Learning how to sharpen garden tools is as important as knowing how to use them. You will be doing your own injury if you do not learn the proper techniques to use your landscaping tools correctly. There are two methods for sharpening landscaping tools; mechanical and manual. Using a screwdriver in the right place and with the correct pressure to release the screw and then work the metal bit out with a good steady grip is mechanical.
Manual sharpening is done by pushing the flat edge of a wood or metal object into the grooves of the tool. If you are attempting to use a serrated edge, the tool must be driven at a right angle to ensure the tooth is driven all the way to the end of the grain. You must not attempt to force the flat edge regardless of the direction it is pointed. If forced, the flat edge will be scratched beyond repair. Using a bench mounted power sharpener and working in a controlled area ensures consistent results.
Gardeners may sharpen their own garden tools using the old-fashioned method of cutting a strip of leather and sanding the grooves until the knife slips free of the sandpaper. The problem with this method is that the user is working against the grain of the wood and may Nick tiny nooks along the grain. When using the power tool, the tools sharpener makes sure the blade is driven at a right angle to make sure the blade dulls evenly. Using the right kind of knife sharpener allows for a much cleaner cut.
A bench grinder may be used to create uniform and clean cuts. These tools are powered electrically and have an adjustable angle of attack. The angle allows for either quick or slow blade action. Sharpening knives and shovels can be performed even when the air is too hot to work in.
An electric grinder, wheeled like a diamond saw, is often used to grind or reshape garden tools. The diamond sharpening stone is placed between two grinding wheels. The stone, which is made of granite, marble, boron or aluminum oxide, is placed in the grinding wheel. This allows the teeth of the wheel to grind into the stone resulting in a smooth finish. It is important to protect the grinding wheels from the heat of the hand grinder.
An angle grinder has a larger cutting surface than a bench grinder. The angle grinder is most often used for cutting materials other than stone. This type of grinder may be operated electrically or by means of a manual crank. Unlike the flat bed type of grinders, it does not require a large amount of space. It is easy to store, as it takes up very little shelf space.
It is best to maintain a sharp edge on a number of garden tools by using a dull and clean blade. It is important to use only a sharpening tool that has been tested to hold a specific edge type, such as a serrated edge or a convex edge. It may also be necessary to purchase additional tools to achieve the appropriate sharpening for the specific blades used.
If a metal object is rusting or showing signs of rust, it is advisable to put a band aid over the item and store it away until the rust is gone. There are several ways to prevent rust buildup. For stainless steel, coating the tool with spray paint will prevent rust. The same method can be used for aluminum items.
Some homeowners prefer hand powered garden shears instead of electric ones. However, since they are manual, they do take some of the gardener’s time. For this reason, many choose to purchase electric tools. They are small enough to tuck into a drawer or closet, yet deliver a much sharper edge.
The double cut file, also called the “dagger”, is a useful tool to have in the shed. It is a smaller version of the traditional wood and leather file. It provides a fine alternative for sharpening knives, scissors, cleavers, axes and other cutting tools. To sharpen, just follow the same steps as for the single-cut file. This tool should be sharpened on a regular basis.
Gardeners may want to invest in an angle and grind tool for maintaining their garden equipment at a high level of quality. While it may be more costly than some other sharpeners, it is designed specifically to handle large and heavy blades of vegetables and fruits. The blades of this equipment need to be ground at an angle that will maximize their cutting ability. The angle and grind feature is found on some compact portable machines.