How to Sharpen Carving Tools

Book excerpt: Two tomes for almost every woodworking collection take solid approaches to their subjects. By executing the 15 projects the Bridgewaters propose, you can create 'instant antiques' that some finishing expertise could make indistinguishable from 'real' antiques. Most of the 15 require very few materials and could be done by the average weekend warrior in an afternoon. A couple, however, do require patience and skill and ought to be thoroughly checked out to avoid getting in over one's head. The book's discrete section of color photographs is welcome, although a single photo of each finished project in the chapter about it would have been more convenient. The Butzes' book might appeal more broadly if it covered sharpening saw blades and bits. But experienced woodworkers know that sharp tools are better and safer, and the techniques of sharpening the tools associated with woodcarving and lathe work are essential, so there is the audience--carvers and wood turners who want to know well how to sharpen their chisels and gouges. The many photographs of sharpening processes further help prevent average woodworkers from ruining their tools' edges--something worth several times the cost of the book. - Jon Kartman; 96p-