The wide tabletop has a plastic laminate surface.

After experimenting with many different sharpening techniques, I now primarily use Norton 1000 and 8000 grit water stones. The diamond plate on the left is a DMT Dia-Sharp Extra-Extra course. It's great for flattening water stones and rough work.

For plane blades and chisels I use either the Veritas Mk. II Honing Guide shown here, or a simple Eclipse style side clamping guide.