How to sharpen a shovel: sharpening bayonet shovels at home - Russian dacha
A shovel is an indispensable tool for solving a large number of problems, especially in agriculture. But with frequent use, it can become dull, and therefore the work process will slow down significantly and become more complicated. It is still possible to solve this problem, but to do this you need to sharpen the shovel. And we will look at how to do this correctly in this article.
Shovel sharpening options
Before you begin the sharpening process itself, you also need to clean the surface of the shovel from any soil stuck to it, as this may complicate further sharpening.
To sharpen a shovel, you can use one of the following tools:
- File;
- Bulgarian;
- Emery machine;
How to sharpen a shovel with a file?
The oldest and traditional method of processing the surface of a shovel is sharpening with a file. The undeniable advantages of a file are its small size and low cost, which is why it can be found in almost every home. In addition, the working edge of the tool, processed with a file, is of excellent quality.
Sharpening a shovel with a file should be done along the front part of the edge
While working with a file, you can also control the thickness of the metal layer being removed, and this in turn will allow you to maintain the thickness along the frontal and lateral planes.
Another advantage is that when sharpening with a file, the surface does not overheat, which could change the physical and chemical properties of the metal. And because of this, the shovel will become dull much more often.
How to sharpen?
When sharpening a shovel with a file, to ensure its immobility, we need to fix its blade. For these purposes, you can use a bench vice. However, it is also not recommended to tighten them too much, as this may damage the stamped blade.
Next, take a file with a large notch and begin processing the front part of the edge. In this way we carry out the first rough processing of the product. It is recommended to sharpen the shovel only on the front side of the cutting part. But we move the file from the edge of the blade towards the handle.
Next, we need a file with a fine notch, with which we perform fine sharpening. Using this file, we adjust the surface to be treated to a thickness of 0.5 - 0.6 mm. At the same time, to preserve the metal from premature abrasion, it is recommended to perform work at an angle of 40 - 45 degrees. The width of the processed edge should not exceed 5 mm.
During the work, it is also necessary to ensure that there are no thin areas, since such areas quickly become dull, which is why the shovel will fail prematurely.
How to sharpen a shovel with a grinder?
Thanks to modern power tools, the process of sharpening agricultural tools has become significantly easier. For these purposes, you can use a grinder or a regular grinder.
Using such devices, you can sharpen a shovel blade in 1-2 minutes. But at the same time, this must be done extremely carefully, since if sharpened incorrectly, the metal can overheat. And this in turn will lead to a change in the structure of the metal, that is, the metal becomes soft.
When sharpening a shovel with a grinder, you need to monitor the temperature - it is unacceptable for the metal to overheat.
This quality is unacceptable for a cutting edge, as it will bend and quickly become dull.
In this case, you will have to process the surface of the shovel quite often, which can lead to its rapid abrasion. It is possible that you will not be able to work with such a shovel even for one season.
Since the rotation speed of the disc on a grinder is quite high, it will be quite difficult to achieve a uniform edge thickness. Consequently, the cut of the shovel will be of poor quality, which will make further work more difficult.
In addition, burrs and chips that are created due to the high processing speed can lead to injuries.
How to sharpen?
But if you decide to sharpen a shovel with a grinder, you need to do it extremely carefully. We fasten the shovel in a vice, and hold the sharpening tool so that the disk rotates towards the handle. Only the front part is processed, and the processing direction should be from bottom to top. We sharpen the back part of the working element only with shovels.
In order not to get too thin an edge of the surface being processed, do not press too hard on the grinder.
How to sharpen a shovel with an emery machine?
An electric sanding machine has the most optimal processing speed, which allows the cutting part to be processed with sufficient quality. Modern sanding machines have smooth stroke adjustment, so you can get the optimal rotation speed of the sanding wheel.
To obtain a more uniform surface of the cutting part, heavy abrasive wheels should be used. Wheels of this type are less susceptible to vibrations and vibrations during operation. Consequently, it is possible to obtain a more accurate amount of the removed layer.
Scheme of a sharpening emery machine
For better sharpening, the workpiece must also be firmly secured. In this case, a vice will no longer be suitable. But as a rule, modern emery tools have special stops that make it possible to minimize vibrations of the workpiece.
How to sharpen?
First of all, rough processing of the edge of the part is carried out. To do this, remove the top layer of metal to a thickness of 0.3 - 0.4 mm. Thanks to this operation, it is possible to eliminate all mechanical damage that may occur during the operation of the tool.
After this (relative to the abrasive wheel and at an angle of 40 degrees), we turn the workpiece and make uniform translational movements up and down. We carry out the processing until we achieve a thickness of the remaining layer of 0.5 mm. To prevent the possibility of overheating of the metal during processing, its surface should be watered.
After finishing work on the machine, we begin to adjust the part, which can be done with an ordinary file with a fine notch. Thanks to this procedure, it will be possible to remove defects that appeared as a result of processing (burrs, chips, tears, etc.). Otherwise, garden tools will quickly fail.
Working shovel handle
A properly sharpened shovel is not the only factor that will make the work easier. The handle of the instrument also plays an important role.
Its length must correspond to the height of the employee. A shorter lever can cause fatigue quickly. It is convenient only when digging narrow holes and wells.
Ideally, the total length of the shovel with the handle should reach the worker’s shoulder.
It is recommended to make it from hard wood (birch, oak, etc.), from even stem trees of 5-7 years of age. You can, of course, use soft woods (aspen, alder) for these purposes, but such a cutting will not last long.
Storage
It is recommended to use a dry, warm room to store the instrument. But in winter, it is advisable to lubricate the metal surface with automobile oil. This in turn will keep the edge from rusting.
Source: https://viridarus.ru/harakteristiki/o-tom-kak-zatochit-lopatu-zatochka-shtykovyh-lopat-v-domashnih-usloviyah.html
How to sharpen a shovel correctly!
Before you begin the sharpening process itself, you also need to clean the surface of the shovel from any soil stuck to it, as this may complicate further sharpening.
To sharpen a shovel, you can use one of the following tools:
How to sharpen a shovel correctly?
A shovel is an indispensable tool for solving a large number of problems, especially in agriculture. But with frequent use, it can become dull, and therefore the work process will slow down significantly and become more complicated. It is still possible to solve this problem, but to do this you need to sharpen the shovel. And we will look at how to do this correctly in this article.
Shovel sharpening options
Before you begin the sharpening process itself, you also need to clean the surface of the shovel from any soil stuck to it, as this may complicate further sharpening.
To sharpen a shovel, you can use one of the following tools:
- File;
- Bulgarian;
- Emery machine;
How to sharpen a shovel
It is simply impossible to work in a garden or vegetable garden without a well-sharpened shovel. Although these instruments are practically the same in appearance, the materials from which they are made can be completely different. Well-known manufacturing companies often produce products that do not require sharpening at all. These properties of the handy tool are due to the high quality of the steel used, which also leads to the high cost of the product.
Tool selection
There are several types of shovels for their purpose. Simple gardeners are accustomed to dividing them into two varieties:
- bayonet (for digging up soil, digging planting holes, ditches);
- shovel (for loading and unloading, carrying those materials that are free-flowing).
It should be remembered that you need to sharpen, first of all, the tools that will be used to dig up the earth on the site. They usually have blades that are rectangular or slightly tapering at the top. In this case, sharpening is carried out using approximately the same technology.
The most difficult thing is to decide on the selection of manufacturing materials, since these tools do not have parametric technical instructions.
You should know that they are made from carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, titanium, and a variety of alloys.
The handle is made from a variety of materials, from birch poles to a special aluminum alloy.
The metal blade itself can be made in different ways.
High-quality work, when good metal is heated strongly, but not melted, and in a softened form is stamped with a special press. Poor quality - simple stamping from a tin. Sometimes it is indicated directly on the metal that the shovel is made of rail, although in reality this does not at all guarantee the high strength of the tool.
Thanks to the use of modern technologies, products from the manufacturer Fiskars are very popular, characterized by good quality and resistance to wear.
You need to immediately put aside the shovel, on the surface of which cracks, scratches, and even more so various kinds of shells, creases, and bruises are visible. In terms of thickness, the metal used should not be less than two millimeters, and the edge knife itself should not be less than half a millimeter.
It is very important that the surface of the entire instrument is properly hardened, is not subject to damage, does not bend under slight pressure, and the handle is not loose. The weight of a high-quality metal workpiece should not exceed one kilogram.
Selecting a sharpening tool
It would seem that everyone knows how to sharpen a shovel, but it is impossible to do it efficiently without having special tools at hand.
Note: how well this work will be done is determined not only by the sharpening material, but also by the skill of the performer.
Suitable tools include: various types of files, whetstones, grinding machines such as grinders, sharpening machines.
The most suitable tool in this case is a sharpening machine equipped with two discs for coarse and finer sharpening.
Files and whetstones should be used. if the household does not have suitable electrical appliances.
And yet – how to sharpen a shovel correctly?
Before doing this work, you need to make sure that the cutting is planted firmly enough.
Indeed, in this case, the handle will allow you to secure the blade itself well. In another case, it is possible to clamp the tool blade in a bench-type vice, and place the handle itself in a special socket after sharpening is completed. It is not difficult to determine the choice of sharpening angle using factory processing, strictly observing its parameters.
Before starting this process, which threatens the possibility of injury, you should prepare protective equipment and, above all, special glasses, as well as canvas gloves.
Check the electrical wires supplying the electric current to ensure that there are no deficiencies in the insulating materials. Then thoroughly clean the metal sheet and the handle from adhering earth, or wash it with water and wipe it with a dry cloth.
Some people preface the process by beating the shovel blade by tapping it with a regular hammer, which makes it easier to sharpen the working edge of the shovel.
This is easy to do by grabbing the tool by the handle and securing the blade to a small anvil. It should be noted that this requires some experience, otherwise you can only ruin everything.
If you use a sharpening machine, the shovel and handle must be securely secured. Pressing with the help of a leg rest is ineffective and, moreover, quite dangerous.
In this case, you need to maintain a sharpening angle of approximately twenty degrees for the blade itself.
Don’t forget that the metal is only five millimeters thick, and if handled improperly, you can simply grind off the blade without improving its sharpness. When working with a file, you need to know that you will have to spend a lot of time, although, in principle, this is the only disadvantage.
While the advantages are much more significant: this tool is small in size and can easily fit in a workwear pocket;
it is easy to check how much the metal layer has been removed and sharpen it in full accordance with the need; the metal surface does not overheat, which could cause it to lose its properties. The sharpening process itself consists of several stages: cleaning the surface from soil and plant fibers; strong fastening to avoid injury; sharpen from the front side of the blade - from the edge to the wooden handle.
It is better to start sharpening with a coarse-grained tool, and then go through it thoroughly with a fine-grained one. At the same time, you need to monitor the uniformity of sharpening so that there are no very thin places, otherwise they will quickly become dull.
You can check whether you have achieved the required sharpness by taking the shovel by the handle and trying to cut a regular paper sheet with the blade or sharpen a wooden stick. If this does not work out, then sharpening the shovel has not been completed. In this case, it is better to contact a specialist.
You should know: when the metal blade of a shovel is made of poor-quality materials, it quickly becomes dull and bends instantly - in this situation, sharpening will not have any effect.
♦ Category: Garden tools.
Source: https://mirvinograda.ru/kak-zatochit-lopatu/
How to choose and sharpen a shovel correctly
A shovel is rightfully considered the most popular and frequently used garden tool. Caring for it is simple, but requires certain skills. Not every gardener knows how to sharpen a shovel correctly.
Meanwhile, this matter is simple and not labor-intensive. You just need to familiarize yourself with the rules and features of the process. The issue of preparing and sharpening garden tools is especially relevant at the beginning of the spring season.
But even during the operation of the shovel, it has to be adjusted (sharpened) several times.
Shovel sharpening options.
This can be done with:
- file;
- angle grinder (angle grinder);
- grinding machine.
Types of shovels and features of their choice
The effectiveness of straightening garden tools largely depends on the material from which it is made. There are 3 classes of shovels: gardening, construction, loading and unloading. All of them, according to the shape of the blade, are divided into 2 main types: bayonet and scoop.
Gardening:
- digging;
- excavation;
- universal.
Construction:
Types of shovels.
- copal pointed;
- digging rectangular;
- selection;
- selection faceted;
- mortar
Loading and unloading:
- sand scoops;
- scoop grains;
- coal;
- metallurgical;
- snow removal
A special type of shovel is sapper shovel. They are similar to a garden bayonet, but have a unique blade shape that allows this tool to be used as a bayonet and shovel. This equipment has standard blade and handle dimensions, which are strictly observed during the production of the product. Therefore, a mining shovel can be used as a tool for measuring distances.
Sharpening is required only for those tools that are equipped with a bayonet-shaped blade. Shovels are used primarily for moving bulk materials, so the sharpness of the edge of the metal blade is not so important for them. The success of sharpening a blade largely depends on what material it is made of.
Independent construction of a house from timber. More details>>
What are shovel blades made from?
The manufacturer of gardening and construction equipment does not always indicate what material it is made of. On shovels it is most often noted that they are made of rail steel (that is, from a rail that has served its purpose).
Table of steel alloys for shovel blades.
This material is not bad, but does not provide any guarantee of the quality of the canvas. In most cases, it is used to produce bayonet-type pointed digging shovels.
When choosing a tool, you need to pay attention to the thickness of the blade: it should be at least 2 mm. The optimal thickness of the cutting edge is 0.5 mm.
It is extremely important that there are no flaws on this part of the blade. It is recommended to choose shovels made from the following materials:
- carbon steel;
- stainless steel;
- alloy steel;
- alloys.
Preparatory stage
It is important to remember one rule: sharpening a shovel should only begin if the blade is securely connected to the handle. This will allow you to avoid injury to your hands during work and perform it efficiently, which is especially important when using power tools.
If you decide to sharpen using a grinder, it is recommended to prepare a bench vice, disconnect the metal blade from the handle and securely fasten it between the jaws of the tool.
While sharpening, you should not hold the shovel blade with your foot, pressing it against a block or stone: this method of fixation is dangerous.
Protective measures should not be neglected. When working with metalworking tools, glasses and gloves are required. It is recommended to check the integrity of the electrical cords of the grinder or sharpening machine. The blade of the shovel is thoroughly cleaned of dirt and wiped with a dry cloth, after which the edge is carefully inspected and the sharpening side is selected. It is best to carry out metal processing from the side on which it was done at the manufacturer.
Knocking the shovel blade
Scheme of a sharpening emery machine.
Before sharpening, it is advisable to beat off the metal blade (rivet it, pull it off). This process is similar to beating a braid, but in the case of a shovel it is not performed as delicately.
For this work, they used to have special tools on the farm: an anvil (“grandmother”) mounted on a massive block, and a hammer, one side of the head of which was made in the form of a cone.
Today, many craftsmen use improvised tools for beating or completely abandon this preparatory process.
However, it is he who largely determines the correctness and quality of sharpening the shovel. Experts assure that a “pulled” blade is much easier and more convenient to process.
In modern conditions, a regular hammer can be used for beating. The process is as follows: the metal blade is “pulled” with light blows of the hammer towards the cutting edge. If you plan to sharpen the side ribs of the shovel, they should also be beaten off.
How to properly sharpen a shovel with a file
The simplest and most commonly used method of sharpening a shovel is filing the cutting edge. Since this method is the most accessible, you should familiarize yourself with all its nuances. Among its advantages are the low cost and small size of the instrument, which allows it to be used in field conditions. In addition, when working with a file, it is much easier to control the thickness and uniformity of the metal layer being removed.
The shovel should be sharpened using the side of the file.
Stages of work:
- It is advisable to disconnect the shovel blade from the handle, but this is not absolutely necessary.
- Next, you need to fix the blade in a stationary position. A bench vise is suitable for this purpose. In field conditions, you can use heavy stones or hold the canvas with your foot, pressing it against a strong support.
- Primary metal processing is performed on the front side of the cutting edge using a file with a coarse cut. The direction of hand movements is from the edge of the blade towards the handle.
- Finish sharpening is done with a finely cut file. At this stage, the thickness of the treated surface is adjusted to 0.5-0.6 mm. It is important to maintain the optimal sharpening angle: 40-45°.
- The height of the cutting edge should not exceed 5 mm.
How to sharpen a shovel with a grinder
When using power tools, you must comply with the safety requirements described above. The main difficulty of this sharpening method is the high probability of overheating of the metal, which leads to a change in its physical and chemical properties.
The blade becomes more flexible and the cutting edge quickly becomes dull. The advantage of this method is that preparing the shovel for further work is done quickly - within 1-2 minutes.
When sharpening a shovel with a grinder, you need to make sure that the material does not overheat.
When working with a grinder, it is difficult to achieve uniform removal of the thickness of the metal.
Moreover, burrs and chips will inevitably form on the edge, which will have to be removed with a file.
Using an angle grinder is the most traumatic way to sharpen a shovel, so you should be extremely careful while working.
Basic rules for the sharpening process:
- the blade is securely fixed in a vice;
- the grinder disk should rotate towards the handle;
- the pressure should be weak and uniform;
- Sharpening of the back side of the blade is performed only for scoop-type shovels.
Sharpening a shovel using a sharpening machine
This method is more acceptable than the previous one, as it allows you to obtain high quality cutting edge processing. Modern machines are equipped with a disk rotation regulator, which helps to fully control the metal sharpening process.
The most uniform cut is obtained when using massive abrasive wheels. You should start the work with a rougher one and end with a finer notch. The main difficulty of this sharpening method is fixing the blade of the shovel. The use of a bench vice in this case is unacceptable, but modern models of machines are equipped with a special stop that allows vibration to be dampened as much as possible.
When roughing, a layer of metal 0.3-0.4 mm thick is removed. The shovel blade is held at an angle of 40° relative to the rotating emery wheel. Make smooth movements with your hands in the direction of the edge (up and down). Finishing is carried out until the tip thickness reaches 0.5 mm. Upon completion of the sharpening process on the machine, the edge is refined with a finely cut file.
Source: https://masterinstrumenta.ru/info/kak-zatochit-lopatu.html
Why are shovels sharpened and how to do it?
Surely someone asked the question: “why are shovels sharpened?” It should be noted here that the sharper the iron cutting part of the shovel, the easier it will be to use the tool for its intended purpose. Therefore, it is necessary to sharpen at a certain frequency to make work in the garden or garden more comfortable and convenient.
In addition, you need to know that tool sharpening has certain features. They lie in the physics of the process, which is determined by the quality of the product material. Shovels today are made from iron of varying qualities.
More expensive models are made of high-quality alloy steel, which holds its edge longer, but cheap products become dull much more often.
The physics of sharpening, as well as the chemical composition of the alloy used to produce the iron part of the shovel, also determine the method of sharpening that is most effective in each specific case.
The quality and physics of sharpening is determined not only by the quality of the product and the person’s experience, but also by the chosen technique. Today, in order to give the shovel the desired sharpness, the following tools are used:
- file;
- grinder or angle grinder;
- sandpaper with a sanding machine.
Let's consider each method in detail in terms of the features and physics of the sharpening process.
File
Using a file is the most traditional and standard method. The advantages of using this tool include:
- a file is always at hand;
- it is small in size;
- affordable price;
- ease of use;
- excellent sharpening quality.
As a result of using a file, it is possible to obtain an excellent quality working edge of the shovel. In addition, during the sharpening process it is possible to constantly control the thickness of the metal layer that is removed. Thus, we will obtain a uniform thickness of the metal in the lateral and frontal planes. In this case, you can obtain the most optimal physics in the operation of gardening tools.
Separately, it is worth noting that during the use of a file, the metal does not heat up, as a result of which its physical and mechanical properties do not change. When using other sharpening methods, these parameters cannot always be kept unchanged and, as a result, the shovel may begin to become dull much more often.
Sharpening with a file occurs according to the following scheme:
- blade fixation. It should be firmly fixed and not move. Many people use a bench vise for fixing. But here, be careful with the clamping force, otherwise you can damage the stamped blade;
- choose a file with a large notch;
- We process the front part of the edge with the tool.
As a result, you will carry out the first, rough processing of the shovel. Remember that this process should only be done on the face of the cutting part. The file is moved towards the handle from the edge of the blade.
After rough work with a file with a coarse notch, we arm ourselves with a file with a fine mesh and carry out a fine sharpening. At this stage, adjust the blade thickness to 0.5-0.6 mm. The angle of sharpening movements should be approximately 40-45 degrees.
Maintaining this angle will allow you to avoid premature wear of the blade. Remember that the width of the processed edge should not be more than 5 mm. Make sure that the thickness of the blade is uniform along its entire length.
Otherwise, thinner areas will dull faster, which will have a bad effect, so to speak, on the working potential of the shovel.
Bulgarian
In the modern world, many people prefer power tools. This allows you to automate and simplify many work processes, including sharpening dull tools. The grinder has gained the most popularity in this matter.
The advantages of using an angle grinder include the following points:
- speed of the process;
- ease and convenience of using the grinder.
If you spend some time with a file to get the shovel into working condition, then with a grinder you can handle it in just a couple of minutes. But here extreme caution and accuracy should be observed to prevent the blade metal from heating up and changing its physical and chemical properties. As a result of heating, the metal softens, and this in turn can lead to a dull cutting edge, as well as breakage of the main part of the tool.
In addition, allowing the metal to overheat will make the sharpening procedure more frequent. As a result, the edge will wear out much faster and you will need a new shovel for the next season.
But there are still more disadvantages to using an angle grinder than advantages. The negative aspects of its use include:
- high cost of the tool;
- difficulty of control;
- the need to have experience working with an angle grinder;
- possibility of overheating of the metal edge;
- the impossibility of clear control over the resulting edge thickness;
- the appearance of chips and burrs on the metal. And this is traumatic;
- the possibility of deterioration of the physical and chemical properties of the metal;
- difficulties in further operation of the shovel if the sharpening process is disrupted.
Thus, when using an angle grinder, you need to very carefully monitor the speed of the angle grinder. Here you should also secure the shovel well. In this case, edge processing is carried out from the bottom up. Moreover, sharpening the rear part is needed only for shovels. Remember, you only need to press lightly on the edge with the grinder.
Sandpaper
Another method for sharpening a bayonet is to use sandpaper along with an emery machine. This method allows you to obtain optimal processing speed, as well as high quality and sharpness of the cutting part of the tool. Adjusting the speed of the machine will help you achieve the required thickness in the shortest possible time.
When using a machine and sandpaper to obtain a sharp edge, the main thing is to securely and firmly fix the shovel. A vice won't work here. In this situation, it is necessary to use a special stop. First, rough sharpening is carried out, and then finishing.
Whatever type of tool you choose to improve the sharpness of a shovel, always follow safety precautions and operating rules. This is the only way you will achieve a positive effect.
“Sharpening a bayonet shovel”
If your farming process has noticeably deteriorated, use the tips for sharpening the handle that you will find in the video.
Source: https://plodovie.ru/instrument/ruchnoj/kak-zatochit-lopatu-8961/
How to sharpen a bayonet shovel?
The shovel should be razor-sharp, say experienced gardeners. Digging and chopping roots with a pointed edge is more convenient and easier.
Before you start working, you need to use a block on which medium-grain sandpaper is attached to clean the surface of the front and back sides from rust. A metal brush will do the job well. Metal fibers, unlike emery, will remove dirt from all recesses.
The easiest way is to sharpen with a file.
Many gardeners view Grandfather's proven method with a fair amount of skepticism. But in vain, it is simple, does not require much experience and expensive equipment. You can find a file in any country shed; working with the tool is quite simple. An important advantage is that the metal does not overheat. When working with a grinder or grinder, the blade heats up to 200 degrees or higher, and this negatively affects the condition of the shovel.
So, let's begin:
- Secure the blade with a vice.
- Use a coarse file to rough the front side, moving the tool from the edge to the holder. Inspect the blade and move on to the next step.
- Finish the sharpened edge with a velvet (fine) file. The thickness of the blade along the entire perimeter should not exceed 0.5 mm.
- Run a file along the cutting edge to remove any chips formed during the process.
Grinder – quickly and efficiently
Using a grinder with a metal disk, the work can be completed in 2-3 minutes, but such a fast and effective method is not without its drawbacks.
- Prolonged contact between the blade and the rapidly rotating surface of the grinder leads to overheating of the metal, the tip becomes vulnerable and brittle, quickly dulls and deforms.
- The desire to make the cutting part as sharp as possible leads to rapid abrasion of the edge.
- At high speeds it is almost impossible to make the edge the same thickness.
- Uniformity will have to be achieved with a thin file. They also remove burrs.
When working with electric tools, remember safety. The shovel must be securely fixed in a vice.
Electric sharpener - the optimal ratio of speed and quality
The design of the device allows you to adjust the number of revolutions of the sharpening disk. Typically, a disc for primary processing is installed on one side, and with smaller abrasive particles on the other. Unlike the methods already discussed, where the tool moved along the edge of the shovel, here the blade will have to be moved along the edge of the rotating sharpener.
To remove possible dirt and traces of rust, it is necessary to remove approximately 0.2 mm of the thickness of the cutting edge with a sharpener. Professionals advise watering the shovel with water from time to time.
Anyone who knows how to sharpen a bayonet shovel will say that you can’t do without finishing with a thin file. After chips and uneven surfaces are removed, wipe the shovel with a piece of cloth soaked in machine oil. A thin oil film will protect the surface from rust.
Source: https://www.cadeaux.ru/blog/kak-zatochit-shtykovuyu-lopatu
How to sharpen a shovel: sharpening bayonet shovels at home
Summer residents often have a question: how to sharpen a shovel? This can be done in different ways depending on the availability of the necessary tools. However, with any sharpening method there are a few points that must always be observed.
What is the purpose of sharpening shovels?
Sharpening and removing rust from a shovel is necessary to reduce the digging effort by making it easier to enter the ground and trim plant roots. It is worth sharpening the edge even on a new shovel, since they are made by stamping, and the equipment leaves the factory with an unsharpened cutting part.
Shovel shovels are usually not sharpened; only bayonet shovels require a sharp edge. Domestic tools must be sharpened, including shovels made from so-called “rail” steel. The equipment of many imported manufacturers, such as the popular Fiskars, should not be subjected to this operation, because it is made of steel of a special structure that ensures sharpness for the entire period of operation.
Where to begin
How to sharpen a wood hacksaw at home
Firstly, before properly sharpening a bayonet shovel, it should be cleaned of dirt and rust. You can do this using:
- grinder with wire brush;
- coarse sandpaper;
- metal brushes.
There are also chemical methods for removing rust.
Next, the tool should be securely secured in a vice or other way, and this should be done at an angle, since the shovel can only be sharpened correctly in this position.
Sharpening methods
How to remove a blade from a lawn mower
The shape and principles of sharpening for bayonet equipment with a rectangular or tapering blade do not differ and do not depend on the method of sharpening. When processing, there is no need to shorten the tool blade, but it can be narrowed.
Using a file
Sharpening with a file
This type of sharpening is the most time-consuming and tedious, but has advantages:
- mobility (the file can be easily brought to the country house or to the field);
- does not require electricity;
- metal overheating is excluded;
- It's easy to control the force and get optimal sharpness.
Only the outer edge should be sharpened. First, rough sharpening is done with a coarse file, then using a small tool or an abrasive stone the edge is brought to the desired shape.
Sharpening a shovel using an angle grinder (“grinder”)
Sharpening a shovel using an angle grinder
This method has an undoubted advantage - speed of work. But only a qualified craftsman can achieve the level of sharpening provided by a file, since it is difficult to sharpen a shovel efficiently using this method. You should use a regular metal disk, the direction of movement is from bottom to top. After machine sharpening, minor flaws will have to be removed with a file.
Important! When sharpening with an angle grinder, a lot of heat is generated. Care should be taken not to overheat the shovel and not to damage the structure of the metal. Otherwise, it will become soft and dull or deformed during use.
How to sharpen a bayonet shovel on an emery machine
The best option for the relationship between quality and speed is an electric sander (preferably with a heavy grinding wheel). Sharpening is done as usual, but you won’t be able to move the tool, so during 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 rotation speed, since this is how it is more convenient to sharpen a bayonet shovel.
Further care of shovels and their storage
Miracle shovel drawings and dimensions
To keep the edges of shovels (and other garden tools such as hoes, forks, etc.) sharp and prevent them from rusting, you should clean them after each use and allow them to dry before storing them in the shed. It is worth remembering that you should not sharpen shovels too often, as this reduces their service life. Tools should be stored in dry conditions, preferably on shelves or racks.
An excellent option is to store household equipment in a bucket with a mixture of sand and mineral oil.
If you do everything as described above, the purchased tools for working in the garden will last a very long time.
Source: https://7ogorod.ru/prochee/kak-zatocit-lopatu.html
How to sharpen a shovel at home no worse than factory sharpening?
Many people do not trust the traditional “grandfather’s” method of sharpening, which has existed for hundreds of years. However, a hand file has many “advantages” in the process of processing garden tools. Let's take a closer look at why it is more profitable to use it.
- Excellent edge quality. You will not be able to achieve exactly the same levelness when using a power tool, especially if it has a high rotation speed of the wheel. You will be able to regulate the thickness of metal removal and make uniform processing not only of the cutting front part, but also of the side planes.
- There is no overheating of the metal. Perhaps this is one of the most important advantages, since an ordinary grinder or electric emery heats the metal surface to a temperature of +200 degrees or higher, changing the physical and mechanical properties of the material. With the slightest resistance, it will wear off or become dull, making it impossible to cultivate hard soil.
- You can take it with you on the road. You can adjust the shovel directly at the workplace if large-scale work is planned far from a source of electricity or a vice.
And the most important thing is that a file can be found in any owner’s workshop, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money on purchasing an electric emery or any other device. Let's take a step-by-step look at how to properly sharpen a shovel.
Step 1 Secure the work surface.
The first step is to fix the blade so that it does not move under significant physical impact. It is best to use cleats, but without fanaticism - do not tighten too much, so as not to deform the stamping - they are quite fragile.
Step 2 Process with a “rough” file.
Now you need to take a coarse file and run it along the inside of the edge. You cannot sharpen the back side of the shovel (the one on which the holder comes out); we only process the front side. It is preferable to sharpen towards the holder, that is, the file stroke begins in the direction from the edge to the holder.
Step 3 Jewelry fitting.
Now you need to work with an ordinary, small file, with which you can adjust the blade to a thickness of at least 0.5 mm, and at an angle of no more than 40 degrees, so that the metal does not quickly wear off. Sharpening of the shovel should be carried out until the entire blade is no more than 0.5 mm thick at the very edge, and before that it should be processed with a fine-grained file.
Step 4 Removing sharp areas.
Now we take a square file and run it several times along the very edge to remove thin sections that will become dull at the first contact with the ground. 5-10 wires will be enough, then run them several times at an angle of 40 degrees to remove possible chips.
We figured out how to sharpen a shovel with a file, now you can go and try out the acquired knowledge in practice. But there are other ways to process garden tools, which have their own advantages and disadvantages; let’s look at them in more detail.
A modern tool allows you to automate the “grandfather’s” method as much as possible, but is it worth using it and is everything as smooth as it seems? The most suitable and fastest option is to process it with a grinding machine. Using a standard cutting disc, you can adjust the entire blade to the required thickness in 1 minute. This is perhaps the biggest and only “plus” of this tool. There are many more disadvantages:
- Overheating of the metal. It becomes very soft and dulls easily as you work in the garden , you will have to adjust it again and again, every week or even every 2-3 days. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that the abrasion of the shovel itself will be very fast and with a high intensity of its use, the tool can be destroyed in 1 season. It is not recommended to use it on garden tools, primarily garden hoes.
- Uneven edge thickness. It is almost impossible to adjust everything to the same thickness, especially at high speeds. Thus, the cut will be of poor quality, the holder will “pull” somewhere in one direction. The work is much harder and more inconvenient.
- A large number of chips and burrs will need to be adjusted with a file to avoid injury during transportation of the tool and subsequent work.
If you decide to give preference to this method and rely specifically on the speed of sharpening, and not on its quality and durability, then you need to securely secure the shovel in the grinders and start sharpening. The rotation of the grinder disk should only be towards the holder when processing the blade frontally.
Only the front side (the front part of the shovel) is processed, the direction is from bottom to top (the back part is sharpened only at the shovel). This way it will be possible to reduce the force (as much as possible when processing with a grinder) when working in the garden bed and cutting large weeds and dense soil .
How to sharpen a shovel using sandpaper and what you need to know
Electric emery represents the optimal ratio of work speed and quality of sharpening. The best option is with the ability to adjust the rotation speed.
It will be even better if the abrasive wheel has a lot of weight so that work can be carried out evenly without taking into account the vibration of the abrasive (as in the case of a grinder, when it is practically impossible to predict the thickness of the removed layer of metal).
In order to sharpen the edge of a shovel with high quality, following the advice of experienced craftsmen, you need to follow these step-by-step instructions.
Step 1 Fasten the tool.
Since it will not be possible to use cleats in this case, it is necessary to limit the vibration of the shovel as much as possible during this operation. This can be done using a special metal bar, which is installed on almost all electric sharpening machines. If there is none, find a stop for the holder.
Step 2 Draft.
It is necessary to remove 0.2-0.5 mm to remove all contaminants and eliminate possible mechanical defects. Next, we sharpen everything as usual, only we change the angle by moving the tool itself up/down, and not the abrasive, as was the case before. The minimum blade thickness is 0.5 mm. It is recommended to periodically spray the metal with water to cool it. An unsightly color may appear during sharpening, but the physical and mechanical characteristics of the metal will not change.
Step 3 Fitting.
Anyone who knows how to sharpen a shovel will say that without adjustment it won’t work. No matter how you sharpen the edge, you will need to sharpen it with a regular file, eliminate possible chips and over-sharpened areas so that the shovel serves faithfully for a considerable period of time. If this is not done, it will have to be sent to “service” in a few days when working on difficult soils.
We looked at several sharpening methods, now you can choose the one that suits you and go to the workshop for practical experience!
Source: https://grounde.ru/kak-zatochit-lopatu.html
How to sharpen a shovel with a grinder?
When performing work in the garden, you cannot do without a shovel. Experienced summer residents have several of them on their farm. Depending on the intended purpose, the most common are bayonet and shovel shovels.
At the same time, convenience and comfort when working with a bayonet tool is largely determined by the correctness and quality of its sharpening. Previously, only a file was used for this procedure.
However, at present, such a universal tool as an angle grinder (angle grinder), more popularly known as an angle grinder, has begun to be actively used for sharpening shovels.
Pros and cons of sharpening a shovel with a grinder
The main advantage of using a grinder for sharpening garden tools is the significant acceleration of this painstaking and responsible process. At the same time, many craftsmen agree that this is where the advantages of using an angle grinder end. In turn, there are many more disadvantages in the procedure under consideration. The main ones are the following:
- Due to the grinder operating at high speeds, the metal from which the shovel is made overheats. As a result, the structure of the material is disrupted, which negatively affects its strength characteristics. The metal becomes soft and quickly loses its sharpness. In addition, if it comes into contact with a hard material, which can even be a tree root, the bayonet may chip or even rupture the metal. This requires frequent sharpening of the tool (1-2 times a week) and leads to a reduction in the working surface of the shovel.
- It is impossible to ensure uniform sharpness over the entire sharpening surface. You will still have to use a file to bring the metal to the desired sharpness and thickness of the metal. Even a professional cannot do this with a grinder.
- Cordless angle grinders are not widely used. In this regard, it is necessary to have a reliable power supply.
- It is advisable to have sufficient confidence in the skills of working with an angle grinder. The slightest careless movement can result in injury or serious damage to the material being processed.
How to sharpen
If, despite the existing shortcomings, there is an urgent need to sharpen garden tools, and there is not enough time to work with a file, then you will have to use a grinder. A significant advantage will be that the angle grinder has a speed control function, the number of which should preferably be limited to a minimum value.
The algorithm of actions in this case is as follows:
- Garden tools must be cleaned of various types of contaminants. The surface to be treated must be dry and clean.
- Using a hammer and anvil, tap the tip of the bayonet, eliminating possible irregularities and bends.
- Next, the shovel should be securely fastened, eliminating the possibility of it moving. Working while holding a tool with one hand and an angle grinder with the other is inconvenient and dangerous due to injury. Usually the bayonet part is clamped in a vice. The main thing is not to overdo it with force and not to deform the metal.
- The grinder must be held in such a way that the rotation of the circle is directed towards the holder. After this, use light, smooth movements of the angle grinder to sharpen the surface of the working area according to the principle: from the edges to the center. Work only from the front side of the shovel, maintaining an angle of 35-450. Continue processing until the metal thickness at the tip reaches 0.4-0.5 mm.
- Final processing is done using a fine file. At this stage, you need to achieve completely uniform thickness and sharpening angle of the edge of the garden tool.
A mandatory requirement at all stages of work is strict adherence to safety regulations.
In conclusion, it should be noted that working on the ground using high-quality garden tools will require minimal physical and time expenditure.
Source: https://TehnoPanorama.ru/instrumenty/kak-pravilno-zatochit-lopatu-bolgarkoy.html
How to sharpen a shovel?
» Tools for working in the country.
A shovel is an indispensable tool in gardening work, so it is important that it remains sharp and that it is convenient to dig with it.
Sharpening a shovel with a file
Using a file has only a few disadvantages - it is a rather long and tedious process. But there are significantly more advantages. The file is small in size, which allows you to always have it at hand.
Manual sharpening makes it possible to control the thickness of the metal layer being removed and sharpen the shovel exactly as much as necessary. With strong heating, a change in the physical and mechanical properties of the metal occurs, as a result of which it becomes softer and more brittle.
But when working with a file, such strong heating does not occur.
How to sharpen a bayonet shovel with a file? First of all, it must be cleaned of adhering clods of dirt, plant debris, etc. and fix it motionless so that at the most inopportune moment it does not fall and cause injury.
Sharpening occurs along the front part of the cutting area of the shovel in the direction from the blade to the handle of the shovel. First, rough sharpening is done with a file with a large notch, then a tool with a fine notch is used to finish the blade.
When working, you must try to avoid the appearance of too thin areas on the edge of the shovel - they will quickly become dull.
We use power tools
How to sharpen a shovel quickly and without extra effort? To do this, you can use a grinder or a grinder.
You need to work with the grinder carefully. There are many reasons for this:
- The rotating disk of the tool can cause serious injury.
- When sharpening is too intense, the metal overheats, causing it to significantly lose strength.
- At high disk rotation speeds, it is very difficult to control the uniform sharpening of the shovel tip. With a high degree of probability, the cut will be uneven, with burrs and chips.
How to sharpen a shovel with a grinder? This must be done from bottom to top, being careful not to press too hard with the tool so as not to thin the edge. For safety reasons, be sure to protect your eyes with goggles and wear gloves.
A special sanding machine is much more efficient. It allows you to regulate the speed of rotation of the disk and makes it possible to select the optimal mode. In addition, modern machines are usually equipped with clamps that allow you to firmly secure the tool being sharpened and prevent it from oscillating during the sharpening process. To ensure uniform surface treatment of the shovel, it is recommended to use heavy abrasive wheels.
But no matter how hard a person tries to sharpen a shovel correctly on a machine, it is still a rough tool that will probably leave minor imperfections, and they will have to be corrected with a fine-cut file. At the same time, you should understand that even the most careful sharpening will not save a low-quality shovel from rapid breakdown. Therefore, when choosing a tool for working in the country, you should not skimp.
Source: http://samanka.ru/kak-pravilno-zatochit-lopatu.html
How and why to sharpen a shovel?
One of the most common tools in the garden is a shovel. Over time, the working edges may become dull; this phenomenon will lead to the unusability of the device. Therefore, gardeners often wonder how to sharpen a shovel, and what tools are needed for this.
Varieties, choice
According to their purpose, shovels are divided into:
- Bayonet. Used for digging up soil (vegetable garden, trenches, holes). During use, the working surface may become dull. Requires timely sharpening.
- Sovkovye. They are used for moving materials subject to flow, as well as work related to loading and unloading. Sharpened in rare cases.
- Sapper. Such a tool has found a narrow application for performing special tasks in combat situations.
Bayonet-type products differ from analogues in their shape. The working part is made in the form of a rectangle, or tapers at a certain angle. To sharpen edges of various shapes, the same methods are used, depending on the type of work. They do not have instructions in which the manufacturer indicates the base material. For the manufacture of tools the following can be used:
- steel with high carbon content;
- steel with the addition of stainless elements;
- alloy steels;
- titanium and alloys of various metals.
The handle is made from any type of wood, as well as some light metals. The working part is performed by hot stamping, and it is necessary to further treat the metal surface by hardening. During inspection, the presence of cracks, burrs and gouges is not allowed. The handle is securely fixed to the metal. If the shovel bends as a result of pressure, it is considered defective.
What is the purpose of sharpening shovels?
If you have to exert maximum effort while digging the soil, this means that you need to sharpen the shovel. This manipulation will make it possible in the future to carry out work on pruning small plant roots and digging turf soil. It is recommended to adjust the working edge of new shovels, since when manufactured with a hot stamp the edges are not sharp.
The bayonet type, made from steel from old rails, must be constantly adjusted. However, some devices do not require sharpening throughout their service life.
Sharpening tool
Sharpening a shovel involves using a high-quality tool. However, the speed of dressing the cutting edge depends on the skills of the worker. For quick sharpening, use the following devices:
- hand file with fine notch;
- angle grinder;
- hand-held sanding machine;
- industrial or benchtop sharpening machine.
A machine with two circles located on the same axis has become widespread. However, they differ in the size of the abrasive material. With the help of such a device it is possible to perform coarse and fine editing of the cutting edge. However, when using tools of complex shape, it is recommended to use portable, manually operated machines.
In the absence of electrically driven devices, you can straighten the working edge using files and sandpaper, but the process will take a lot of time. Using a grinder is possible if you have a metal processing disc.
Sharpening a shovel with a file
How to sharpen a shovel correctly
During operation, it is necessary to maintain a sharpening angle of up to 20°, while achieving a cutting edge thickness of no more than 0.5 mm. When using a power tool, do not apply excessive force, as this may result in metal defects or breakage of the grinding wheel.
To check the quality of work, you can use a sheet of paper or a wooden block. Use the edge of a shovel to cut off the edges; if you have to use force, then repeat the straightening process. There should be no dents, chips or burrs on the working surface. Even after sharpening, poor quality metal cannot be restored to its original sharpness.
Proper sharpening of a shovel
Sharpening with a file
Advantages of the method:
- High quality cutting edge. When using an electrically powered tool, the same result cannot be achieved. Use a file to regulate the thickness of the metal both on the working edge and on the side edges.
- There is no heating of the metal surface. When using a grinder and emery, overheating occurs, which leads to a change in the properties of the metal part of the shovel.
- Convenient to carry. The ability to straighten tools anywhere without having to find a power source.
When sharpening you must:
- Securely fasten the metal part. It is recommended to use a bench vice. It is forbidden to exceed the force when tightening the lips, as this may lead to deformation.
- Rough processing. First of all, editing is carried out with a file with a large notch. Move from front to back, reverse order is prohibited.
- Precise processing. The editing is carried out with a file with a fine notch, while achieving an edge thickness of no more than 0.5 mm.
- Removing sharp edges. A square profile file is used; with its help, edges sharpened at a smaller angle are removed.
Adjusting a shovel with a grinder
The disadvantages of this method are:
- The need for an electrical power source.
- As a result of critical heating of the metal, the technical characteristics of the edge decrease. This phenomenon leads to the fact that the edge quickly becomes dull in the future.
- The difference in the thickness of the edge of the shovel. High rotation speeds do not allow maintaining a thickness of 0.5 mm along the entire length of the tool edge.
- After processing, the metal must be additionally edited using a finely cut file. This will help avoid injury when transporting the shovel.
The only advantages include the speed of editing. When processing, the grinding wheel must be directed towards the holder. Only the front side of the instrument is sharpened.
Sharpening with an emery machine
For high quality edges, it is necessary to use machines with adjustable speed of rotation of the sanding wheel, as well as a large weight of the abrasive. This will avoid vibration during processing. You can sharpen a shovel by following these instructions:
- Securely secure the workpiece. In this case, the master needs to press the working part of the shovel against the stop on the machine.
- Initially, it is recommended to remove a layer of metal no more than 0.3 mm thick. This smooths out cracks and dents on the edge of the shovel. Subsequently, the angle of the workpiece relative to the surface of the grinding wheel is changed. During operation, for cooling, the edges must be watered. Dark spots will appear on the edge, which, however, do not harm the characteristics of the metal.
- Final straightening is done using a hand file. Burrs and microcracks are removed. Areas with excessive edge sharpness are removed.
How to sharpen a sapper blade
You can sharpen a sapper blade just like a regular bayonet blade - in any of three main ways. It is recommended to first beat off the edges of the metal part, which will further help reduce the loss of time on straightening the edge using a tool. The movements are carried out along the front side, only burrs are removed from the back.
Compliance with the instructions and safety requirements will help keep the tool in working condition for a long time and will reduce the effort when digging up soil on a personal plot.
Sharpening a shovel at home
Source: https://metalloy.ru/obrabotka/zatochka/lopaty
