Fig. 35.
Fig. 36.
To whet or sharpen the iron an oil stone is used. Oil stones are of different grades; a stone of medium hardness is best, as it will cut a little faster and leave a fairly smooth edge; whereas if the stone be hard much time is required to whet the iron, but it leaves a smoother edge. A coarse stone leaves a rough edge. Use oil that will not become gummy on the stone. Several good artificial stones have lately come on the market which give good service. To sharpen the iron, apply it as shown in [Fig. 36, 1 and 2], and move it back and forth as indicated in [Fig. 37].
Fig. 37.
Many persons sharpen their plane irons as indicated in [Fig. 38]; at first thought this may appear to be right, but many mechanics of long experience sharpen the “iron” as indicated in [Fig. 36]. This method gives a stronger edge, which is not so liable to get nicked when the iron strikes a knot or a hard spot in the work.
Fig. 38.
Great care should be taken to avoid giving the iron a rocking motion on the oil stone, as this will round the edge and the iron will not be any sharper than it would be if it were in the form shown in [Fig. 39].