What is the propper prep for a die sinking chisel

[Clark Badgett]

I just tried to use a new flat die sinker chisel on a piece of scrap barrel I had laying around and the end of it snapped off, about a 1/64" worth. What is the proper way to sharpen it so I can use it to remove metal easily. Good thing I recently invested in good oil stones.

[jerrywh]

There are several different styles of die sinking chisels. What type do you have. A photo will help a lot.

[Clark Badgett]

It's this one that is pictured here. The #1. I've had it for a couple of years, just got around to trying it out. I bought it new and kept it in the tube until now.
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/engraving-tools-supplies/die-sinker-chisels/flat-die-sinker-chisel-prod25625.aspx

[jerrywh]

   Die sinkers chisels should be sharpened the same geometry as gravers. they must have a heal on them or you cannot come out of the cut. If you are trying to engrave with them you are wasting your time. Start with a small flat and put a 15° heal on it about .020 long

[Clark Badgett]

Thanks Jerry. I think I understand what you are saying. I'll stone out the broken tip and try your 15% heel. Must be why it broke when I was trying to lower the tool to bring it out of the cut. I'm not wantint o engrave with it, just trying to learn how to cut a pocket for the sight on my trade gun.

[smart dog]

Hi Clark,
I use those chisels a lot.  Here is how I sharpen them.  I use ceramic stones lubed with Balistol, water, and a little dish detergent mixed in a squeeze bottle.  I also have a 5/8" diameter steel rod, which I polished and hardened.  I hold the chisel like a pencil placing the face flat on the stone and hone it until well polished. Then I hold the rod on top of the stone right along the near edge, place the bottom of the chisel on top of the rod and the tip about 1/4" away from the far side of the stone.  I slide it back and forth to hone the heel on the stone.  The 5/8" rod keeps the chisel at the right angle to the stone to create the heel.

dave   

[smylee grouch]

I think it was Bruce LePage that showed me that same technique Smart Dog, easy to do and works great.

[Clark Badgett]

Hi Clark,
I use those chisels a lot.  Here is how I sharpen them.  I use ceramic stones lubed with Balistol, water, and a little dish detergent mixed in a squeeze bottle.  I also have a 5/8" diameter steel rod, which I polished and hardened.  I hold the chisel like a pencil placing the face flat on the stone and hone it until well polished. Then I hold the rod on top of the stone right along the near edge, place the bottom of the chisel on top of the rod and the tip about 1/4" away from the far side of the stone.  I slide it back and forth to hone the heel on the stone.  The 5/8" rod keeps the chisel at the right angle to the stone to create the heel.

dave   

Oh I can really do that. I'm fairly positive we have some extra 5/8" Thompson rod at work that would be perfect for that. How polished should I make the face of the chisel? I can go mirror bright with an old water stone I have laying around, but I'm not sure if that would be the way to go for a metal cutting tool.

[smart dog]

Hi Clark,
Mirror polish on the face is best and don't make the heel too large.  You only need 5-6 stokes or so to create and hone it. The key is to get comfortable with the sharpening technique because you must do it often with the die sinker's chisels.  They are not as tough as most graver blanks and need to be sharpened a lot when cutting steel. I use mine for the same purpose you are, cutting mortices in barrels for inlays but I also use them for sculpting cast silver and brass mounts.

dave