Sharpening Axes/splitters

[Carey Russ]

How are do you sharpen an Axe and a Splitter?

[Ed Norman]

I use a 1"X30" belt sander with a medium to coarse belt, maybe 60 to 30 grit. I keep the edge pointed down, and the belt turns in a down direction. If I am reshaping the bevel, I'll grind against the platen, if I am just sharpening, I use the unsupported belt section. I can get a shaving edge on any axe or hatchet in a hurry. If you turn the edge of the axe up, you will cut your belt in half, which is mildly thrilling.

Harbor Freight sells a 1X30 belt sander for $29 quite often.

[Quint]

Originally Posted by Ed Norman

If you turn the edge of the axe up, you will cut your belt in half, which is mildly thrilling.

lol. I can't tell you how hard I laughed when I read that. Maybe it is the sleep deprivation but that has to be the funniest thing I've read in quite a while.

[raymilosh]

if the blade is in really bad shape from hitting rocks or steel or some such, i'll use an electric grinding wheel to rough in a new cutting surface. If it's just dull, i use a flat file. I always clamp it in a vice. It makes the operation go much more smoothly. I try to be careful not to dull them as i really think that a really sharp axe is much more pleasurable to use than a pretty sharp one. People sometimes comment on how dangerously sharp my axes and hatchets are. I split wood almost exclusively with an axe, only rarely picking up a maul. The maul makes me tired too fast. I'm just a little guy, after all.
ray

[amelia]

Originally Posted by Ed Norman

If you turn the edge of the axe up, you will cut your belt in half, which is mildly thrilling.

I tried that on a guy's belt once, and the result was more than mildly thrilling.

[HeadnHome]

Try this link:

http://www.sctrails.net/trails/LIBRA...bs/fspubs.html

I think Part 7 under "Handtools for Trail Work" is the chapter on sharpening.

[mrglock27]

electric grinder, 20 bucks

[cabe]

I only use a file and wetrock, the heat from electrics will temper the metal so as to not allow for another sharpening. If you insist on electric try low speeds and plenty of coolant this will keep things cooler on the metal.I worked for a surveyor for years, and it was my job to sharpen dozens of cutting tools every day, I liked to be shaving sharp with all these because you will get hurt bad with dull tools -I have seen it so many times. Once a fellow was swinging real hard at an overhead Laurel limb and the ax failed to cut (very dull)and the limb sprang the ax back smack into the middle of his bald head.File sharpen your cutting tools and finnish with a wetrock to shave. Marty.

[caberjim]

Axe, maul and scythe - all I use is a metal file. Coarse on one side, fine on the other. Go up and back down on each side and the blade is razoe sharp again. Plus, you can stick it in a pocket and take it with you to maintain a sharp edge in the woods. Especially handy with a scythe.