sharping digging tools

[Waterdog]

A friend of mine who I go metal detecting with had a digger that I tried and it seemed to go into the ground pretty easy. After I ordered mine they told me that they had sharpened theirs that is why it dug so good. Do any of you put a edge on your digging tools?

 

[tvr]

I'll touch them up a bit; but not sharp like a knife. I want to make them a little easier to get into the ground but not sharp enough to cut me if I brush up against it. Do the same thing with garden shovels. I do not sharpen the water scoops. They get pushed by waves and I've been hit with a scoop pushed by waves enough to not want it very sharp at all; the way the water scoops come from the manufacturer is just fine with me.

 

[TC-NM]

Don't like dull tools. Have you ever tried to cut a tomato with a dull knife? I always put on a edge on my digging trowel and shovel a couple of day's before going to detect. I use a bastard and rat tail files.

TC-NM

 

[still looking 52]

Five minutes sharping will pay dividends in the field, you ever try and cut a root with a dull shovel? No fun at all.

 

[nwdetectorist]

OK; my question is...
When sharpening my Lesche hand digger for example; in the past I just used a file.
I am wondering with something like a wet wheel sharpening machine; would I remove less material from my digger?
If so, what affordable machine would you suggest?
I am looking at maybe the WEN BG4270 Sharpening Tool.
Or...
...is there another option that does not remove as much stock from my digger when sharpening?

thanks,

nwdetectorist

​

 

[GeorgeinSC]

OK; my question is...
When sharpening my Lesche hand digger for example; in the past I just used a file.
I am wondering with something like a wet wheel sharpening machine; would I remove less material from my digger?
If so, what affordable machine would you suggest?
I am looking at maybe the WEN BG4270 Sharpening Tool.
Or...
...is there another option that does not remove as much stock from my digger when sharpening?

thanks,

nwdetectorist

​

I use a mill bastard file. I like a larger file and i have a handle that fits it.

 

[gunwolf]

I have always 'double cut" and sharpened my lesche hand tool.. I use a 4" angle grinder with a cutoff wheel. been doing this for years... after a few months of abuse i re-sharpen the same way making sure I hut all "points" ...cut's through roots like a champ!

 

[nwdetectorist]

I have always 'double cut" and sharpened my lesche hand tool.. I use a 4" angle grinder with a cutoff wheel. been doing this for years... after a few months of abuse i re-sharpen the same way making sure I hut all "points" ...cut's through roots like a champ!

Nice, I just did the cheapo 6" Harbor Freight bench grinder that I have and all is ok for now. I do have a 4" grinder with cutoff wheel. Just need a solid workbench and vise and will give it a try as well.

 

[Colour]

I might try it though my garret digger is really thick and blunt!