A bench grinder is a type of grinding machine that can be used to grind, to cut sharp edges, or to smooth burrs on metals.
Though not considered an everyday item, it surely helps to know how to use it. It comes in handy in sharpening tools used regularly such as knives and mower blades.
It may look intimidating, but you will find out that it’s easy and safe to use. You may use it for any tool you have that needs sharpening. Below are the steps on using a bench grinder for sharpening tools:
Step 1: Preparation
Start by wearing protective gear such as gloves and a pair of goggles. Set up your bench grinder somewhere safe—a spot where it won’t inflict any injury or damage.
If you’re going to sharpen your knives, you may spray lubricating oil all over it. Lubricating oil is used to protect knives while sharpening. This is advisable as knives are thinner than other tools.
If you are going sharpen your mower blades, then make sure that you remove the blades first from the lawn mower.
For the lawn mower and other similar tools, lubricating oil may not be necessary as these are mostly compact and thick. Also, make sure that your blades are clean before sharpening them.
Step 2: Start the Grinding Wheel
After plugging the grinding wheel into the outlet, turn it on. Hold the knife or the tool in a 45-degree angle toward the grinding wheel.
If not held at an angle, it will not be sharpened. It’s likely that the tool would only get shaved without becoming sharp. Not going for the proper angle is one of the most common mistakes committed by novices.
Another mistake for first-timers is that they exert too much force into the blade while it’s grinding. You should avoid doing this and let the grinding wheel do the work. If not, the blade might chip, or worse, you could lose control over the blade. Remember that safety is your top priority here.
Step 3: Moving the tool from Base to Tip
Move the knife or the tool across the grinding wheel. Start sharpening from the base of the blade then proceed to the tip. Repeat the process until you’re done. As for knives, you may only repeat the process three to four times as these are thinner compared to other tools.
If your knife or tool has a curvature, then you must follow the natural curvature of the blade. If not, then you will be fighting the natural friction of the wheel. This may result in an uneven and rough blade.
Step 4: Repeat on the Other Side
After sharpening one side, turn to the other side of the blade to sharpen it. Repeat the same process. There may be instances wherein the blade is unevenly sharpened. You can remedy this by using a file after grinding.
Overall, using a bench grinder to sharpen various tools may be difficult at first. But, after a few tries, you’ll get used to it and be more proficient.
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