Sharpen axes with a belt sander!

R

Ripshin Lumberjack

Joined
Sep 17, 2014
Messages
120
Hi Everyone

I just replied to a member here on how to sharpen axes. After 54 years of axes I have come to the conclusion that my little 1 X 30(inches) belt sander is the way to go. I now currently own over 72 axes and ALL have razor edges from the 1 X 30 belt sander. I purchased mine years ago from Harbor Freight Tools for $33.00. It was on sale and I thought.... Why Not? Well..... the results were UTTERLY DRAMATIC! I was able to remove a tremendous amount of material from the axe blades with with no damage to the tempering of the metal. Most of the time the 800 grit is not necessary

I purchase the 40 to 80 grit belts from Harbor Freight Tools BUT must go to the internet to purchase belts in 180, 300, 600, & 800 grit belts. You should learn how to put a 22.5 to 25 degree edge on your axe. I do mine by sight and it works out fine. Go on You Tube and you will find tutorials on all of this.

You will save so much time and have such profound professional results you'll be amazed!

Hope you guys try this.

Sincerely

ripshin lumberjack
 
I don't "sharpen" mine on the belt sander but I will get the burr going and then switch to stones. I've spent a lot of time with my belt sander (2x42) and I have said it before, it's been one of my favorite purchases. I use it for a dozen different projects every week. It's very versatile for me and I am always happy when I purchase something and find it much MORE useful than I thought.
 
I love my harbor freight 1x30, I run and 80 grit then a 120 followed by a fine stone and it puts one hell of an edge on an axe
 
This is where I came into this forum! A word to the wise--when you post something about sharpening any axe with any power tool, please mention the danger of burning the edge. A lot of people that lurk here are not as skilled as they should be. A LOT of very fine old axes are ruined because of power tool sharpening instead of file and stone sharpening.
 
Old Axeman said:
This is where I came into this forum! A word to the wise--when you post something about sharpening any axe with any power tool, please mention the danger of burning the edge. A lot of people that lurk here are not as skilled as they should be. A LOT of very fine old axes are ruined because of power tool sharpening instead of file and stone sharpening.
Click to expand...

It's true. When you watch someone in a factory or a small shop who uses one for a living, they make it look easy (anyone proficient with any sort of tool does). But, like any tool, you have to learn how to use it. Just because it's a power tool doesn't mean it automatically makes your life easier. It'll ruin things just as easy.
 
We used a belt sander at the shop and on the job to sharpen hoes,shovels and other edged tools quickly. Then we maintained the edge with mill bastard files and pocket stones. You have to be careful cause you can overheat the edge.
 
I to own a 1x30 and sharpen evrything from knives to mower blades on it. Yes you need to be carefull not to overheat and ruin blades. But it is a very effective tool if used correctly.
 
Hi

You know, I really do the same as you do. I do the initial sharpening with the belt THEN use oil stones to finish the axe blade. WHY? Because the belt sander cuts the edge much
too thin. I use the oil stones to finish the edge because the edge will fold, break, etc. and the stones prevent this plus the edge is so sharp it is unbelievable.

ripshin lumberjack
 
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