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| Sharpening Brace Chisels http://luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=57765 |
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| Author: | Rick Cowan [ Wed Jul 22, 2026 4:05 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Sharpening Brace Chisels |
Hello all, I am curious how those of you who have a curved blade brace chisel sharpen them? I have a Hirsch Werkzeuge curved blade chisel for carving braces (very similar to the Two Cherries Brace Chisel that Stew Mac sells) but I have struggled to properly sharpen it as the bend in the blade does not allow me to set the correct angle for the bevel using my Veritas Mk II Honing Guide. I contacted the folks at Stew Mac but they admitted that they did not have any suggestions other than some generic tips on sharpening chisels (which most of us already understand). So I am turning to the experts. Lend me your thoughts on the best way to sharpen this fella. Attachment: Brace Chisel.jpg As always, many thanks in advance! Cheers! Rick |
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| Author: | Kbore [ Wed Jul 22, 2026 6:00 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Sharpening Brace Chisels |
I have the Two Cherries model and use the Veritas MkII guide as well. I've only stropped this chisel, so I'm following to read how others hold these. I would probably have clamped it in the holder, if thats even possible, then set the angle by eye and feel, and then made a mark on the angle plate. |
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| Author: | meddlingfool [ Wed Jul 22, 2026 6:11 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Sharpening Brace Chisels |
For these guys, I ditch the Veritas and switch back to the old cheapy roller that you have to adjust by eye. But I stopped using those for braces a long time ago. I have some mini planes made by Stephen Boone, and when I do use a chisel, I use a normal flat one with the corners rounded off ala Gore.   
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| Author: | DennisK [ Thu Jul 23, 2026 2:57 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Sharpening Brace Chisels |
I don't have a bent chisel, but Richard Kell type honing guides would probably work. Hold it against both bars and push it forward/back to set the angle, same as with any other chisel. I made an even better one with ball bearing wheels so it never skids, and a coarse threaded screw so it's quicker to adjust. The rods are press fit into the hub nearest to the knob, and sliding fit in the far hub. The screw is glued into the far hub, and it passes freely through the near hub. |
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| Author: | meddlingfool [ Thu Jul 23, 2026 3:10 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Sharpening Brace Chisels |
Look at that. I’d like to be a craftsman one day. |
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| Author: | Woodie G [ Thu Jul 23, 2026 5:44 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Sharpening Brace Chisels |
Side-clamping jigs for the swans and bent chisels in the shop. I have a Kell and a couple Lie-Nielsen jigs, and both work. For grinding, an 8" aluminum or steel crowned CBN wheel on a slow speed grinder and an adjustable angle rest handle that chore. I've always wanted to try a curved chisel for the slacker curves on the tone bars, but have stuck with 1/2" and 3/4" flat double bevel carving chisels (they are designed to register on the rear of the bevel for steering)... but carving chisels are twice the work when it comes time when honing is not enough. |
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| Author: | oval soundhole [ Tue Aug 04, 2026 10:52 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Sharpening Brace Chisels |
I don't have one of these chisels but do have an antique witherby chisel I use often for brace carving but was clearly bent and deformed from the forging process in a similar shape as these. I grind a hollow grind on the bevel with my tomek and sharpen free hand with Japanese waterstones, the results have always been quite good. |
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