1/8" chisel sharpening

[dawoodguy]

Serious question. What is the best way to flatten the back of a 1/8" chisel without it rolling? I have gouged a divot before and rounded edges. Frustrating.....

[barryvabeach]

Serious question. What is the best way to flatten the back of a 1/8" chisel without it rolling? I have gouged a divot before and rounded edges. Frustrating.....

If you go side to side, I would think it would be tough to avoid rolling.  I go front to back, and don't have that problem.  The Lee Valley  Chisel attachment for the Honing guide is great for keeping the bevel square.

[dawoodguy]

If you go side to side, I would think it would be tough to avoid rolling.  I go front to back, and don't have that problem.  The Lee Valley  Chisel attachment for the Honing guide is great for keeping the bevel square.

Is this what you are talking about? Veritas Mk.II Narrow-Blade Honing Guide - Lee Valley Tools
Thank you for your reply.

[Ron Brese]

Serious question. What is the best way to flatten the back of a 1/8" chisel without it rolling? I have gouged a divot before and rounded edges. Frustrating.....

There is just so little bearing surface it''s really easy to want to roll. Lighter pressure may help.

Ron

[AHill]

The key is holding the chisel steady in one position while flattening the back. You don't need to flatten the whole back - only the first 1/2' to 1". Grip the handle firmly and maintain that consistent angle. I like to move the chisel back and forth with the long axis. Apply pressure from your non-dominant hand on top of the chisel just behind the bevel. Check progress periodically and adjust as necessary.

[DaveBeauchesne]

The key is holding the chisel steady in one position while flattening the back.  You don't need to flatten the whole back - only the first 1/2' to 1".  Grip the handle firmly and maintain that consistent angle.  I like to move the chisel back and forth with the long axis.  Apply pressure from your non-dominant hand on top of the chisel just behind the bevel.  Check progress periodically and adjust as necessary.

+1 to what Allan said - practice also helps - Best of luck!

[bandit571]

+2..you do not need a honing guide's angle setting...to flatten the back of a chisel...

[dawoodguy]

Thank you to everyone for your input & suggestions.
Best
Ray

[rwe2156]

Skewing the chisel will keep it flat.

[bandit571]

Since I free-hand sharpen...I merely lay my index finger on top of the chisel, while doing the back of the chisel..right hand...left hand has a finger tip pressing on the end out by the bevel.  I work from the end of a stone...back and forth...