I am curious what bevel angle the timber framers prefer on their slicks. I just purchased a very nice Greenlee (vintage) 3" slick, and like most vintage tools I find, has not been in the custody of an individual who knew anything about sharpening tools. It has never been flattened (no evidence of even being rubbed on concrete, let alone a sharpening device) and the the bevel shows evidence of, actually, about 20 or 30 different bevels. It's a mess, and I need to regrind it, and am curious what angle you guys go with.
My main chisel sets are all vintage chisels, and I have assembled, over 25 years or so, a complete set of bench, paring, butt, and framing chisels (now completed by this slick) all made by Greenlee. The steel they used back in the day was excellent quality.
I use 25°/27°. The 27° Is a micro bevel. That makes it quicker for touch ups. This is lower than I use for my framing chisels because you don't hammer on a slick it doesn't need to be as steep.
That's what I was thinking. Thanks for the reply.
And, Yes, I will be using the tool as a paring chisel, not with a mallet.
Believe it or not, the current bevel is at roughly 45°.....I often wonder how these people live long enough to mess up a fine tool like this one. ::)
Done with the re-grind. It turned out well. I had to remove a lot of material. I measured, and the previous bevel (there were about 20 of them....sheesh what a butcher job) was around 45°. Now it's 25°
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/15890/Greenlee_slick.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1518648875)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/15890/Slick_grind_2.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1518649030)
With the handle, it's 30" long. Nice tool. I still have to hone the bevel and flatten the back.....tomorrow.