you true pleasure in your planing, joinery and finished pieces: This is the sharpness of your cutting edges.

When it comes to woodworking, tool sharpening is a primary gateway skill. Good quality woodworking requires a great deal of precision and deft tool control, and without truly sharp tools, these are nearly impossible to achieve.

When you start learning how to properly sharpen your woodworking tools, I recommend watching videos of respected cabinetmakers at work. Go on YouTube and watch Matthew Wolfe from Doucette and Wolfe Furniture Makers, Phil Lowe of the Furniture Institute of Massachusetts, woodcarver Mary May, and any other craftspeople at the top of their

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