Emma Wilson
Mushrooms on wedges are typically caused by improper or excessive use, such as using the wrong type of hammer or striking at an incorrect angle. This can lead to a build-up of metal overhanging on the wedge, causing it to mushroom and eventually break off. To fix this issue, you can use an angle grinder to cut off the overhanging metal and then smooth it with a grinder. Alternatively, you could use plastic felling wedges, which are less prone to mushrooming and can be ground off easily if needed. It is important to inspect your wedges regularly and maintain them properly to prevent mushrooming and potential safety hazards.
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What You'll Learn
Use an angle grinder to cut off the overhanging metal
If you have a mushroomed wedge with a lot of overhanging metal, it is possible to use an angle grinder to cut it off. This method is suitable for both plastic and steel wedges. However, it is worth noting that using an angle grinder on a plastic wedge may be more effective, as steel wedges can become brittle and dangerous if overheated.
To begin the process of cutting off the overhanging metal with an angle grinder, it is important to prioritize safety. Wear appropriate safety gear, such as safety glasses and earmuffs, to protect yourself from metal fragments and loud noises. Additionally, ensure that the wedge is securely locked in a vice to provide stability during the grinding process.
Once you have set up your workspace with the necessary safety precautions, you can start the angle grinder and carefully apply it to the mushroomed area of the wedge. Use a cutting wheel or a coarse sanding disc to efficiently remove the majority of the overhanging metal. This step may take some time, so be patient and cautious during the process.
After removing most of the overhanging metal, you can switch to a finer grinding wheel, such as a 125 grinding wheel, to grade the surfaces and remove any remaining burrs or ledges. This step will help create a smooth and comfortable surface for your hands. Finally, finish off the wedge by smoothing out any remaining sharp edges with a flat file or a sanding disk.
Using an angle grinder to cut off the overhanging metal from a mushroomed wedge is an effective method. However, it is important to prioritize safety and take your time during the process. Additionally, while angle grinders are powerful tools, they may not be suitable for all situations, especially if you are concerned about the potential for overheating and brittleness in steel wedges.
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Smooth it off with a grinder
When using a grinder to smooth off a mushroomed wedge, safety should be a top priority. It is recommended to always have a container of water nearby to frequently dunk the wedge and keep the temperature down. This is especially important for the cutting edges. Safety glasses should also be worn to protect your eyes from any debris.
Before using the grinder, it is important to lock the wedge in a vice or hold it with vise grips, pliers, or a similar tool to keep your hands out of harm's way. Once the wedge is secured, you can begin grinding.
Start by using a cutting wheel or cutting disc on your grinder to remove most of the mushroomed metal. This will allow you to quickly remove the majority of the deformities. Take your time and be careful not to overheat the metal, as this can lead to brittleness and dangerous work conditions.
After removing the bulk of the mushrooming, switch to a grinding wheel with an appropriate grit size to smooth out the edges and create a comfortable surface for bare hands. You may need to experiment with different grit sizes to find the one that works best for your specific application. Remember to take breaks and dunk the wedge in water to prevent overheating.
Finally, finish off any remaining imperfections with a file. This will help you achieve a smooth and even surface. It is important to note that power tools like grinders can sometimes make the wedge's edge brittle and useless, so it is crucial to inspect your work frequently and make adjustments as needed.
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Use plastic felling wedges
Plastic felling wedges are a great option for tree felling and wood splitting applications. Made from high-quality, lightweight plastic polymer, these wedges are durable, reliable, and designed for precision felling. They offer superior grip and efficiency, making them a popular choice among professionals in the timber industry.
One of the key advantages of using plastic felling wedges is safety. Unlike steel wedges, which can mushroom and cause dangerous recoils or chain cracks, plastic wedges virtually eliminate the risk of injury. The use of plastic wedges prevents the creation of splinters or dangerous particles, protecting both the user and bystanders from harm.
Additionally, plastic felling wedges are impact-resistant, even in extreme cold. They can be used at low temperatures or even on frozen wood without compromising their effectiveness. This versatility makes them a reliable choice for various environmental conditions.
Another benefit of plastic felling wedges is their ease of use. They are designed to be lightweight, making them easy to handle and manoeuvre during tree felling operations. The textured surface on both sides further enhances grip and control, allowing professionals to achieve precise and safe tree felling.
Plastic felling wedges are also known for their durability. The high-quality polyamide plastic used in their construction ensures that they can withstand repeated use without easily breaking or deforming. This makes them a cost-effective and long-lasting option for those in the timber industry or anyone engaging in tree felling activities.
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Use a flap disc to taper the striking end
It is important to fix a mushroomed wedge, as portions of the mushroomed head can break away and cause injury. One way to do this is by using a flap disc to taper the striking end. This method is quick and effective, taking only around 10 seconds to taper the striking end back down.
To begin, put on the appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses and earmuffs, to protect yourself from any debris. Next, set up your workspace by locking the chisel or wedge in a vice if possible. This will help stabilize the tool and make it easier to work on.
Now, you can start using the flap disc. Attach the flap disc to your grinder or power tool of choice, ensuring it is securely fastened. Start with a coarse flap disc to quickly remove the majority of the mushroomed material. Work carefully and steadily, following the angle of the original taper. Remember to take your time and be cautious, as excessive grinding can lead to a loss of temper on the striking end.
Once you have removed most of the mushrooming, you can switch to a finer flap disc to refine the shape and create a smooth finish. Pay attention to the angle of the taper, ensuring it matches the original design as closely as possible. Finally, inspect your work and test the tool to ensure it functions correctly and safely.
By using a flap disc to taper the striking end, you can effectively remove mushrooming and restore the tool to its original condition, improving its performance and enhancing safety for yourself and others. Remember to always wear the appropriate safety gear and follow best practices when working with power tools and metalworking equipment.
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Use an Oxy-Ace torch to clean up the wedge
An oxy-acetylene torch is a powerful tool that can be used to cut steel and weld metal. The setup of an oxy-acetylene torch involves attaching the hoses from the torch to the nozzles on the oxygen and acetylene tanks. The oxygen tank and hose are typically green, while the acetylene hose is usually red. It is important to tighten the fittings with a wrench as they are made of brass and can be easily damaged.
To clean up a mushroomed wedge using an oxy-acetylene torch, the first step is to ensure that the torch is set up correctly. This involves adjusting the oxygen and acetylene cylinders to the desired mixture, depending on the specific welding or cutting requirements. The torch produces three types of flames: oxidizing, reducing, and neutral. The oxidizing flame has a higher proportion of oxygen and is used for cutting metals, while the reducing flame has more acetylene and is used for welding metals where oxidation needs to be minimised. The neutral flame, on the other hand, is a balanced mixture of oxygen and acetylene, perfect for general welding tasks.
Once the torch is set up correctly, the next step is to light the flame. This involves opening the torch acetylene valve a half turn and using a friction lighter to ignite the flame. To achieve a neutral, blue flame, the oxygen valve can be slowly opened, increasing the oxygen supply. This will cause the flame colour to change from yellow to light blue with a white centre. The oxygen can be further increased until the inner blue flame begins to shrink back toward the tip.
When using an oxy-acetylene torch, it is important to monitor the pressure of the oxygen and acetylene carefully. Additionally, wearing fire-retardant clothing and heavy leather-soled boots is essential to create a safe work environment. By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, an oxy-acetylene torch can be effectively used to clean up a mushroomed wedge.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedges typically mushroom due to improper or excessive use. This can include improper striking technique, using the wrong type of hammer, lack of maintenance, or using a damaged or worn-out tool.
You can use a grinder such as an angle grinder, cutoff wheel, or bench grinder to remove the mushroomed metal. You can also use an acetylene cutting torch to cut off the overhanging metal and then smooth it with a grinder. Alternatively, you can use plastic felling wedges, which are less prone to mushrooming and can be easily ground off if needed.
Yes, it is important to grind off the mushroomed portion of the wedge. If left unattended, portions of the mushroomed head can break away and cause injury by penetrating the skin and eyes. Additionally, sharpening the wedge can help prevent it from bouncing out and causing injury.
