There are several tools that are composed of a sharp edge or a blade of some sort. These tools like other sharp objects need to be sharpened after some time. We can sharpen most of these tools as we have the expertise and tools to cover all the specifics of each kind of tool.
- Axes and Adzes
Each type of axe requires a specific sharpening technique
Different types of axes (splitting axes, general-purpose axes, camping axes, carpenter’s axes, etc.) all require different sharpening techniques due to their varied uses. For example, a splitting axe does not have the same sharpening angle as a carpenter’s axe or a general-purpose axe. They need to be roughly shaped with a grinding wheel, then leveled with a file, followed by a finer sharpening on a soft stone, and finally polished to achieve optimum performance and razor-sharp edges.
Adzes (sculptor’s axe), with the cutting edge at a 90-degree angle, shaped like a gouge with a handle, undergo the same treatment but in a more elaborate manner due to their shape and use. Those shaped like gouges require specialized tools for sharpening and need to be as sharp as razors.
- Biscuit Joiner Blade
Biscuit joiners have gained popularity due to their speed and ease of use. They have small circular blades typically equipped with three to eight tungsten carbide teeth.
The teeth must be precisely sharpened to maintain balance and consistent cutting between them, ensuring a tight fit for the biscuits in the joints.
- Carpenter’s blades or wood scrapers
Carpenter’s blades, also known as wood scrapers, are used for finishing in woodworking. These blades need to be very sharp to prevent the wood grain from fraying. They also require a specific angle to be able to work properly.
They must be precisely sharpened and receive polishing to ensure no marks or streaks are left on the wood surface.
- Circular or Radial Blades
Several tools with various uses are equipped with circular or radial blades. These include table saws, circular saws, miter saws, and brush cutters, among others.
These blades usually have between 24 and 80 teeth, which need to be sharpened individually. Each tooth must have exactly the same sharpening to maintain consistent depth. The angle of the tooth surface is also crucial as it prevents the blade from vibrating and oscillating from side to side.
They are made of tungsten carbide, molybdenum carbide, or high-speed steel alloys, which are very hard and require specific machinery and precise calibration.
It is possible to sharpen blades that are not made of carbide but softer steel. They require the same process but with different tools.
- Circular saw or radial saw
This type of portable mechanical saw is designed to cut various materials on-site. It is equipped with a round blade with teeth on its perimeter, similar to a panel saw or mechanical miter saw. For sharpening these blades, see the section on radial or circular saw blades.
- Cold Chisels
Although made of hard materials, cold chisels tend to dull quickly due to their usage. The cutting edge strikes against a hard surface with each hammer blow.
When sharpening them, it’s essential to maintain the original angle to ensure the effectiveness of the impact and prolong their usability by maintaining strong resistance.
- Gardening Tools
It is advantageous and safe to seek professional sharpening services for even the simplest gardening tools.
A variety of tools requires different sharpening methods. Although they may appear easier to sharpen, the work of a professional ensures much greater durability, better quality, and less damage to your tools.
We sharpen common gardening tools as well as rarer ones, such as:
- Lawn shears (single-handed, double-handed).
- Spades.
- Pruners.
- Push or manual mowers.
- Lawnmower blades.
- Hand Saws
Hand saws come in various types depending on their dimensions, shapes, and teeth configurations, tailored to different cutting needs. Some are for rip cuts, others for crosscuts. There are even hand saws that cut on the pull stroke instead of the push stroke, like Japanese finish saws. Their sharpening process involves various combinations of different angles.
- Hedge Trimmer Blades (Electric or Gas)
Dull hedge trimmers are not very practical; they hinder branches from being cut. The serrated blades of hedge trimmers require a more complex sharpening process that is repeated for each tooth.
- Hole saw or hole cutter
This saw could also be called a drill bit as it is used to make holes. It is usually paired with a drill bit that guides the bell-shaped blade along its axis. Keeping it well-sharpened reduces friction and material burning.
- Miter saw
Miter saws are used in woodworking and carpentry to make precise angle cuts. They can be mechanical or manual and are mounted on a base with guides. Manual versions are a type of hand saw, while motorized versions have a large diameter circular saw blade. To prevent splintering or fraying of the wood, the blade must be kept sharp
- Mortise Chisels
Mortise chisels are precision tools that need to be well sharpened to achieve a beautiful finish and a good fit. A smooth finish on the interior of the mortise and the tenon improves the effectiveness of the glue joint. Entrusting the sharpening to a professional makes sense if we want to take the best care of our tools.
Some of these chisels have handles designed to be struck with a mallet, and after a while, they may break or wear out. We can replace broken or damaged handles and give your chisels a new lease of life.
- Pruning Saws
These saws are mounted at the end of long fiberglass or aluminum poles and are used to cut tree branches. They are designed to be very sharp as they need to cut quickly with minimal pressure.
- Router Bits
Router bits are made of extremely hard and durable materials like carbide. They are designed to cut through relatively tough materials like wood at very high revolutions per minute and must withstand the heat generated from friction.
Most router bits have curved blades, making them challenging to sharpen. These blades on these bits require professional sharpening with the right equipment and should not be entrusted to just anyone. The use of three different grits of diamond sharpening stones is necessary to achieve a sharp edge.
- Woodworking chisels or gouges
Woodworking chisels are tools that need to be sharpened properly to function correctly and safely. Entrusting their sharpening to a professional ensures that they are not damaged, burnt, or have their angles changed.
The finishing polish after sharpening also reduces friction, allowing them to slide through the wood fibers with less resistance.
