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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: darksidedsam on January 18, 2007, 04:39:00 PM

Title: How do you guys sharpen axes?
Post by: darksidedsam on January 18, 2007, 04:39:00 PM
Hi all ...

i hit a problem my axe is getting very blunt and i am not able to chop down trees anymore with it, thus no more bowmaking until i can sharpen it..

i got a flat oil stone and i got 3 in 1 oil

but i dont really know how to use it i dont ever seem to have much luck with it..

the oil stone is 8" long and has got a really course side and a smoother side..

any help would be nice?
Title: Re: How do you guys sharpen axes?
Post by: Pete W on January 18, 2007, 04:42:00 PM
I just use a file. If you want a finer edge use the coarse stone then the finer stone after you file the initial edge.
Use the stone just as if you are sharpening a knife.
Title: Re: How do you guys sharpen axes?
Post by: darksidedsam on January 18, 2007, 04:51:00 PM
you use a file a?

what kind of a file?
Title: Re: How do you guys sharpen axes?
Post by: Flesner on January 18, 2007, 04:54:00 PM
I use a 10 or 12 inch mill file. Does quick work and leaves a fairly clean edge. I've never found that I needed to stone it after the file.
Title: Re: How do you guys sharpen axes?
Post by: darksidedsam on January 18, 2007, 05:03:00 PM
i am using a needle file .. its taking its time but it is working!
Title: Re: How do you guys sharpen axes?
Post by: john gerrard on January 18, 2007, 05:04:00 PM
If you can find an old Boy Scout handbook I believe they had pretty good directions. Brokenwing
Title: Re: How do you guys sharpen axes?
Post by: darksidedsam on January 18, 2007, 05:19:00 PM
it getting fairly sharp but not sharp enough to cut paper..
Title: Re: How do you guys sharpen axes?
Post by: Crooked Stic on January 18, 2007, 05:51:00 PM
File it then use the stone if you want to shave with it.
Title: Re: How do you guys sharpen axes?
Post by: sidebuster on January 18, 2007, 06:14:00 PM
Check this tool I found on the internet.
http://gardenshoponline.com/toolcare/rotarymowertoolsharpener.html
Title: Re: How do you guys sharpen axes?
Post by: Falk on January 18, 2007, 07:11:00 PM
I use a disc grinder (?word) with some 80-120 grit 'paper' on a rubber disc - with good advantage and no problems. You have just to be carefull not to 'burn out' the edge. My grinder has adjustable RPM - so it's easy.
A file does a good job for finishing touches.
Title: Re: How do you guys sharpen axes?
Post by: Dryrot on January 18, 2007, 07:34:00 PM
I much prefer a good 18" medium duty chainsaw.   :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: How do you guys sharpen axes?
Post by: Onestringer on January 18, 2007, 07:37:00 PM
I agree with Dryrot.  CHAINSAW.
Title: Re: How do you guys sharpen axes?
Post by: Voodoofire1 on January 18, 2007, 07:43:00 PM
I use a 4 1/2" angle grinder with a flapwheel, works great and gets it shaving sharp very, very fast.
Title: Re: How do you guys sharpen axes?
Post by: Falk on January 18, 2007, 08:38:00 PM
Yes - I suppose thats what I wanted to say - I mean - "angle grinder and flapwheel" - thanks Voodoofire  ;)
Title: Re: How do you guys sharpen axes?
Post by: Ken999 on January 18, 2007, 09:08:00 PM
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/fspubs/99232823/index.htm  

I also use a mouse pad and wet/dry sandpaper on my hatchets.

http://www.mhcable.com/~yocraft/sosak/convex.htm
Title: Re: How do you guys sharpen axes?
Post by: Gordy on January 18, 2007, 09:44:00 PM
Chainsaw is my first choice too, but for an axe a mill file works great.
Try your best to hold an angle and stroke with one hand while rotating the axe head with the other.

Never tried chopping paper or shaving with my axe, but it will cut wood just fine.    :D    :thumbsup: