Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Manual

Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Manual

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Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Manual

Safety Information

You will be creating incredibly sharp knives and tools with this sharpener.

Please handle them with care. Use caution to avoid cutting yourself.

General Power Tool Safety Warnings


Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference. The term "power tool" in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.


CHOKING HAZARD!
Small Parts - Not for children under 3-yrs.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Work area safety
    1. Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
    2. Do not operate power tool in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
    3. Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
  2. Electrical safety
    1. Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
    2. Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
    3. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
    4. Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
    5. When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
    6. If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.
    7. It is recommended that the tool always be supplied via a residual current device with a rated residual current of 30 mA or less.
  3. Personal safety
    1. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tool may result in serious personal injury.
    2. Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Safety equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
    3. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
    4. Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
    5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
    6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts. Air vents often cover moving parts and should also be avoided.
    7. If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
  4. Power tool use and care
    1. Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
    2. Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
    3. Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventative safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
    4. Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
    5. Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool's operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
    6. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
    7. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc., in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
  5. Service

caution Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

Darex, LLC
210 E. Hersey St.
Ashland OR 97520
USA
Tel.: 1 (800) 597-6170
Fax.: 1 (541) 552-1377
E-mail: techsupport2@darex.com
Internet: www.worksharptools.com

Langevin & Forest
9995, Pie-IX Blvd
Montreal, QC H1Z 3X1
Canada
Tel.: 1 (514) 322-9330
Fax.: 1 (514) 322-8140
Internet: www.langevinforest.com

More service centers at www.worksharptools.com

  • Do not dispose of electrical products with household waste. Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your local authority or retailer for recycling advice.
  • To replace a damaged power supply cord (Type Y), your power tool must be returned to the Service Center.

Specific Safety Rules


ALWAYS use proper safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses are NOT safety glasses. Also use face or dust mask if operation is dusty. ALWAYS WEAR CERTIFIED SAFETY EQUIPMENT.


Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:

  • lead from lead-based paints,
  • crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and
  • arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber (CCA).

Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals, work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.


Use of this tool can generate and/or disperse dust, which may cause serious and permanent respiratory or other injury. Always use NIOSH/ OSHA approved respiratory protection appropriate for the dust exposure. Direct particles away from face and body.


Wear appropriate hearing protection during use. Under some conditions and duration of use, noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss.

  • Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the abrasive belt may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a "live" wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool "live" and shock the operator.
  • Always hold tool firmly.
  • Use clamps or another practical way to secure and support the work piece to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body leaves it unstable and may lead to loss of control.
  • Avoid prolonged contact with dust from power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities. Wear protective clothing and wash exposed areas with soap and water. Allowing dust to get into your mouth, eyes, or lie on the skin may promote absorption of harmful chemicals.

SAFETY GUIDELINES — DEFINITIONS
It is important for you to read and understand this manual. The information it contains relates to protecting YOUR SAFETY and PREVENTING PROBLEMS. The symbols below are used to help you recognize this information:


Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.


Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.


Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

CAUTION: Used without the safety alert symbol (caution) indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.

The label on your tool may include the following symbols.

V Volt

Hz Hertz

min minutes

A amperes

W watts

alternating current

direct current

no no load speed

Class II Construction

earthing terminal

warning safety alert symbol

rpm revolutions or reciprocations per minute

Motor
Be sure your power supply agrees with nameplate marking. 230 Volts AC only means your tool will operate on standard 50 Hz household power. Do not operate AC tools on DC. This information is printed on the nameplate. Lower voltage will cause loss of power and can result in over-heating.

Extension Cords
When using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. The following table shows the correct size to use depending on cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Minimum Gauge for Cord Sets
Volt Total Length of Cord in Feet
120V 0 - 25
(0-7.6 m)
26 - 50
(7.6-15.2 m)
51 - 100
(15.2-30.4 m)
101 - 150
(30.4-45.7 m)
230V 0 - 50
(0-15.2 m)
51-100
(15.2-30.4 m)
101-200
(30.4-60.9 m)
201-300
(60.9-91.4 m)
Ampere Rating American Wire Gauge
More Than Not More Than
0 6 18 16 16 14
6 10 18 16 14 12
10 12 16 16 14 12
12 16 14 12 Not Recommended

Noise and Vibration Measurements:

Noise (measured values per EN 60745-1 and EN 60745-2-4)

A-weighted sound pressure level Lpa 73 db(A)

Uncertainty factor K 3 db(A)

A-weighted sound power level Lwa 84 db(A)

Uncertainty factor K 3 db(A)

Intended Uses:

  • Grinding, Sharpening and Honing applications on knives and tools.
  • Light duty grinding in metal.
  • Only for use with consumer applications.
  • Tool should only be used with sharpening cassette installed.

Unintended Uses:

  • Industrial or commercial grinding or sharpening applications.
  • Extended, continuous heavy duty use.

Sharpening Basics

What edge angle and why?
Our recommendations are based on our extensive testing and driven by three primary factors:

  1. Optimizing the edge angle for the intended purpose of the knife.
  2. Optimizing edge retention for the knife's purpose.
  3. Speed of sharpening process.

Why is a convex edge superior?
Our blade use and sharpness testing have taught us that a convex edge is a superior edge. The smooth radius edge type does not have 'shoulders' like a flat grind and creates less friction or resistance when cutting. A convex edge provides more steel behind the edge to support it, so the edge stays sharper longer. Lastly, our convex method thins the bevel when you sharpen the blade, while flat ground blades get thicker and thicker as you re-sharpen.

The Sharpening Process

Factory

Most knives are flat ground and have a smaller bevel height or surface area.

In Process

Re-sharpening to a lower angle and a convex grind takes time.

Continue to Next Grit

Sharpen until a burr is raisedbefore switchingto a finer grit belt.

Angle Changes - what to expect with a decreased angle:
Duration:
If you are sharpening a knife to an angle lower than the factory grind (example: factory 25° sharpening to a 15°), you should expect this process to take longer. This is due to the amount of material being removed to 'thin' the edge. Expect this reduced angle edge to be more prone to damage and edge rolling.

Bevel height: You should also expect the look of your edge to change if you are decreasing the edge angle. The height of the bevel will increase as the edge angle is reduced and create more surface area. This also increases sharpening time since the surface area of the blade being sharpened is higher.

Definitions of sharp:

  • Toothy Sharp: This is a sharp edge that has micro serrations at the cutting edge and is considered a 'toothy' edge since it bites into material. This is the ideal knife edge for general kitchen use and a working edge on a pocket knife for tasks like cutting rope or boxes.
  • Shaving Sharp: This is a sharp edge that has been sharpened / honed / refined past a Toothy edge. The micro serrations or 'teeth' have been honed away to reveal a smooth keen edge. This is the ideal edge for field dressing animals or cutting raw meat in the kitchen.
  • Shiny Sharp: This is a sharp edge that has been honed / stropped past a Shaving Sharp edge. This lower angle edge has a mirror reflective bevel that has little to no abrasive scratches in the surface finish of the blade and is the ultimate edge. No bleeding please!

The fastest way to a sharp edge: Toothy Sharp

  • Outdoor Knife: Angle = 25° | Speed = Low/Med

    • X65: 6-10 strokes, then X22 (2 strokes)

  • Kitchen Knife: Angle = 20° | Speed = Low

    • X65: 4-8 strokes, then X22 (2 strokes)

For a more refined cutting edge: Shaving Sharp

  • Outdoor Knife: Angle = 25° | Speed = Low/Med
    • X65: 6-10 strokes, then X4 (10 strokes)
  • Kitchen Knife: Angle = 20° | Speed = Low
    • X65: 4-8 strokes, then X4 (10 strokes)

For the ultimate cutting edge: Shiny Sharp

  • Outdoor Knife: Angle = 22.5° | Speed = Low/Med
    • X65, then X22, then X4 (10 strokes each)
  • Kitchen Knife: Angle = 17.5° | Speed = Low
    • X65, X22, and X4 (10 strokes each)

information Note: Stroke count is for each side of the blade.

Getting To Know Your Tool

Getting To Know Your Tool

Knife Sharpening Guide Adjustment

15° - 30° in 1° increments. Included (total) edge angle is 2 x the angle selected. Align desired angle with the indicator line on top of guide.

Speed Control Adjustment

Low speed (+/-) is 1200 SFM
Mid speed (+/-) is 2000 SFM
High speed (+/-) is 2800 SFM

SFM = Surface Feet per Minute

Belt Information

Belt Name Extra Coarse Coarse Medium Fine Extra Fine
Grit P120 X65 X22 X4 6000
Size Norton SG Norax 65µ Norax 22µ Norax 4µ SiC 2µ
What it Sharpens Tool Sharpening Knife Knife Knife & Scissor Gut Hooks
Uses Knife Repair Shape Sharpen Hone Serrations
  • Engineered abrasives are long lasting and should meet your sharpening needs.
  • Keep belts dry.
  • Keep clean for best performance and life.
  • 6000 Belt is narrow for improved gut hook sharpening.
  • Belt Grits are labeled on backing (µ = micron).
  • For reference, belts are equivalent to: X65 (P220) | X22 (P1000) | X4 (P3000)

Abrasive Belt Wear
Belt discoloration is not an indicator of wear. Engineered belts expose new abrasive as they break down. Used belts may take extra strokes but will continue to remove material. These belts will keep going longer than you think.

Keep using them as long as they cut.

Setting Up Your Tool

Setting Up Your Tool

Slide guide onto cassette (A)
Snap into place. Pull firmly to release.

Cassette Lock Lever (B)
Push & hold to rotate cassette from sharpening to grind mode.

Edge Guide: Pull & Rotate (C)
Clockwise to use, Counterclockwise to raised position.

Bench Mounting (D)
Use 1/4" 20 fastener to secure tool.

Belt Change:
Lift & hold Belt Change Lever to remove belt. Route belt around all 3 pulleys, then release the lever. Be sure belt is within pulley flanges. Lay tool onto its back for easier belt changes.

Belt Tracking Lever
Push lever inward, then slide up or down to track belt onto the center of the top pulley.

Trigger Lock
Pull trigger & push button in to lock "on" position. Pull trigger to release. Not intended for use when knife sharpening, use for grinding applications only.

Sharpening Guide:
Rotate knob to select angle. Align number with mark on top.

Removing the Sharpening Cassette:

  1. Remove belt from sharpening cassette.
  2. Push and hold lock lever and rotate cassette to position shown.
  3. Dismount cassette by pulling outward.
  4. Locate this same position to re-install sharpening cassette or attachments.

Know Your Knife

Kitchen Knife

Kitchen Knife Overview

Outdoor Knife

Outdoor Knife Overview

Blade Types

Blade Types

Sharpening Reference Chart

Kitchen Knives
Pull rate: 1"/sec Use Edge Guide

Angle Speed X65 X22 X4 6000
Western 20° L 4-8 4-8 10 0
Asian 16° L 0 4-8 10 0
Paring 20° L 4-8 4-8 10 0
Cleaver 30° H 4-8 2-8 0 0
Bread X L 0 0 0 2
Number of strokes per side

Outdoor Knives
Pull rate: 1"/sec No Edge Guide

Angle Speed X65 X22 X4 6000
Pocket 25° L/M 6-10 6-10 10 0
Hunting 25° L/M 6-10 6-10 10 0
Fillet 20° L/M 6-10 6-10 10 0
Serrated X L 0 0 0 2
Gut Hook X M 0 0 0 2
Number of strokes per side

Best Techniques:

  • Resharpen using X4 only.
  • Follow the curve of the knife when sharpening for best results.
  • Use the Edge Guide on long or flexible blades when possible.
  • Masking tape can protect blade from scratching during sharpening.
  • Use a practice knife to learn.

Position belt at the very start of the edge with motor off.
Sharpening - Step 1

Place blade in guide then simultaneously power up and pull the blade.
Sharpening - Step 2

Sharpening Outdoor Knives

Reference Sharpening Reference Chart for recommended angle settings, belt selection, stroke count, speed and choice of edge type.

  1. Place the blade in the guide

    With power off, insert blade into right side of sharpening guide all the way to the start of the edge.
    Place knife to bottom and outside edge of guide slot.
    Do not put pressure onto / into the sharpening guide. It is intended to provide a reference point for blade position. Only use light pressure (weight of the blade) when using the sharpening guide to yield best results.

Best Techniques:

Pull and Rotate

When and why to use the Edge Guide:

  • Most pocket / outdoor knives are best sharpened without using the Edge-Guide since they often have thumb studs or belt clips that can obstruct full blade insertion.
  • It is helpful to support and guide long blades (fillet knives and machetes) through the sharpening process.
  1. Power on and Pull the knife
    With power off and blade placed in the guide, simultaneously squeeze the power switch and pull blade steadily through the guide (1" per second).
    Follow the curve of the blade as you pull through the guide. Keep cutting edge perpendicular to the belt for best and most consistent results.
    Sharpening Outdoor Knives
    Use only the weight of the blade – do not press down into / onto guide. Hover the blade and let the tool do the work for best results.
    Guide will 'tip over' if too much outer pressure is applied.
  1. Repeat and feel for burr

    Check for a burr by brushing fingers across/away from the blade edge.

Continue sharpening on right side of guide. Check for a burr every 2-3 strokes (see picture).

Sharpen only until a burr is created along the entire length of the edge or you reach the recommended stroke count found in the Sharpening Reference Chart.

If burr is not yet raised, See"Knife not getting sharp" in Troubleshooting section.

Repeat same number of strokes on other side of blade / sharpening guide.

Once the edge is shaped / formed, continue with finer grit belts using alternating strokes. Alternating strokes removes the burr and refines the edge faster.

See Sharpening Reference Chart for recommended belt use and stroke count based on the edge you want (Toothy, Shaving, Shiny).

Best Techniques (Avoid Rounding the Tip):
Maintain factory blade profile / shape:

Follow the curve of the blade so the edge remains perpendicular to the belt. Stop on belt.
Use this technique for these blade types:

Pull straight through the guide and stop on the middle of the belt. Do not lift the blade handle. Turn power off as knife tip contacts belt.

Use this technique for these blade types:

Sharpen Serrated Knives

Most serrated knives have a flat side and a bevel side on the blade; Sharpen only the flat side.

Only use the finest grit 6000 belt (purple, narrow) for serrated sharpening.

Place flat side of blade at the bolster / handle against the fine grit abrasive belt. Set to low speed and squeeze the power switch and pull knife steadily across the belt from bolster to tip. An 8" blade should take 8 seconds.

Repeat until no burr remains on flat side of blade and serration 'teeth' are sharp.

Sharpen Serrated Knives

Best Techniques:
Serrated knives can be sharpened with or without the Knife Sharpening Guide installed depending on height of serrated knife.

Only place serrated blades on downhill - right side of belt. Otherwise you risk cutting the belt.

Sharpening Fillet Knives

Reference the Sharpening Reference Chart for recommended angle settings, belt selection and speed. Otherwise sharpening a fillet knife is the same as other knives.

Use the Edge Guide to help support these long, flexible blades during sharpening to ensure a consistent sharpening along the entire edge.
Sharpening Fillet Knives

Sharpening Gut Hooks


Only use finest grit 6000 belt (purple, narrow) for sharpening gut hooks.

Place curve of gut hook over the belt on downhill side; allow belt to conform to blade's curve. Squeeze power switch; hone 2 to 4 seconds. Repeat on other side.
Sharpening Gut Hooks

Best Techniques:
Only place gut hook on downhill - right side of belt. Otherwise you risk cutting the belt.

Sharpening Kitchen Knives

Reference the Sharpening Reference Chart for recommended angle settings, belt selection and speed. Otherwise sharpening a kitchen knife is the same as other knives.

Most kitchen knives should be sharpened with the Edge-Guide.

  1. Place the blade in the guide

    With power off, insert blade into right side of sharpening guide all the way to the beginning of the edge or finger guard.
    Place knife to bottom and outside edge of guide slot.
  2. Power on and Pull the knife
    With power off and blade placed in the guide, simultaneously squeeze the power switch and pull blade steadily through the guide (1" per second).
    Sharpening Kitchen Knives
    Follow the curve of the blade as you pull through the guide. Keep cutting edge perpendicular to the belt for best and most consistent results.
    Use only the weight of the blade – do not press down into / onto guide. Hover the blade and let the tool do the work for best results.
    Guide will 'tip over' if too much outer pressure is applied.
    Continue sharpening on right side of guide only until a burr is created along the entire length of the edge or you have reached the recommended stroke count.
    Repeat same number of strokes on other side of blade / sharpening guide.
    Continue sharpening with finer grit belts using alternating strokes. Alternating strokes removes the burr and refine the edge faster.

Sharpening Scissors

Sharpen only the beveled side of your scissors. Marking the beveled side with a black marker will make it easier to see when the cutting edge has been sharpened.

Use the X22 belt at medium speed to sharpen scissors.


Once scissor blade is properly placed in Sharpening Guide, squeeze power switch and simultaneously pull the scissor blade steadily through the guide.

Repeat 1-2 more times or until marker is removed from cutting edge.

Repeat on other scissor blade.

Test scissors for sharpness. Continue sharpening as needed.
 Sharpening Scissors

Grinding, Polishing, Deburring

Grinding, Polishing, Deburring - Step 1
Remove Sharpening Guide. Pull up firmly.

Ensure the Edge Guide is in the raised position and that the Knife Sharpening Guide has been removed before grinding.

Push Cassette Lock Release Lever to rotate cassette to grind mode.

Use the P120 belt and high speed for light sharpening and grinding tasks.

information NOTE: Tools such as these do not require sharpening to a precise angle; just let the belt conform to the edge of the tool. It will take longer to restore an edge to severely damaged tools.
Grinding, Polishing, Deburring - Step 2

Best Techniques:

  • Always clamp or fixture work piece before grinding for optimum safety.
  • Let the tool do the work. Do not overload the tool during grinding. Abrasive selection and belt speed are already optimized.
  • Only sharpen tools on the right hand / downhill side of the belt.
  • Tool Grinding Attachment available for heavier grinding tasks.

Tool Grinding Attachment

Tool Grinding Attachment Overview

Push lock release lever and rotate knife sharpening cassette to position shown, pull outward to remove cassette.

  1. Install pulley drive hub onto tool using provided Left-Hand Thread Hub Fastener – turn LEFT to tighten and RIGHT to loosen, do not over-tighten fastener. Be sure the drive pulley is properly aligned onto the keyed motor shaft.
  2. Install metal Tool Grinding Attachment by pressing inward and rotating forward.
  3. Push in and turn tensioner to install / uninstall belt. Use tracking lever to center belt on pulley.

Belt Information:

P60
Norton ZA
Grinding

Belt Selection and Education:
P60 grit Zirconia Alumina belt from Norton is designed and intended for grinding tasks in metal.

Best Techniques:

  • Remember – Lefty Tighty / Righty Loosey on Hub Fastener.
  • Keep tool and attachment clean for optimum life and performance.
  • Avoid overheating tool.
    • Allow tool to cool to room temperature between rated operating periods.
  • Speed Setting: Use at full speed for optimum performance.
  • Always secure work piece and wear eye protection when grinding.

Blade Grinding Attachment

Blade Grinding Attachment Overview

Belt Information:

Grit P120 X65 X22 X4 12000MM
Size Norax SG Norax 65µ Norax 22µ Norax 4µ SiC 1µ
Use Blade Repair Shape Sharpen Hone Strop

For reference, belts are equivalent to: X65 (P220) | X22 (P1000) | X4 (P3000)

Installation
Push lock release lever & rotate knife sharpening cassette to remove cassette.

Install Blade Grinding Attachment by aligning the chassis to the keyed 'on / off' position then rotate into 'sharpening position'.

Install Hub Fastener onto drive shaft.

Optional: Use a clamp to secure to work bench.

Push in and turn tensioner clockwise to install / uninstall belt.

Use tracking knob to center belt on pulley.

  1. Choose either short or long center location for pulley depending on preference.
  2. Select desired sharpening angle by moving the Angle Adjustment lever.
  3. Tighten Angle Selection Clamp Knob to secure selected angle.
  4. Mount the belt of your choice based on task at hand (see belt information chart).
  5. Turn on power to medium speed and press switch lock out button.
  6. Ensure belt is properly tracking so it is centered on the pulleys.
  7. Place blade flat onto reference plate (see fig. 1).
    Blade Grinding Attachment Installation
  8. While keeping blade flat, move up onto belt surface and place the heel of the blade edge onto the abrasive. Use very light pressure on belt (3/16" deflection).
  9. Move blade flat across abrasive (1" per second) and stop the tip on the middle of the belt. Then pull blade away from the belt.
  10. Continue until a burr is raised along entire edge (count strokes).
  11. Repeat same number of strokes on other side of blade.
  12. Continue up the grit scale until desired sharpness is achieved.
  13. Ensure tracking and tension is properly set when you change belts.

Best Techniques:
Be mindful that accommodations will need to be made for every blade such as thumb studs, pocket clips, blade profile or handle design. Test run the blade through the process on both bevels without power first to ensure accommodations can be made before sharpening.

Do not over tension belt or it may negatively affect belt tracking.

Troubleshooting

Knife not getting sharp?

  • More strokes - Grind all the way to the edge. Continue until a burr is raised. Then progress to a finer belt.
  • Higher Speed - Slow belt speeds may not be removing enough material.
  • Coarser Belt - Coarser grit belts will remove material more aggressively.
  1. Problem: The tips of my knives are becoming rounded.
    Solution 1: Stop the tip on the belt while powering down the tool.
    Solution 2: Keep the blade edge perpendicular to the belt. To reduce tip rounding, follow the curve of the blade.
  2. Problem: The belt is cutting into the sharpening guide or edge guide.
    Solution 1: Use the belt tracking lever to re-adjust the belt position to center of the pulley.
  3. Problem: How do I feel for a burr at the cutting edge to know when to proceed to a finer belt?
    Solution 1: Slide your finger perpendicular and away from the cutting edge. The burr will feel like a small 'ridge' or 'wire' at the edge.
  4. Problem: My knives are cutting through my edge guide.
    Solution 1: Use much lighter pressure on the Edge Guide. Using only the weight of the blade provides best results.

Best Techniques:
Only use P120 on blades with edge damage, thick / wide edges or very hard blade steels (D2, S30V, 154CM, etc.). This belt will remove material and raise a burr very quickly. Use sparingly and check for a burr after every stroke.

Parts Index

Accessory List:
Replacement Belts:

WSKTS-KO Belt Kit (¾" x 12" belts): WSSAKO81113
Individual Extra Coarse P120 Grit Belt (¾" x 12" belt): PP0002934
Individual Coarse X65 Grit Belt (¾" x 12" belt): PP0003206
Individual Medium X22 Grit Belt (¾" x 12" belt): PP0003207
Individual Fine X4 Grit Belt (¾" x 12" belt): PP0002938
Individual Extra Fine 6000 Grit Belt (½" x 12" belt): PP0002409

Tool Grinding Attachment:
WSKTS-KO Tool Grinding Attachment: WSSAKO81111
WSKTS-KO Tool Grinding Belt Kit (¾" x 12" belts): WSSAKO81114
Individual Extra Coarse P60 ZA (¾" x 12" belt): PP0003110

Blade Grinding Attachment
WSKTS-KO Blade Grinding Attachment: WSSAKO81112
WSKTS-KO Blade Grinding Belt Kit (1" x 18" belts): WSSAKO81115
Individual Extra Coarse P120 Grit Belt (1" x 18" belts): PP0002770
Individual Coarse X65 Grit Belt (1" x 18" belts): PP0003208
Individual Medium X22 Grit Belt (1" x 18" belts): PP0003209
Individual Fine X4 Grit Belt (1" x 18" belts): PP0002943
Individual Extra Fine 12,000 Grit Belt (1" x 18" belts): PP0002952
Leather Belt Kit (1" x 18" belts with.5µ compound): WSSA0002782

Visit worksharptools.com for a full list of replacement parts.

Documents / Resources

References

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Manual

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