Maybe a little OT, how do you sharpen your ax?

[QBH]

Mine was way dull this morning. took it to the grinder, but I wasn't getting a nice uniform grind. Tried a file, which was better, but it was a really slow process. That might work better for me as a tool to maintain the edge.

I ended up using a 60 grit wheel, followed by a 120 grit wheel on a die grinder. That did pretty well, but I am guessing I am trying to reinvent the wheel. So again, what do you do?

Probably a Tormek would be just the ticket, but after just buying a SCUT, that is a little out of the budget now.

Larry

 

[Garandman]

I bought a Norton Abrasives stone that has coarse on one side, medium on the other. Bought their oil as well but anything works. Watched some videos on YouTube and it does a really nice job. You are supposed to go fine but I don't bother.

 

[Ed of all trades]

I always use a bench grinder with the guard removed, well really it never had one. The key is to grind the entire bevel because if you just do the edge you end up with a very blunt edge over time. Keep it moving and it worked well. Glad to hear you have the patience to do it with a stone.

 

[oldballs]

I use a 14 inch Mill file with the axe in a machinist vise. It works pretty fast for me, although I'm not in much of a hurry any more.

 

[bindian]

I use a course file. Grinding on an ax effects it's heat treating. I use the same file to file nicks on props.
hugs<<><><>>Brandi

 

[BethelHntr]

Use a file to re profile then hone with a stone. This video is helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I55QyJXHk2E

 

[square1]

When this isn't an option



I do it myself





Sirisly though, Fiskars has a tool specifically for my axe, when the time comes I plan to by one.

 

[RoMad]

If it is really dull I use my bench grinder gently. If you never let the edge get too hot to hold between your fingers you will not hurt the temper. I like to take a rough stone and finish it. Sometimes I use a file for a quick touch up. I have a collection of old axes hanging on my garage wall. I always sharpen them before I hang them up even though I may never use some of them again

 

[Gary Fowler]

When sharpening tools like axes, garden hoes, lawn mower blades, etc. I always use the sanding pad disk (Tiger Paws)for my 4.5" grinder. They remove the metal just about as fast as a grinder disk but don't heat the metal up like a grinder. You can get them in a variety of grits but 100 grit does pretty good for me.

 

[BKBoiss]

I use my bench top belt sander. I lay the axe down facing direction of travel of the belt and just rotate it around the curve of the axe edge. Really quick and easy and gives an even grind all the way across. I find with the bench grinder I always end up getting it uneven, probably in too much of a hurry.