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Place the axe into the jig. Set
the edge angle by adjusting the
Universal Support. Either at the
original angle using the Marker
Method or at a new angle using
the AngleMaster WM-200.
Press with your palm on the
axe, close to the wheel. The axe
will automatically be pressed up
against the stop in the jig and
the grinding is most efficient.
Follow the shape of the edge
(straight or curved) during
grinding by raising or lowering
the handle. Let the jig slide side-
ways on the Universal Support
so that the wheel wears evenly.
Edge Angle
The edge angle of a carpenters axe or hatchet should be 25–30°, depending on the hard-
ness of the wood. Grind the edge with a smaller bevel angle on the side towards the wood
than on the other side. This longer bevel gives you a good support towards the wood. Also,
as the axe works closer to the surface of the wood, the cutting will be more effective and
easier to control.
A felling axe and a hunting axe must have a larger edge angle, 30–40°, so that the edge is
more durable. Round off the heals of the bevels and the axe cuts more easily. This is done
by lowering the Universal Support and grinding in two steps.
Put a longer bevel on the wood-
sideon a carpenter axe.
A felling axe should have an
edge angle (α) of 30–40°. Round
off the heals and the axe cuts
more easily.
You can set and measure
the edge angle with the
AngleMaster WM-200.
Honing and polishing the bevels
on the leather honing wheel
makes the edge cut more easily
and the sharpness will stay
longer. Always hone away from
the edge.