quote:
Originally posted by esnap
All you need is a flat bastard file.
Yup, once your tool is sharp, a flat file and/or a sharpening stone will keep the edge on it. A grinder is good for the initial sharpening when you usually have to take a bit of stock off, but after that, it can be maintained with a bastard file or stone.
Just for information, a file is used by only stroking it one way, not both. Drawing it back under pressure will dull the teeth. A stone works well by wetting it down (some use oil, some use water) then placing the blade on it at an angle and making small circles with the blade or stone. It isn't rocket science, my grand-dad taught me when I was about seven. Keep your fingers below the edge of the stone and always be aware of the cutting edge of whatever you are sharpening.
Also, keep a bit of used motor oil around and wipe your shovels, machetes, underside of lawn mowers, just about anything metal used out in the yard with it. That keeps down rust. WD40 is frequently used for that, but it doesn't seem to last long.
Also, if you need small engines repaired, Bobby LaBrie by Gym Camp in Ookala does good work. He might sharpen things if they had an engine along with them.
"I like yard sales," he said. "All true survivalists like yard sales."
Kurt Wilson
