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PEP BB tool.straw.maul - sharpen a maul

BB tool care - straw badge
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This is a badge bit (BB) that is part of the PEP curriculum.  Completing this BB is part of getting the straw badge in tool care.

A splitting maul is a wonderful tool for splitting fire wood, posts, rails, etc. Most log splitters will only split very short logs, are very slow, burn a lot of petroleum, make a lot of racket, pollute your lungs, and break the bank. A splitting maul is versatile, as fast as you want it to be, great exercise, allows you the excuse to get some fresh air, and can be had used for a dollar or three without a handle.

This article explains what a maul is and is not. Note the photo showing a good edge angle for a maul.
maul vs. axe


This short article explains the why and how of sharpening
Sharpening a splitting maul


Requirements to complete:
- sharpen a splitting maul with a file or similar method.
- use an appropriate edge angle for the tool.


To get certified for this BB, post the following:
- pic of the dull edge
- action pic which includes all sharpening equipment used
- pic of the sharpened edge
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steward
Posts: 6440
Location: United States
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Approved submission
This is the dull maul before sharpening.



This is an action picture of me sharpening the maul.



This is the maul after I sharpened it.

Staff note (Steve Thorn) :

I certify this BB is complete!

 
gardener
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Location: Northern Ontario, Canada
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This maul had never been sharpened, and the edge was rather uneven when I started on it. So I started with the grinder to try to even out the edge a bit...I was somewhat successful. Following that I went at it for a LONG time with a file - probably about 2 hours all together (and the top edge still needs a bit of work). It does look and feel much sharper now though.
IMG_20210101_154326_988.jpg
Dull maul
Dull maul
IMG_20210101_155056_901.jpg
Grinding
Grinding
IMG_20210101_160311_373.jpg
and filing
and filing
134941062_870235697112560_3364560708863766639_n.jpg
Looks better, though not razor sharp. More practice needed for that
Looks better, though not razor sharp. More practice needed for that
Staff note (gir bot) :

Mike Barkley approved this submission.

 
Posts: 35
Location: Virginia, USA
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Since I was sharpening some of my other tools I decided to go ahead and get my splitting maul sharpened.  I've had it for about 5 years, and though I haven't chopped to much wood until this last year I figured its time to get it ready for this year!
01-Dull-Maul.jpg
Dull edge
Dull edge
02-Sharpening-with-Angle-Grinder.jpg
Sharpened it with an angle grinder.
Sharpened it with an angle grinder.
03-Oiled-To-Prevent-Rust.jpg
Applied boiled linseed oil to prevent rust when I'm not using it.
Applied boiled linseed oil to prevent rust when I'm not using it.
04-All_Sharpened.jpg
All sharpened and oiled, ready to go!
All sharpened and oiled, ready to go!
Staff note (gir bot) :

Mike Haasl approved this submission.

 
Posts: 114
Location: VIC, Australia
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Sorry posted in the wrong BB/forum.

But here's my attempt at the maul!
20210527_131259.jpg
Woah that's bad
Woah that's bad
20210527_131729.jpg
Tools I'll be using
Tools I'll be using
20210527_132024.jpg
Lights, camera, action
Lights, camera, action
20210527_133350.jpg
One sharp maul
One sharp maul
Staff note (gir bot) :

Mike Haasl approved this submission.
Note: Watch out for that triangular crack.  That whole piece might break off unexpectedly

 
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Splitting maul sharpened! I used a file and went over the edge several times with the rough side and once or twice with the finer side to get everything nicely even.
20240511_084837.jpg
Maul before sharpening - note uneven-ness and lumps on blade
Maul before sharpening - note uneven-ness and lumps on blade
20240511_085130.jpg
First go-over using rough side of file
First go-over using rough side of file
20240511_085810.jpg
finishing touches with finer side of file
finishing touches with finer side of file
20240511_091134.jpg
finished blade
finished blade
Staff note (gir bot) :

Paul Fookes approved this submission.
Note: I ceertify this BB complete

 
pollinator
Posts: 755
Location: 4a, high mountain dessert
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Oops, I thought this was an axe. Well. I sharpened it anyways! 😉
20240613_183214.jpg
Edge is uneven
Edge is uneven and dull
20240613_192555.jpg
Whetstone on the edge
Whetstone on the edge
20240613_193341.jpg
Much more even, smooth, Sharp edge
Much more even, smooth, Sharp edge
Staff note (gir bot) :

Jeremy VanGelder approved this submission.

 
today's feeble attempt to support the empire
Switching from electric heat to a rocket mass heater reduces your carbon footprint as much as parking 7 cars
http://woodheat.net
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