How to sharpen an ax: instructions for sharpening with photos and videos

No matter how high quality the steel used to make a sharpened ax blade, no matter how well it is sharpened at the factory, sooner or later it will become dull. We emphasize that it is always more advisable to spend time sharpening an ax than to use a blunt blade, wasting energy.

Immediately, we note that there is GOST, according to which the angle of sharpening of a construction ax is from 20 to 30 degrees, and for a carpentry tool – 35 degrees. These are, of course, averaged parameters, but the type of work for which the ax will be used must be taken into account. So, a blade that is too thin and sharp can simply get stuck in the wood and you have to make an effort to pull it out.

The easiest way to sharpen an ax by hand is to use a special sharpening stone. Due to its rounded shape, it is easy to hold in the hand, and the existing bend will help to maintain the correct angle specified by us above.

Also, a band file is often used to sharpen the ax manually. With it sharpening is faster, you have to make less effort.

This whetstone is simpler than the first one shown by us. It is versatile and can be used to sharpen any flat blade tool. It will be more difficult to maintain the correct angle of inclination. To make it easier to sharpen, it is more advisable to remove the ax from the wooden handle.

Another tool for manual ax sharpening. It is very convenient that the sharpening part itself is already created at an angle, that is, you do not have to worry about this moment, as well as remove the handle. On the contrary, it is she who will help to make maximum efforts and quickly sharpen the tool..

Grinder or grinding wheel. This is an abrasive wheel, which, thanks to electrical energy, receives a high rotation speed. This is already a power tool that should be handled with care. The rules for sharpening an ax on a grinder are as follows:

• the device should be securely installed on a flat surface;
• it is imperative to use a special holder on which the blade is attached opposite the sharpening stone;
• adjust the sharpening angle with a nut;
• the already existing sharpening angle on the chamfer of the ax can be underlined with a black marker so that, after making two or three circles on yourself with a sharpening stone, check its correctness.

You should also use a finishing paste, and the abrasive wheel itself, if necessary, bring it to a smooth surface using a conventional grindstone. After several circles of sharpening, the blade should be immersed in water to prevent overheating of the metal. This negatively affects the strength of the steel. Minimal beating of the abrasive wheel and regular stops can prevent overheating.

Important! A properly sharpened ax blade has no chipping.

Sharpening an ax with a grinder causes sharp criticism from professionals. Firstly, it is unsafe – sparks fly in different directions, it is difficult to hold both the grinder and the blade. Secondly, the metal overheats, and this, as we already wrote, reduces the strength of steel. It is highly likely that as a result of overheating, the metal will become brittle and chippings will appear. Third, it is difficult to maintain the correct sharpening angle..