I'll start with a simple sharpening tip that I don't think I've seen anywhere else.
Often when you buy a new set of chisels, the maker will state what angle the primary bevel has been ground at, but when you buy secondhand chisels you have to find out yourself if you want to try and replicate it. Sure you can buy angle gauges that can tell you, but they can't keep you honest when you're freehand sharpening and ensure you stick to the correct angle. Recently I thought of putting an angle finder which has a built in magnet on the back of the chisel. It even stays put while you're sharpening, so you can stop once in a while and check you're maintaining you're chosen angle.
You basically zero the device on a known flat surface, stick it on the back of your chisel and raise the chisel to your desired bevel angle. Don't get hung up on the numbers to the right of the decimal point, the angle isn't that important.
Works with plane irons too of course.
Good idea? Bad idea? What do you think?
Andy -- Old Chinese proverb say: If you think something can't be done, don't interrupt man who is doing it.
