Work Sharp KNIFE & TOOL SHARPENER User Manual

KNIFE

& TOOL

SHARPENER

USER’S
G U I D E

www.worksharptools.com

2 Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener

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 Safety Rules

WARNING! Read all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed

below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury. The term “power
tool” in all of the warnings listed below refers to your corded power tool.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

1) Work area safety

a) Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite

accidents.

b) 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.

c) Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool.

Distractions can cause you to lose control.

2) Electrical safety

a) 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.

b) 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.

c) Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a

power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.

d) 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.

e) 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.

3) Personal safety

a) 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

User’s Guide 3

or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of
inattention while operating power tool may result in serious personal injury.

b) Use safety 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.

c) Avoid accidental starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position

before plugging in. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or

plugging in power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.

d) 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.

e) Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This

enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.

f) 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.

4) Power tool use and care

a) 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.

b) 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.

c) Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any

adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such

preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool
accidentally.

d) 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.

e) Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving

parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the
power tools operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired
before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.

f) Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with

sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.

g) Use the power tool, accessories and belts etc., in accordance with

these instructions and in the manner intended for the particular type
of power tool, taking into account the working conditions and the

4 Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener

work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from
those intended could result in a hazardous situation.

5) Service

a) 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.

Specific Safety Rules

s 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.

s Always hold tool firmly.

s 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.

E WARNING: 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:

s ANSI Z87.1 eye protection (CAN/CSA Z94.3),

s ANSI 512.6 (53.19) hearing protection,

s NI05H/OSHA respiratory protection.

E WARNING: 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:

s lead from lead-based paints,

s crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products,

and

s 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.

s 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.

User’s Guide 5

E WARNING: 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.

E CAUTION: Wear appropriate hearing protection during use. Under some

conditions and duration of use, noise from this product may contribute
to hearing loss.

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.

E DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury.

E WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious injury.

E CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

may result in minor or moderate injury.

CAUTION: Used without the safety alert symbol (E) 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 .................. volts A .............amperes

Hz ................ hertz W ............watts

min .............. minutes

...........alternating current

............. direct current

n

o ............no load speed

................ Class II Construction ...........earthing terminal

E ................ safety alert symbol rpm .........revolutions or

reciprocations per minute

Motor

Be sure your power supply agrees with nameplate marking. 120 Volts AC

only means your tool will operate on standard 60 Hz household power. Do
not operate AC tools on DC. A rating of 120 volts AC/DC means that your
tool will operate on standard 60 Hz AC or DC power. This information is
printed on the nameplate. Lower voltage will cause loss of power and can
result in over-heating.

6 Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener

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 gage. The smaller the gage
number, the heavier the cord.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Minimum Gauge for Cord Sets

Volts Total Length of Cord in Feet

120V 0–25

(0–7.6m)

26–50

(7.6–

15.2m)

51–100

(15.2–

30.4m)

101–150

(30.4–

45.7m)

240V 0–50

(0–15.2m)

51–100

(15.2–

30.4m)

101–200

(30.4–

60.9m)

201–300

(60.9–

91.4m)

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

User’s Guide 7

Hand grip

3-position

power switch

Sharpening
cassette release
button —

on

front of machine

Sharpening

cassette

Belt-tracking

adjustment knob

Quick­lock belt
tensioner

Outdoor knife guide (50°)—

includes serrated knife and
scissor guides with magnet to
help position blades properly

Kitchen knife
guide (40°)

Abrasive belts—

P80 Coarse (Green)
P220 Medium (Red)
6000 Fine (Purple)

Cord

Grinding—on

Off

Sharpening—momentary

1

Getting to Know Your
Knife & Tool Sharpener

8 Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener

2

Setting Up Your
Knife & Tool Sharpener

Step 1

Slide sharpening
cassette release
button as shown to
rotate sharpening
cassette from
“parked” position.

Then rotate cassette to sharpening (

A)

or grinding (

B) position.

(A) Sharpen

(B) Grind

User’s Guide 9

Step 2

Install desired belt.

BELT SELECTION GUIDE

Coarse P80 GREEN for grinding and sharpening most tools

Medium P220 RED for knife & scissor sharpening

Fine

6000 PURPLE for honing knives

Push tensioner down
and make ¼ turn to the
right to lock in place.

Center belt on all
three pulleys.

Turn tensioner
¼ turn to the
left to release.

NOTE: Use red knob on

sharpening cassette to adjust
belt tracking. Belt must be
centered on all 3 pulleys.

These engineered abrasives are long lasting and should meet
your sharpening needs. They will last longer than you think.

Abrasive belts available at

www.worksharptools.com

10 Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener

Blade Handle

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

A. Point .....................The very end of the knife, which is used for

piercing

B. Tip..........................The rst third of the blade (approximately),

which is used for small or delicate work

C. Edge .....................The cutting surface of the knife, which

extends from the point to the heel

D. Heel ......................The rear part of the blade, used for cutting

activities that require more force

E. Spine ....................The top, thicker portion of the blade, which

adds weight and strength

F. Bolster ..................The thick metal portion joining the handle

and the blade, which adds weight and
balance and keeps the user’s hand from
slipping

G. Finger Guard .....The portion of the bolster that keeps the

user’s hand from slipping onto the blade

You Are Now Ready

to Sharpen/Grind.

3

The Anatomy
of a Knife

User’s Guide 11

Opposite View:

Guide in place

Top View

4

Sharpening
Kitchen Knives

Smooth-edged kitchen knives

Step 1

Slide kitchen knife guide
onto sharpening
cassette in
sharpening
position A.

Belt: P220 RED

Step 2

With knife
in guide,
squeeze power
switch, and pull knife
straight and steadily through

guide from bolster to point of blade.

8-in. knife should take 2 seconds per stroke.

NOTE proper knife-sharpening position; blade

against outer edge of guide. Place knife blade in
the guide so that the side of blade is rmly against
the outside edge of the guide slot. Insert knife
blade all the way to the bolster / nger guard.

TIP: Keep blade

against outer
edge of guide
as shown.

12 Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener

SHARPEN RE-SHARPEN

P220

RED

6000

PURPLE

P220

RED

6000

PURPLE

×

10

×

10

×
2

×

10

Step 4

Remove red belt, install purple belt. Hone knife.
Repeat Steps 2 & 3 alternating evenly until knife is
honed (5 strokes per side, 10 total strokes).

NOTE: When re-sharpening, use the red belt for 1 to 2 strokes

per side, then the

purple belt for 5 honing strokes per side.

Belt: 6000 PURPLE

Step 3

Repeat Step 2
now using the left
side of guide.

Repeat steps 2
and 3 for 5 strokes
per side (10
total strokes).

Your knife should now be tomato sharp.

If you choose, you can proceed with the

purple 6000

grit belt

and hone the edge for even sharper results!

User’s Guide 13

Opposite View:

Guide in place

Top View

5

Sharpening
Outdoor Knives

Pocket knives, hunting knives, combination

serrated blades, let knives, etc.

Step 1

Install red belt. Slide
outdoor knife guide
onto sharpening
cassette in
sharpening
position A.

Belt: P220 RED

Step 2

With knife in
guide, squeeze

power switch; pull
knife straight and
steadily through guide.

4-in. knife should take 1 second per stroke.

NOTE proper knife-sharpening position;

blade against outer edge of guide. Place
knife blade in the guide so that the side of
blade is rmly against the outside edge of
the guide slot. Insert knife blade all the way
to the bolster / nger guard. If the blade has
serrations, insert it up to the rst serration.

TIP: Keep blade

against outer
edge of guide
as shown.

14 Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener

Top View

SHARPEN RE-SHARPEN

P220

RED

6000

PURPLE

P220

RED

6000

PURPLE

×

10

×

10

×
2

×

10

Step 3

Repeat
Step 2 now
using the left
side of guide.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 for 5 strokes
per side (10 total strokes).

Step 4

Your knife should now be rope-cutting sharp.

If you choose, you can proceed with the

purple 6000

grit belt

and hone the edge for even sharper results!

Belt: 6000 PURPLE

Remove red belt, install purple belt. Hone knife.
Repeat Steps 2 & 3 alternating evenly until knife is
honed (5 strokes per side, 10 total strokes).

NOTE: When re-sharpening, use the red belt for 1 to 2 strokes

per side, then the

purple belt for 5 honing strokes per side.

User’s Guide 15

Flat Side

Beveled Side

Step 1

Install purple belt; install outdoor knife
guide (includes serrated guide).

Belt: 6000 PURPLE

Step 2

Place at
side of blade
against the
serrated knife guide
at the bolster / handle.
Squeeze power switch;
pull knife steadily across belt
from bolster to tip of blade; 8-in.
knife should take 2 seconds.

NOTE proper serrated-blade position: only place serrated blades on

downhill / right side of belt; otherwise, you risk cutting the belt.

Repeat 2 to 3 strokes.

6

Sharpening
Serrated Knives

NOTE: Serrated knives have a at side and a beveled side on the blade;

sharpen only the at side with your WS Knife & Tool Sharpener.

16 Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener

Use outdoor guide with

this portion of blade.

Use serrated guide with

this portion of blade.

7

Sharpening Knives
with Partial Serration

Step 1

Follow instructions
for smooth-edged
knives on the standard
portion of the blade
using the outdoor
knife guide.

Step 2

Follow instructions
for serrated knives on
the serrated portion
of the blade using the
outdoor knife guide.

User’s Guide 17

8

Sharpening Hunting Knives with Gut-Hook
& Blades with Deep Concave Curves

Step 1

Follow instructions for smooth-edged knives on the standard
portion of the blade using the outdoor knife guide.

Step 2

Belt: 6000 PURPLE

To sharpen the gut-hook, remove knife guide; install purple belt.

Step 3

Place curve of gut­hook over the belt on
downhill side; allow belt
to conform to blade’s curve.

Squeeze power switch;
hone 2 to 4 seconds.

Step 4

Repeat on other
side of gut-hook.

NOTE: Only use the

downhill / right side
of the belt or you
will cut the belt.

18 Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener

9

Sharpening Single-Bevel
Knives / Filet Knives

Step 1

Step 2

Install purple belt and hone beveled
side of the blade; continue using
the outdoor knife guide.

Belt: 6000 PURPLE

Follow instructions for smooth-edged knives on the
beveled side of the blade using the outdoor knife
guide and the

red P220 belt. Continue until a slight

burr develops on the at side (usually 5 strokes.)

Belt: P220 RED

TIP: It may be necessary to

repeat this alternating process
of bevel sharpening and
back honing to achieve the
sharpest results (no burr).

Step 3

Hone at side of the blade using the serrated
guide; continue using the outdoor knife guide.

User’s Guide 19

Magnet

Scissors

Guide

Step 2

Pull scissors
steadily
through guide
along full length of blade.

NOTE proper scissors-sharpening

position. Place scissor blade in
guide slot all the way to the hinge.
Guide magnet will help keep
the blade at and stable during
sharpening.

Step 3

Repeat Step 2 about 5 times or until black
marker is sharpened o at the cutting edge.

Step 4

Repeat Steps 1 to 3 on other scissors
blade. Test scissors, repeat as needed.

10

Sharpening
Scissors

NOTE: 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.

Step 1

Belt: P220 RED

Install the red P220 belt and
the outdoor knife guide
(includes scissor guide).

Hold scissors as
shown to keep
blades open during
sharpening.

20 Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener

Step 2

Clamp tool to
be sharpened
securely in
bench vise.

Squeeze power switch;
grind edge of tool until you
are satised with the sharpness.

Sharpening Tools

Shovels, Hoes, Axes, Pick Axes, Post-Hole
Diggers, & Other Edged Tools

11

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.

Step 1

Remove knife
guide, install

green belt; move

sharpening cassette to

grinding position B.

Belt: P80 GREEN

User’s Guide 21

NOTE: Some tools require the blade to

be inserted through the grinding frame
opening (as shown) to allow belt access to
the cutting edge.

Repeat 2 to 4 strokes or until you are satised with the sharpness.

Sharpening Tools

Pruners, Shears, & Other Bypass Cutting Tools

12

NOTE: These tools usually have only one sharp, beveled blade.

Re-sharpen ONLY the beveled blade. These tools do not require

sharpening to a precise angle; just let the belt conform to the edge of
the tool.

Step 1

Remove guide, install red belt; move
sharpening cassette to grinding position B.

Belt: P220 RED

Step 2

Clamp pruners in
a bench vise.

22 Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener

Step 2

Remove knife guide,
install

green belt; move

sharpening cassette to
grinding position B; grind
edge until you are satised
with the sharpness.

Belt: P80 GREEN

Step 3

Unclamp blade, rotate 180º and
sharpen other side of blade.

Step 4

Balance blade to manufacturer’s
specications and reinstall on lawnmower
following manufacturer’s instructions.

Sharpening Tools

Lawnmower Blades, Straight
& Curved (Mulching) Blades

13

NOTE: Lawnmower blades do not require sharpening to a precise

angle; just let the belt conform to the shape of the blade edge,
whether straight or curved.

Step 1

Remove blade from
mower following
manufacturer’s
instructions; secure
blade in bench vise.

User’s Guide 23

t Deburr tubing

t Grinding metal

t Grinding plastic

t Sanding wood

t Automotive

fabrication

t Any detail

grinding task

Grinding, Polishing,
Deburring

14

The WS Knife &
Tool Sharpener is the
ideal handheld grinder
for small tasks, from
deburring to polishing.
Remember, the tool is not
intended for heavy-duty
use; do not exceed 20
minutes use in 1 hour.

Belt: P80 GREEN

Grinding position B

6@QQ@MSX

1-year warranty on all WORK SHARP™ components; excludes abrasives.

Warranty for consumer not industrial use.

Complete and mail back the Warranty Registration in the
WORK SHARP™ box, or register online:

Darex LLC

WORK SHARP™

210 E. Hersey St.
Ashland, OR 97520 USA

www.worksharptools.com

PP0002521 4/10 Rev. 1

Phone:
1-800-597-6170
1-541-552-1301

Darex, LLC

P.O. Box 730

210 E. Hersey St.

Ashland,OR 97520 USA

Fax:

541-552-1377

Web:

www.worksharptools.com

WORK SHARP® is a trademark of Darex, LLC.

KNIFE

& TOOL

SHARPENER