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  1. #1
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    Oct 2007
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    Default can i sharpen carbide router bits

    i was wonder is it possible to sharpen carbide router bits . if so how ?

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  3. #2
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    Sep 2007
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    Nicholls ACT
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    At the risk of getting shot down by the more experienced I think "sharpening" tc router bits is a professional job due to the need to balance them. Out of balance at 20,000 revs is a bit of a challenge. You can hone them with a small flat diamond file by rubbing the flat if that makes sense - ie you do not sharpen the bevel just the flat bit. I have a medium and fine "file" which looks like a nail file with a plastic handle (ie broad and flat.) It certainly makes them sharper though will not do anything for nicks. I will be interested if anyone does have a method for sharpening them but it would be tricky I think.

    All the best

    Pusser

  4. #3
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    Nov 2004
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    Port Pirie SA
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    Pusser is correct, you can touch them up with a few strokes on the flat side with a diamond easylap stick thingo.
    Just keep the number of strokes even on each carbide.
    ....................................................................

  5. #4
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    Mar 2005
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    Camden, NSW
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    Default

    I agree with Harry and pusser, there are 2 things to watch, ONLY dress the flat face and count the number of strokes so that you do the same to each carbide insert. I regularly sharpen good bits but there's nothing you can do with badly worn or chpped bits.
    Fletty

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
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    west coast canada
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    Default

    thanks for the feedback guy's . i'll try it with my daimond stone and see what happens

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Sealevel NC
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    150

    Default Can I sharpen router bits?

    No

    Jay
    I'm both dyslexic and paranoid. I keep thinking I'm following someone.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
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    Default

    They can be sent back to the manufacturer. I know that Carbitools will resharpen their own bits. Around $6 for a straight bit I think.

  9. #8
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    Jun 2000
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pusser View Post
    You can hone them with a small flat diamond file by rubbing the flat if that makes sense - ie you do not sharpen the bevel just the flat bit. I have a medium and fine "file" which looks like a nail file with a plastic handle (ie broad and flat.)

    All the best

    Pusser

    Pusser has got it on the money as being right,trying to sharpen these bits yourself can also change the profile and therefore also contribute to an imbalance of the bit has has been previously mentioned.

    Giving them to a saw doctor or specialist with the necessary angled gringing machine will and must be the only alternative ...trying to sharpen them yourself apart from honing which has been described can only lead to misadventure.

    Cheers
    Johnno

    Everyone has a photographic memory, some just don't have film.

  10. #9
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    Dec 2005
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    South Australia
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    As said above yes you can touch them up with diamond hones to regind them you need specialised equipment ie. a tool and cutter grinder plus the diamond wheels to go with it, if you were going to to many of them you could set yourself up with second hand gear for about $6000.00

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    melbourne
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    38
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    Not really worth it IMO to resharpen. They never as good as the original and they get blunt again quickly once they've been sharpened

  12. #11
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    Dec 2005
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    South Australia
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    big-gumbo Not true a "properly" sharpened router cutter will be as good and last just as long as when new, cheap $10 cutters are throw away's but your good quality $60 plus cutters will be as good as new

  13. #12
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    Sep 2007
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    Nicholls ACT
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    The only problem with sharpened bits is for pattern followers. The diameter of the bit is reduced so it is no longer exactly the same size as the bearing. It is probably not critical for the first sharpening but after a second one it is probably not suitable as a pattern follower. Otherwise resharpened bits are as good as new (well slightly undersized)
    I never make mistakes, I thought I did once but I was mistaken

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  14. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by China View Post
    big-gumbo Not true a "properly" sharpened router cutter will be as good and last just as long as when new, cheap $10 cutters are throw away's but your good quality $60 plus cutters will be as good as new

    I based my response on my experience with the CNC routers. A new bit will last about 100-150 sheets (2400x1200 sheet) and the bit cost about $60-90. It cost $40 to sharpen (CNC router bits have to be specially sharpened) and it only last 20-30 sheets before it starts chipping the melamime and has to be resharpened.

    So not worth it in my experience

  15. #14
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    South Australia
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    Big_gumbo whom ever is grinding your cutters is not up to it find some one else.
    I never had this problem when I was operating my business

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