How to sharpen a Woods Splitter Maul with a bench grinder - complete guide

This article will explain how to sharpen a Wood Splitter Maul using a bench grinder.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One dull Wood Splitter Maul.
• One 1/2hp bench grinder.
• Safety glasses/goggles.
• Leather or work gloves.
• Leather or heavy apron. (optional)
• No loose clothes or hair and jeans (preferred)

1. With the bench grinder powered off and unplugged from the outlet MAKE SURE it is securely fastened to a stable surface such as a work bench or sturdy table that will not move while operating the grinder. If you re unsure how to do this stop - do not continue reading this article and IMMEDIATELY consult the grinder's owner manual and/or a professional who normally deals with power equipment.

2. * Ensure that you have enough clear space around the grinder to work easily (about five feet) and that there are NO flammable materials within ten feet or more of the grinder as sparks may cause ignition.
   * Wear the safety equipment specified! Some people find this step silly or over-cautious, but an errant spark in one's eye can cause severe vision problems or loss of vision.

3. Plug in and power on the grinder. it should reach a high rate of speed and then run with little or no vibration. Some grinders have a stone grinding wheel and a softer buffing wheel - we will be using the stone grinding wheel for this article.

4. Hold the maul firmly in BOTH hands and position the blade of the maul at a slight angle to the grinding wheel. ALWAYS grind so that the stone wheel is rotating INTO the maul.

5. GENTLY press the maul blade into the rotating stone grinding wheel - You should see some sparks falling/flying out from under the maul blade - this is normal. However, if you are getting a heavy stream of sparks then you might be pressing too hard.
   Once one side if the maul blade has been sharpened step back with the maul and rotate the maul end for end so that the other side of the blade is positioned to be sharpened.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until both sides of the mauls' blade are sharpened to a smooth and straight edge. The edge should look very similar to the peak of a steep triangle or knife edge.

7. When the maul is sharpened power off the grinder and stay nearby until the grinder has stopped spinning before unplugging the grinder.

8. It is advised, for safety and to protect the new edge on your maul, that the head and blade be protected with a hard leather or heavy canvas slip cover.

Tips & Warnings

• Always read and follow all safety precautions and warnings associated with your grinder.
• Only use the grinder to sharpen the maul blade enough to make a reasonable edge. Over grinding will not improve performance and will reduce the life of your maul.
• Need to know how to chop firewood with your Wood Splitters Maul? Look here:
• Never operate a non-secured grinder as this could lead to serious injury.
• Never operate a grinder near fuel, oil, solvents, or other material which might ignite if a spark from grinding were to land on/in it.
• Always wear proper safety equipment and coverings when grinding to prevent injury.
• ALWAYS keep your work gloves on while grinding AND never allow any part of your body or clothing to come into contact with any moving part of a grinder. A grinder is no joke and WILL eat flesh or clothes without pity.
• NEVER allow children to operate a grinder or use a maul as they may not have the caution or strength to use either safely.

Resources

• How to split firewood with a Wood Splitter Maul by MrTwiki
• How to chop firewood with a Sledge and Chisels by MrTwiki