axe sharpener

[susan887]

can anyone tell me the type of place or a specific company that will
sharpen an axe

[michigander]

anyone with a grinder or angle grinder, no real science here- just get the angle of the grind close to what looks good to you, any home owner with basic tool knowledge could handle this.

[sammyd]

A file will work too.

[tyusclan]

Originally Posted by michigander

anyone with a grinder or angle grinder, no real science here- just get the angle of the grind close to what looks good to you, any home owner with basic tool knowledge could handle this.

Be very, VERY careful sharpening an axe with a grinder. You can ruin the temper very quickly, and the axe will become brittle and break.

A double cut file or a slow sharpening stone (like Uncle Jed used to use) are what you want to sharpen an axe.

[michiganfarmer]

Pay for the shiping both ways, and I will do it for you for nothing.

Ask some local harwares. They may know of a sharpening person who picks up, and delivers

[THETOOLMAN]

Originally Posted by sammyd

A file will work too.

I use a file also , always have. bring it by & i'll show you how. My dad made an axe so sharp with his bastard file that you could shave - then backed the edge off so it would not dull so fast
Dan

[NJ Rich]

I use a belt sander. Wear good leather gloves while doing this.

First: secure the ax to a work bench

Second: use the belt sander with a course belt sharpening away from the (handle) edge. If you use the belt sander towards the (handle) edge you will cut the belt off and you may get cut.

The rear handle of the sander will be away from the ax handle.

Third: Turn the ax over and secure it to the work bench

Fourth: grind this side.

I finish sharpening the ax with a good file working towards the (handle) edge.

Do not over heat the metal. A belt sander can overheat the metal faster then a grind stone. Take your time and work safely.

[agmantoo]

This is the absolutely the best item I have found for sharpening larger blades. http://www.lehighvalleyabrasives.com...irconia/Detail
I can sharpen the brush hog blades in short time to where it cuts like my best lawn mower. The flap disc will grind and polish at the same time. If you have a side grinder it is worthwhile to buy a few of these in various grits.

[Quint]

I'm ashamed to say it but I'm utterly ham fisted when it comes to sharpening. I've butchered more knives than I can count. I finally bought a lansky knife sharpener than holds the knife and stone in clamps and guides and I can get a sharp edge but freehand I'm freaking hopeless. I can put an ok edge on an axe with a file but it isn't overly sharp.

My dad tried and tried to teach me to sharpen but I have a terrible time. Just can't get the hang of it for some reason. Though I have found that diamond stones help me immensely.

[Old John]

I'll use the shop grinder if the axe is really bad, very carefully, so it doesn't
heat the blade edge.
But..., for touching up and keeping a nice sharp edge, I use a long, medium grit corborundum stone. It is kinda tapered a bit, and has a handle.
I'm not sure where I picked it up, hardware store some place.
It's too big a stone for knives. But, axes, hatchets & machettes, it is great.
Better'n a file. It makes a better edge.
You can go in a circular pattern too, if you want.
I think it was about $10 or $12, many years ago.

[VarmitSniper]

Originally Posted by Quint

I finally bought a lansky knife sharpener than holds the knife and stone in clamps and guides and I can get a sharp edge but freehand I'm freaking hopeless.

I love the Lansky, with a good knife I can get an edge that will split a hair in half. I an pretty good with an Arkansas stone too.

Originally Posted by michiganfarmer

Pay for the shiping both ways, and I will do it for you for nothing.

Ditto here, I usually start with a 120 grit belt on my strip sander and finish with 600 grit, then I go over it with a razor strop. Yes you can shave with the edge, no don't try it.

[Jolly]

I've always used a file.

Works just fine....