Introduction to Hand Tool Sharpening Class

Join us for a hands-on woodworking class in Sydney where you’ll dive into the art of sharpening hand tools. Expert Luke Mitchell will guide you through the process of sharpening a chisel and hand plane blade, using high-quality Japanese chisels provided for practice and to take home.Don't worry if you're to sharpening - this workshop is designed to demystify the process and make it accessible for all. You'll learn how to maintain a sharp edge consistently and easily, using a variety of sharpening methods and media.Throughout the workshop, you'll get to explore different sharpening equipment, from hand-cranked grinders to Japanese water stones, and discover the pros and cons of each. You're encouraged to bring your own tools to sharpen, and there will be plenty of time to practice with the provided equipment under the guidance of the facilitators.By the end of the day, you’ll not only have honed your sharpening skills but also have your own set of sharpened tools to take home. Embrace the transformative power of learning a new skill and leave with the confidence to tackle your woodworking projects with precision and ease. This course is open to students 13 and older. Among The Trees accepts students under 18 in two groups:

• Students 13-15 years of age must attend all courses with a parent or guardian. This parent or guardian must also purchase a place in the course and take part. One parent/guardian is able to attend with multiple students.
• Students 16-17 years of age may attend a course without a parent or guardian present.

You can read our full Child Safe Policy on the booking page.

Beginner-friendly. This workshop is designed for beginners with no prior experience who have an interest in learning to sharpen and maintain a sharp edge on their woodworking tools.
  By the end of this course you will have:

• One freshly sharpened Japanese carpenter's chisel with a sheath to take home
• The ability to achieve a razor-sharp edge on chisel and plane blades
• An understanding of the different sharpening tools such as; grinders, oil and water stones, diamond and steel lapping plates and strops, and when to use them
• An understanding of sharpening options for different budgets
• An understanding of how to sharpen a variety of different-edged woodworking tools
• Time on the stones and the grinders to practise your technique

Attendees should wear clothes that they don’t mind getting a bit grubby. PPE will be available to use but attendees are encouraged to bring their own ear, eye and breathing protection.Attendees are also encouraged to bring in a tool or two of their own to sharpen. Appropriate tools to bring in include:

• Metal and timber planes such as block planes, smoothers (No.4), Jack (No.5), Jointer and scrub planes
• Router planes, rebate planes and combination planes
• Timber and metal spokeshaves
• Card scrapers
• Sloyd knives and hook knives
• Kitchen knives
• Hatchets
• Rasps
• Moulding planes

If you are planning on bringing in your own tool, particularly if it isn’t on the list, get in contact with us at Among the Trees so we can make sure we have everything ready for you. If you don’t have any tools to bring in, ones will be provided on which to practice.