There is much discussion among artisans when it comes to improving the cutting behaviour of tools quickly and permanently, but the debate is settled here, where expert engineers and master craftsmen prove the benefits of sharpening blades and tools using methods based on time-tested Japanese water stone grinding techniques. Learn through detailed instructions how to get perfect edges on your chisels, planes, axes and hatchets, woodcarving and woodturning tools, drill bits, and handsaws in a tool-conserving and--in the best sense of the word--sustainable way, using stones, files, and specially designed machines. Manual sharpening has the added advantage that only as much material as absolutely necessary is taken off the steel. Founded on a scientific understanding of steel types and sharpening means and filled with valuable tips, this guide is a standard-setting volume and the ideal companion on the path to acquiring sharper and better edges on all your hand tools. AUTHOR: A mechanical engineer born in 1956, Rudolf Dick studied at the TU Munich, Germany, and received his doctorate in the special area of transformation techniques. As a longtime CEO of Dick GmbH Feine Werkzeuge he has always had great interest in the creative interaction of tools, humans, and materials. The foundation for this was already laid during childhood in the workshop of his father, who had a small business for producing things needed for musical instruments. During practical training at the toolshop of the shipyard at Deggendorf, Germany, his enthusiasm was finally ignited while forging and sharpening under the guidance of a master "from old stock.

" 252 colour photos and diagrams.