Maintenance
21
Chisels and bits should be kept sharp for best performance; a
discoloured tip is usually a sign of excessive heat caused by a
blunt auger and/or chisel.
Bits are best sharpened with a small file and chisels with the
special mortice chisel sharpeners, see our catalogue or visit our
website at axminster.co.uk
Burrs can be removed from the sides of the chisel on a fine
oilstone or waterstone but great care must be taken not to
taper the chisel as this will cause the chisel to jam in the timber.
Fig 37
Fig 37
Fig 38
Chisel Abrasion
Look into the hollow of the chisel and check around the corners
for signs of dulled or rounded corners, see fig 37. If there are any
deviations in the chisel we recommend using the multi- flute
conical reamer sharpening set, code 700173 with the appropri-
ate size pilot piece, just a few turns removes a tiny amount of
metal from the chisel’s internal bevel.
When abrasion occurs to the extent that the chisel bit tip be-
comes thin and liable to break, it is advisable to replace it with a
new one.
Square corner
Inside of Spur
Bevelled area
Sharpening Chisel Auger Bit
A well sharpened auger bit will cut more efficiently, passing
easily through the twist and being ejected through the slot in
the side of the chisel. Sharpen the spur on the auger bit using
a small square or flat file and sharpen the inside only, see figs
37-38.
WARNING!! DO NOT SHARPEN, STONE OR GRIND
THE BIT ON THE OUTSIDE WHICH WILL REDUCE ITS
DIAMETER CAUSING WOOD SHAVINGS TO BUILD UP
INSIDE THE CHISEL!
File
Spur
Introduction
