The
Perfect Edge
The Ultimate Guide to Sharpening for Woodworkers
By Ron Hock
Hardcover
215 x 280mm
223pp
Published by Popular Woodworking Books, Ohio USA
R.R.P.$39.90
ISBN 978-1-55870-858-7
As reviewed in The Australian Woodworker Issue 152
This book's sub-title is: The Ultimate Guide to Sharpening for Woodworkers. Most reviewers (and probably most readers), would probably agree that the word 'ultimate' is often wrongly applied to books that really don’t measure up to the high standard that it indicates.
There is therefore a tendency when reviewing such a book to set little tests concerning its contents.
For example, in the present instance, does it discuss types of steel and steel composition? Answer: Yes. Does it discuss the main methods of sharpening in detail? Answer: Yes? Does it refer to the most popular sharpening/honing machines on the market (at the time of publication) by brand name and describe them? Answer: Yes. Does it talk about sharpening not only chisels but other edge tools — handplanes? axes? knives? Answer: Yes, yes, yes.
There are chapters set aside for carving tools and turning tools and mention is made of other tools such as handsaws, chainsaws, marking gauges and drill bits.
It's clear that the author has tried very hard to make good on their claim to be the Ultimate Guide. This is further borne out by the last chapter which presents microscopic photographs that provide an impressive view of what actually happens when an edge is honed with stones varying from a Hard Arkansas oilstone to a Shapton 16000-grit water stone.
Despite the very wide coverage, this is an easy book to read. The style is relaxed and informal; the photos and illustrations are clear and descriptive.
One section of the book deserves special mention. This is the chapter entitled: How Wood is Cut. Well illustrated with diagrams, this describes in detail the relationship between the wood and the sharpened edge during the cutting process.
Among the interesting topics covered is the way in which the nature of a rip cut changes with the height of a tablesaw blade - tending towards the cutting of more end-grain when the blade is high, but tending towards cutting with the grain as the blade is lowered.
Given the importance of sharpening to working quickly and successfully, this is a book that should appeal to everyone from the novice to the relatively experienced woodworker.
Photos: Colour
Units of Measurement: Imperial
Contents
Introduction
Why Sharpen?
What is Steel?
Abrasives
How Wood is Cut
The Fundamentals
Plane Irons
Chisels
Scrapers
Handsaws
Carving Tools
Turning Tools
Axes and Adzes
Knives
Drill Bits
Power Tools
Microscopic Photos
Resources
Suppliers
Index