Content:
Often, summer residents have a question - how to sharpen a shovel? This can be done in different ways depending on the availability of the required tool. However, with any sharpening method, there are several points that must always be observed.
What is the purpose of sharpening shovels
Sharpening and de-rusting the shovel is necessary to reduce the digging effort by making it easier to enter the ground and trim the roots of plants. It is worth sharpening the edge even with a new shovel, since they are made by stamping, and the inventory from the factory comes out with a not sharpened cutting part.
Shovel sharpening
Shovel shovels are usually not sharpened; only bayonet shovels need a sharp edge. Be sure to sharpen tools of domestic production, including shovels made of so-called "rail" steel. The inventory of many foreign manufacturers, such as the popular Fiskars, should not be subjected to this operation, because it is made of special steel structure, which provides sharpness for the entire period of operation.
Where to begin
First, before properly sharpening a bayonet shovel, it must be cleaned of dirt and rust. This can be done using:
- a sander with a wire brush;
- coarse sandpaper;
- brushes for metal.
Next, the tool should be securely fastened in a vice or in another way, and this must be done at an angle, since the shovel can be sharpened correctly only in this position.
Sharpening methods
The shape and principles of sharpening for bayonet implements with a rectangular or tapered blade do not differ and do not depend on the sharpening method. When processing, you do not need to shorten the tool blade, but you can narrow it.
Using a file
Sharpening with a file
This type of sharpening is the most time consuming and tedious, but it has advantages:
- mobility (it is easy to bring the file to the country house or in the field);
- does not require electricity;
- overheating of the metal is excluded;
- easy to control effort and obtain optimal sharpness.
Only the outer edge should be sharpened. First, rough sharpening is performed with a coarse file, then using a small tool or an abrasive bar, the edge is brought to the desired shape.
Shovel sharpening with angle grinder ("grinder")
Shovel sharpening with angle grinder
This method has an undoubted advantage - the speed of work. But only a qualified master will be able to achieve the level of sharpening provided by a file, since it is difficult to sharpen a shovel efficiently with this method. A normal metal disc should be used, the direction of travel is from bottom to top. After machine sharpening, minor flaws will have to be removed with a file.
How to sharpen a bayonet shovel on an emery machine
The best option for the ratio of quality and speed is an electric emery (preferably with a heavy grinding wheel). Sharpening is done as usual, but you will not be able to move the tool, so in the process you will have to move the shovel, observing the direction from the edge up.It is great if the sharpening machine has an adjustable speed of rotation, since this is how it is more convenient to sharpen a bayonet shovel.
Further care and storage of shovels
To keep the edges of your shovels (and other gardening tools - hoes, forks, etc.) sharp and free from rust, clean them after each use and let them dry before storing them in the shed. It is worth remembering that it is not worth sharpening shovels too often, as this reduces the service life. Store tools in dry conditions, preferably on shelves or in racks.
If you do everything as described above, the purchased tools for working in the garden will last a very long time.
