Free Hand Sharpening

Experience Level: ANY

Instructor: Jeff Warshafsky
REED Planes

Moderator:

Class Size: 15 students

Sessions: 1 Session at 1 1/2. hours

This course will be via Zoom.

Course Description

For this course we will go over how to sharpen plane blades and chisels with no jigs. The course will include why this is a good approach to sharpening, review what is sharp and what happens as a blade dulls. It will continue with hands-on demos of how to sharpen without a guide using different methods, including using a grinder. There will be emphasis on body and hand position to build the  muscle memory needed to free hand sharpen. We will look at the edges under magnification and use the tools so that you can see what the cut surface looks like.

This course will be structured as a lecture which will include a demonstration/presentation followed by a Q&A session. Participants are encouraged to sharpen along with he demo and request critiques on their technique. After the main session students will have the opportunity to take what they learned and practice then meet for an optional follow up session to share their experience and ask any questions they have.

Tools Needed

-A plane blade or chisel to sharpen 
-Sharpening media (sandpaper, stones, and/or diamond plates)
-A 10x magnifying hand lens to scratch patterns 
-A square to ensure the blade edge is square to the side

Course Cost*

 $40

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*If you qualify for a free course you will not be charged for anything. Application steps are in the registration form or click HERE to see if you qualify.

Course Dates

May 21st, 2026 from 6:00 pm EST to 7:30 pm EST

Please note! All registrations and applications are on hold until after Thanksgiving. We will re-open them after December 1st.