Thread: Plane sharpening: HSS steel and Naniwa SS not working

I'd have a look at DMTs... quick and they will probably be the most economic in the long run.

I've made marking knives and the suchlike from HSS from time to time: it takes a lousy edge and holds it well. I doubt very much whether it's worth chasing your tail trying to get a superb 8000 grit edge on that stuff: that's where ordinary carbon steel comes in. I wasn't aware of the existence of HSS plane irons, but I can certainly see the point in something like a frequently used jack plane used for roughing or a block plane for trimming laminate. I keep a plane to one side for finishing myself, with a heavy cast steel replacement blade (Clifton as it happens), but even that never sees anything finer than a 6000 stone.

I have sharpened HSS lathe tools on a 10" 4000 grits King water stone on a Tormek. It definitly sharpens, but how sharp compared to other steels?????? I was suprised at the application of HSS for a plane blade. Even A2 leaves a little bit to be desired compared to carbon steel on a plane or did I miss someting and you are talking about a power planer?

Originally Posted by Arrowhead

I've made marking knives and the suchlike from HSS from time to time: it takes a lousy edge and holds it well. I doubt very much whether it's worth chasing your tail trying to get a superb 8000 grit edge on that stuff: that's where ordinary carbon steel comes in. I wasn't aware of the existence of HSS plane irons, but I can certainly see the point in something like a frequently used jack plane used for roughing or a block plane for trimming laminate. I keep a plane to one side for finishing myself, with a heavy cast steel replacement blade (Clifton as it happens), but even that never sees anything finer than a 6000 stone.

Love that quote ! This has been a very interesting thread for me since I'm not knowledgeable on much of it. I probably won't ever need the newfound info but I love reading tech stuff on hones, steel and where the twain meet.