file cut question

B

bigdaddy99

Joined
Feb 1, 2005
Messages
21
Sorry to bother you - I'm new and looking for a file to sharpen axes and pulaski's with. I've read the posts about files, but I'm unclear as to what cut00, cut0 and cut2 really mean.

I'm looking at the valtitans here http://shorinternational.com/FilesGrobetHand.htm

If anyone could give me some advice as to which cut might be good for my tool sharpening needs I'd greatly appreciate it.

David Knapp
 
I don't even know what a Pulaski is. As for sharpining a Axe I wouldn't be concerned with getting the perfict file. Any fine file or bastard cut would do nicely. I would be more concerned with the bevel of the cutting edge. Sorry I can't tell you that as I just know the angle to file from what my dad taught me years ago.
 
The files listed are precision files for fine work mostly.Sharpening an axe is no big deal . A 10-12" file, flat or half round ,not too coarse will do the job.
 
AFAIK, a Pulaski is a bit like a felling axe with a mattock blade on the back. Very rarely see them in the UK.

For rough work, I use a 2nd cut file and leave it that that; for finer stuff, I tend to convex the edge on the belt grinder (around 30 degrees or so, but not exactly critical) and then maintain it with a coarse ceramic.
 
Here's a pic of a pulaski

http://www.benmeadows.com/store/product_group.asp?dept_id=7711

Sounds good that I don't need a specialized tool for the mattock end, but what about the axe end? I know that a dull axe is a dangerous axe. Are there any sort of guides out there that tell you when you have the correct angle on an axe?

I would be taking this out on backpacking trips to rebuild trail, so I'll need to be using stones and sharpeners rather than grinders.

Thanks!

David Knapp
 
The valtitans you are looking at are precision files.They are great for detailing blades and such,but too small and brittle for axe sharpening.A 10-12" number 2 cut bastard,and a 8" finishing file will do great.No need for anything exotic,a Nicholson file is a good file.
 
bigdaddy99 said:
... Are there any sort of guides out there that tell you when you have the correct angle on an axe? ....
David Knapp
Click to expand...
David,
Go to this site and have a look at "An Ax to Grind-A Practical Ax Manual" (It's in .pdf form) Part 7 covers sharpening. The rest of the manual is good reading as is a lot of other info on that site.
Regards,
Greg

The reader for .pdf files can be downloaded here.

Oh, and by the way, welcome to the forums!
 
I'd agree with BLDSMTH re the files. But if you have a knifemaker friend, it is hard to beat asking him/her to put the edge on your axe or Pulaski with a 2 x 72 belt grinder. Use the platten to do a wedge grind....do slack belt to create a convex grind. Start with a 60 to 220 grit depending on current edge.
Finish up with as fine as you like..say 600 grit and run it across scotchbrite wheel and buff as shiny as you want. Just another option....
edited to add that a variable speed grinder running relatively slow is bunches easier to use for sharpening than a single speed, and safer also.
 
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