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Select Sharpening Method and Tool

0:20
1:17
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At 0:20 in

Sharpening a shovel

What happens here

There are two primary methods for sharpening a shovel: using a hand file or an angle grinder. The instructor briefly demonstrates the filing technique, emphasizing to only sharpen on the upstroke to maximize efficiency and control. He then introduces the angle grinder as an alternative, noting that eye protection (safety glasses) is crucial when using this power tool. For the angle grinder, he specifies using an 80-grit flap disc, explicitly warning against using a grinding disc as it removes too much material, which can weaken the shovel blade.

Goal: Decide between a file or an angle grinder, and prepare the chosen tool

Tools and materials

  • 80-grit Flap Disc — Abrasive disc for the angle grinder to create the sharp edge without removing too much material
  • Angle Grinder Milwaukee — Power tool for sharpening the shovel, offering a faster method
  • Hand File — Alternative tool for sharpening the shovel, used with an up-stroke motion
  • Safety Glasses — Eye protection when operating the angle grinder
  • Shovel — The item to be sharpened

What they say

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shovel. All right, now there are a couple ways to sharpen your shovel, either with your file or with your angle grinder. With your file, you only want to sharpen on the upstroke. [snorts] Now, angle grinder. Safety glasses. Go ahead and start. Start here. Just make your way up. I'm using an 80-grit flap disc for this. That seems to work the best. You don't want to take off too much material on a shovel, so you don't want to use a grinding disc, just a flap disc.

Auto-generated from the video audio.