Axes

Tormek Live Sharpening Classes

In this episode Sébastien and Hugo walks you through sharpening of axes. They'll use the new and improved AX-40 Axe Jig. They'll also answers questions from the audience who watched the stream live.

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Keeping an axe sharp is essential for both safety and performance, whether you're chopping wood, carving, or using it in traditional crafts. A sharp axe not only requires less effort to use but also ensures cleaner, more precise cuts. Below, we’ll walk you through the steps to sharpen your axe effectively with the AX-40 Axe Jig, ensuring it stays in optimal condition for all your tasks, and other useful tips for your axe.

Step-by-step of how to sharpen your axe

Secure the axe in the jig, ensuring all six rubber cushions touch the axehead. Adjust the screw for a snug fit.
Choose the sharpening angle. You can either replicating the existing angle with the Marker Method or setting a new with the WM-200 AngleMaster. For a carpenter's axe or hatchet, a sharpening angle of 25-30° works well, while felling and hunting axes benefit from a more durable angle of 30-40°.
When sharpening, press your palm on the axe near the wheel. The axe will automatically be pressed up against the stop in the jig and the grinding is most efficient. Move side-to-side along the Universal Support to maintain even wheel wear. Raise a burr on both sides of the edge before honing.
Keep the jig on while honing to keep things simple if additional sharpening is needed, and apply Honing Compound to the honing wheel. Hone away from the edge, placing the axehead flat on the wheel and pulling it toward you to deburr.
For flat bevels, use the MB-102 Multi Base with a diamond wheel on the outside of the wheel.

Can you fix a damaged edge on an axe?

Even a heavily damaged axe edge can be repaired. Use a belt sander for major dents, then switch to a Tormek system to achieve a sharp edge. Alternatively, a Tormek T-8 or a Tormek T-4 with a coarse diamond wheel can handle the damage, but it’s more time-consuming for severe issues.

How often should you sharpen your axe?

There is no general saying in how often you should sharpen your axe. It depends on the usage and the hardness of the material the axe is used upon. You'll know it's time to sharpen your axe when it stops performing as it should. But, as a sharp axe is a safer axe, we recommend that you keep it in shape. The Tormek Sharpening System is developed to remove only the necessary steel, allowing you to sharpen your axe frequently without fear of excessive wear.

Tips for Axe Maintenance

Store Properly
Always wipe your axe after use and store it in a clean, dry place. Avoid environments that are too dry or warm, as they can cause the wooden handle to contract. Also, do not store the axe in wet environments as it risks rusting.

Use Oil to Prevent Rust
Use oil or grease on the edge to prevent rust, especially if storing it for an extended period, such as between seasons. By applying a thin coat of oil all over the axehead and then remove the excess with a cloth, you'll also take care of the handle and keep it from drying out and shrinking.

Sharp Regularly
As we said before; a sharp axe is a safe (and efficient) axe. Regular sharpening keeps your axe performing at its best.

Sharpening a convex edge

One of the new features of the AX-40 Axe Jig is the ability to sharpen axes with convex edges. It is specifically axes used for splitting wood that have a convex edge.The wedge shape easily separates the wood fibers, facilitating the splitting process.

Secure the axe in the jig, ensuring it’s stable and straight.
With the lower stop resting on the Universal Support, measure the angle using the Tormek Marker Method, or the WM-200 AngleMaster, focusing on the outer edge.
Begin sharpening in an up-and-down motion between the two stops to form the convex edge.
Finish by deburr on the honing wheel. Be sure the wheel rotate away from you, and don’t forget the honing compound.

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