Hand Tool Sharpening Workshop

Sat Mar 21 2026 at 09:00 am to 12:00 pm UTC-04:00

Port City Makerspace | Portsmouth

Events at Port City Makerspace
Publisher/HostEvents at Port City Makerspace
Hand Tool Sharpening Workshop
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Learn the fundamentals of sharpening chisels, plane irons, card scrapers, and more in this hands-on demonstration workshop.
About this Event

Have you been wondering how to get your chisels, plane irons, card scrapers, or lathe tools truly sharp—and how to keep them that way? Are you hesitant to pick up a hand plane to flatten or smooth a board because the results aren’t what you expect? Do your chisels slide across the wood instead of cutting cleanly?

This workshop is designed to answer those questions and build your confidence with sharp hand tools.

We’ll cover:

  • How sharp tools should really cut
  • Differences between oil stones, water stones, diamond stones, and glass/ceramic stones
  • Basic hand plane anatomy (frog, cap iron, plane iron, sole, tote, lever, and more)
  • Recommended grinding and honing angles
  • How to sharpen chisels and plane irons
  • What a card scraper is, how to sharpen it, and how to use it effectively

Bring an old chisel or plane and sharpen it during the session. The workshop will be primarily demonstration-based, with plenty of opportunities for hands-on practice if you’d like.

Leave with a clear understanding of sharpening fundamentals—and the knowledge to take your tools to the next level of sharp.

If you would like to practice along, please bring an oil stone and some mineral oil. Please see the following link for Norton India Coarse Oil Bench Stone purchase details: https://bit.ly/3XIMG6B - $41 with shipping

Instructor: Elliot Stavnitsky

Please bring safety goggles.

Registration closes two (2) days before the event.

Attendees can receive refunds up to 7 days before your event start date.

Active members receive 25% off class list price with code: MEMBER.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Port City Makerspace, 68 Morning Street, Portsmouth, United States

Tickets

USD 55.20

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