In this course we will briefly touch on metallurgy, plane iron geometry, the definition of sharpness and techniques for controlling the aforementioned subjects. Attendees will bring in tools that need to be sharpened and some will be provided for those who don't have tools. We will focus on how to sharpen straight blades (plane Irons and chisels primarily.) In doing so, students will learn how to use bench grinders to rough out the geometry of their irons and the next steps of polishing and honing on water stones. Students will walk away with the knowledge of sharpness and how to attain it which is a critical and fundamental skill in woodworking, particularly when dealing with hand tools. If they brought in a tool of their own they will also walk away with a well tuned tool and the knowledge to maintain it.
