The video “Diamond Stone Sharpening a $uper Rare Stanley No. 2 Plane” is by Colin Kette. In this tutorial, Colin shares his thoughts on using diamond stones for sharpening tools, particularly focusing on the process of sharpening a rare Stanley No. 2 plane blade.
Colin begins by introducing the diamond sharpening stones provided by M Power Tools, which he claims have revolutionized his sharpening technique. For those unfamiliar with diamond stone sharpening, Colin reassures viewers that they are not alone, as many share the same skepticism and confusion about this method.
He dives right into the process, demonstrating the unboxing of the diamond sharpening stone, which comes with a handy bag, instructions, a wiping cloth, lapping fluid, and polishing blocks known as Jeweler’s Rouge. Colin emphasizes the importance of having these tools at hand for an effective sharpening experience.
Before starting with the blade, Colin stresses the importance of ensuring that the plane’s sole is flat. He explains that any warping can lead to uneven cuts when using the plane. To check for flatness, he applies lapping fluid to the diamond stone and gently moves the plane over it, showcasing how easy it is to achieve a flat surface.
Next, Colin shifts focus to the blade itself. He carefully removes the blade from the plane and highlights the significance of preserving the blade’s patina, especially since this particular blade is a collector’s item. He mentions that while the blade has already been sharpened, he will demonstrate how to ensure the back is flat before moving on to sharpening the bevel.
Using a thin steel ruler, Colin shows how to flatten just the necessary part of the blade, avoiding the need to flatten the entire blade. He again applies lapping fluid and demonstrates the technique of gently moving the blade back and forth on the diamond stone until all markings are removed, confirming that the blade is flat.
Once the back is flat, Colin explains the importance of setting the bevel angle, which is typically 25 degrees for most planes. He discusses the option of using jigs for beginners but reassures viewers that with practice, hand sharpening can be just as effective.
Colin begins the sharpening process, starting with a 300 grit diamond stone. He shows how to hold the blade at the correct angle and moves it back and forth, checking for any remaining scribe marks to ensure that the bevel is properly sharpened.
After sharpening the bevel, Colin moves to finer grits, polishing the blade with the 1200 grit stone. He explains that this stage is crucial for achieving a razor-sharp edge, demonstrating the technique of using lapping fluid and applying consistent pressure.
Colin then introduces the polishing blocks included in the sharpening kit. He applies Jeweler’s Rouge to the leather strop, showcasing how to polish both the back and the bevel of the blade, enhancing its sharpness and finish.
As he completes the polishing, Colin conducts a simple paper test to demonstrate the blade’s sharpness, effortlessly slicing through the paper. This visual confirmation of the blade’s sharpness is a satisfying conclusion to the sharpening process.
Finally, Colin shares his plain blade sharpening kit, revealing the various grits he uses and the tempered glass plates for maintaining flatness. He concludes by encouraging viewers to try diamond stone sharpening, emphasizing its simplicity and efficiency compared to traditional methods.
Colin’s approachable style and thorough explanations make this video a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their sharpening skills. By showcasing the benefits of diamond stones and sharing practical tips, he demystifies the sharpening process, making it accessible to woodworkers at any level.