WHY SHARP ISN’T ALWAYS BEST - DULL CHISELS
James Hamilton James Hamilton

WHY SHARP ISN’T ALWAYS BEST - DULL CHISELS

While sharp chisels are essential for most woodworking tasks, a deliberately blunt chisel can be a surprisingly useful tool for controlled paring and shaping, especially across the grain or on end grain. This article explains how to create a crisp blunt edge, when to use it, and the advantages it offers over ultra-sharp tools in specific scenarios.

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DO BEVEL ANGLES MATTER?
James Hamilton James Hamilton

DO BEVEL ANGLES MATTER?

Do bevel angles on chisels and hand planes really matter? Learn how bevel angles affect cutting, why most woodworkers overthink them, and which simple angles work best for planes and chisels in real-world woodworking.

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ADDRESSING THE STROPPING MYTH
James Hamilton James Hamilton

ADDRESSING THE STROPPING MYTH

Learn the truth about stropping woodworking tools—how leather, light abrasives, and proper technique can keep chisels and plane irons razor-sharp without expensive sharpening stones. This guide breaks down compounds, materials, and methods so you can sharpen faster, cheaper, and with better results.

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A QUICK AND EASY WAY TO SHARPEN TOOLS
James Hamilton James Hamilton

A QUICK AND EASY WAY TO SHARPEN TOOLS

Stop struggling with dull chisels—this drill-press method sharpens them in under a minute using acrylic discs, a simple jig, and Cubitron sandpaper. Fast, efficient, and precise, it keeps your tools razor-sharp so you can get back to woodworking without delays.

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