Sharpen the ax like a carpenter : correct sharpening

What determines the way of sharpening the ax

First of all, determine what the angle of sharpening will suit you the most.In this feature affect the following points:

• breed of processed wood: different stiffness of the fibers, a different degree of twist and the number of branches and twigs strongly influence the choice of the angle;
• dry or wet wood: dry easily pricked, it is worth only a chipped edge of a log, but to wet the wood takes to ax went much deeper;
• type of work: scabbling require a more acute angle than chopping wood;
• metal ax: it is best for it to be the most durable;sharpen the ax will be difficult, but it will suffice for a long time sharpening.

second very important aspect of sharpening - the width of the bevel.The chamfer is that part of the blade which is mowed with respect to the thickness of the base metal tip.On the good new axes need to adjust the bevel does not occur, but the worn old ax with chamfer will simply bounce off a log, and not to cut it.

How to sharpen the ax right - like a carpenter

Identify good sharpening angle is not always easy.Especially as there are in addition to the angle and the shape of the blade.There are three basic types of shapes sharpened ax:

• straight (blade straight lines diverge to chamfer);
• oval (purposely blunts sharpening angle, chamfer to the convex line);
• shaving (angle sharpening very sharp lines to chamfer sunken).

The first case is the most popular and suitable for most applications, such sharpening lacks an adequate period of time.The second is used for soft and ductile rock blunts quickly.Zatuplivaetsya third faster than the others, but its initial results are very encouraging.

grinding angle depends on the destination of the ax.GOST dictates such parameters:

• construction tools 20 - 30 °;
• carpenter to 35 °.

However, these figures, as well as most of the guests, very average.Practice shows that sometimes to improve productivity should depart from the recommended standards, depending on the type of examination.

Carpenters recommend:

• chopping wood, felling small trees carry an ax with an angle of 35-40 degrees;
• cutting large logs, thick tree trees produce a blade of 25-30 degrees.

Another point, which we alluded to earlier - the width of the bevel.Many mistaken, what is important is only the blade and the bevel will not affect the quality of the ax, but it is not.It provides a smooth bevel and depth entry ax into the wood, so you need to make it to at least a well-kept than the blade.

In former times axes that have worn facet refers blacksmiths, and they corrected the situation by "procrastination".Today domestic forging tool receded into the background, and to find a specialist who is ready to do the job will not be easy.

give a second life to his ax, and you can independently, using double-descent method.To do this, grind the ax first wide strip at a small angle, and then spend more time sharpening the blades only, but at an acute angle.

What and how to sharpen the ax

can sharpen the ax hand, you can use the power tool.Craftsmen used for the case files, grinding stones, bricks roasted (!), Grinders, but if you want to get a really good result in badly sharpened tool, it is better not to resort to extreme experiments.

Electrosharpener easiest to use: fast, like effectively, not for nothing that the progress was.However, it is worth remembering that when heated metal ax, changes its properties, it becomes much stronger, but much more brittle.Half an hour of active work in such an ax - and elektrotochilu have to go back to clean up the chips.

Use an electric grindstone can be, but it is important in this case precautions:

• include sharpener is only at minimum speed;
• use only perfectly smooth stone (sharpening the ax to have the best individual);
• to make sure that the blade does not overheat;
• can be used to cool the water, if you are sure that it does not fall into the essential elements of the tool.

Important!In no case do not sharpen the ax grinder, metal from it overheats quickly.

manually sharpen the blade as possible, and make the blade brittle without major risk.However, in this case, the process will be more lengthy and time-consuming.It will take two stones: a large and fine crumb, leather belt or felt and patience.Depending on the method (double or single descent) and sharpening will occur:

1. Walk large crumb on the chamfer for cleaning and shaping (for a double descent).
2. razed minor irregularities with fine stone grit (for double descent).Make sure that the metal is not much warmed.
3. Repeat the same operation at the right angle with the blade of an ax.
4. belt or felt sand the surface sharpened to a perfect state.
5. can begin to carpentry.

Important!Before proceeding to the cabin, check the ax.Over a period of time until the instrument is not used, it can crack from dryness, and sudden movement of the head simply fly off with it, presenting a danger to you and others.If the wood rassohlas, put the instrument a few hours in the water - it's correct position.