The Work Sharp WS2000 is a "must have" for every hobbyist and do-it-yourselfer. It has a number of special features which make sharpening easier. Here are a few tips for anyone using the WS2000.
1. The WS2000 has a horizontal sharpening/grinding wheel rather than a vertical wheel like many bench sharpeners/grinders have. Horizontal wheels provide their users with more control and also a larger sharpening/grinding area so take advantage of it. Example: For a putty knife, lay the putty knife's blade on the right side of the wheel and then keeping the blade flat on the wheel, pull the blade back toward you. Use the same procedure to clean/sharpen the other side of the tool's blade. NOTE: Be sure and sharpen your tools only on the right side of the wheel; otherwise you may tear/damage the abrasive disk on the wheel.
Sander Tools
2. When using the Chisel Port to sharpen a chisel that is 1 5/8" or less in size. Be sure and place the chisel under the tool hold-down bar, flat against the bottom of the port, and on the right side of the port's alignment fence. Move the fence over against the chisel's left side and tighten down the fence using the fence knob. Keeping the chisel flat, push it into the port with light pressure for no more than one second and then pull it out. Continue using this push in/pull out approach until your chisel is sharp.
3. When freehand sharpening a tool or blade on the topside wheel, make use of the Top Tool Rest as much as you can. Using the tool rest gives you better control over your tool as you sharpen/grind it and also relieves some of the stress on your hands, arms, and shoulders. Remember that you can adjust the tool rest up and down to set it at the desired height.
4. Always wear safety glasses/goggles and ear protection when using any tool sharpener/grinder.
5. Periodically clean the sharpener to remove any sharpening/grinding debris that has accumulated. A small dry paint brush works well. Failing to remove this debris can cause some of the tool sharpener's components to wear prematurely.
6. If you have kids, be sure and make use of the removable "lock-out" key. Whenever you are not using your WS2000 tool sharpener, remove the lock-out key from the off/on power switch and keep the lock-out key in a separate place. Until you reinsert the lock-out key, the tool sharpener can't be turned on.
7. When putting an adhesive-backed abrasive disk on the wheel, it is important to make sure that the wheel is clean. Then, using both hands bend the abrasive disk into a "U" shape and match it up with the wheel's center hole. Next, flatten the abrasive disk against the wheel starting in the middle of the wheel and moving toward the outside of the wheel. When putting on slotted abrasives, make sure you align all of the slots on the abrasive with the slots in the wheel.
8. When sharpening/grinding, use the coarse grit first (if it is needed) and finish up with the fine grit.
9. Use the WS2000's bench mounting tabs to securely fasten the sharpener to your workbench. But, in doing so, use removable bolts or screws so that if you need to use the tool sharpener someplace else you can remove the bolts/screws and take the sharpener with you.
10. When you need to sharpen a wood carving tool, use a permanent black marker to darken the edge that you need to sharpen. This will help you see the tool's edge through the sharpener's Edge-Vision Port. Start your sharpening at the heel of the bevel and gradually work toward the tool's cutting edge. You can see what part of the tool is being sharpened by looking to see where the black marker coloring is being removed. If you need to increase your visibility when using the Edge-Vision Port just remove the tool rest.
11. When sharpening large tools like shovels or hoes, remove the tool rest from the sharpener to give you more working space.
The WS2000 is a great tool sharpener that will take care of almost all of your sharpening/grinding needs. Hopefully, these tips will be of assistance to you as you use your sharpener!