Heat sink for sharpening
Grinding a chisel or plane iron generates a lot of heat,
and quenching the blade in water can create minute
fractures that can affect the quality of the cutting
edge. Oil will cool the metal more slowly and safely, but it’s messy.
Instead, try a passive heat sink scavenged from a computer
motherboard. This small square of metal (typically aluminum alloy)
is deeply grooved on one face, creating “fins” that help disperse
heat quickly. Before your tool gets uncomfortably hot to hold,
cool it down by pressing the flat face against the heat sink, which
will dissipate the heat in short order without damaging the steel.
—Hunter Clyde, Lancaster, Kentucky
Tips & Tips & TricksTricks
Illustrations except where noted: Christopher MillsPlace blade on
heat sink to cool.Here’s your chance to help someone
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Win Cash or a Prize!Heat sink recycled
from old computer