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Honing the cutter
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Author:  MaxBishop [ Wed Oct 02, 2013 4:39 am ]
Post subject:  Honing the cutter
In a recent thread about cutting purfling/binding ledges there were a number of comments about making sure the cutter is clean and honed. How do you hone the cutter?

Thanks,
Max
Author:  Arnt Rian [ Wed Oct 02, 2013 6:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honing the cutter
I use a diamond "stone", and hone the inside of the cutter only. Not every time I use it, but hopefully before it gets dull enough to tear out (on soft woods, especially).

Just as important as honing, is to remove any resin buildiup on the cutter, as this will also inhibit a clean cut.
Author:  MaxBishop [ Wed Oct 02, 2013 7:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honing the cutter
Thanks, Arndt. Can you direct me to any detail directions or tutorials?

Thanks,
Max
Author:  Goodin [ Wed Oct 02, 2013 7:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honing the cutter
Here you go: http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/care ... rbits.aspx

I do it just like Highland explains it. Soak in blade and bit cleaner to remove resin, then use a diamond paddle to sharpen the flat face. That's all there is to it. Just give each flute the same amount of strokes on the paddle. I start with 600 then move up to 1200. Doesn't take long.
Author:  MaxBishop [ Wed Oct 02, 2013 7:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honing the cutter
I forgot to mention that I use a spiral up-cut bit to cut my purfling/binding ledges. The tutorials 've seen on Youtube are for flat-sided cutters.

Max
Author:  Arnt Rian [ Wed Oct 02, 2013 8:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honing the cutter
I don't know how to sharpen spiral bits, but for my straight bit (I use the Stewmac binding cutter set) I use a fine stone, and rub the bit against it. I lay the stone flat on the table, and hold the bit, while guiding things with my fingers, its not a difficult at all.

To remove resin from the cutter I use some alcohol on a paper towel to dissolve and wipe it off.
Author:  DannyV [ Wed Oct 02, 2013 10:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honing the cutter
Spiral bits may not be re sharpenable. I toss them when they get to that point.

Has anyone sent their Stew Mac bit out to be re sharpened. I have a good sharpening guy here that I trust but I suspect professional re sharpening will alter the original diameter. A bit of a pain to figure out which bearings cut what.
Author:  Goodin [ Wed Oct 02, 2013 11:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honing the cutter
DannyV wrote:
Has anyone sent their Stew Mac bit out to be re sharpened. I have a good sharpening guy here that I trust but I suspect professional re sharpening will alter the original diameter. A bit of a pain to figure out which bearings cut what.


This is such a simple task that I don't see the need to send it off to be sharpened. It can be done at your bench with your choice of sharpening stone in about a minute.
Author:  Colin North [ Wed Oct 02, 2013 2:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Honing the cutter
Arnt Rian wrote:
I use a fine stone, and rub the bit against it. I lay the stone flat on the table, and hold the bit, while guiding things with my fingers, its not a difficult at all. .


I do similar, with diamond cards raised off the bench on an MDF block.
I've gone as small as a 3mm bit.
Wearing gloves (thin, soft leather) can prevent nasty cuts to the guiding fingertips...................

Spiral cutters would be a whole different ballgame.
Author:  DannyV [ Wed Oct 02, 2013 8:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Honing the cutter
Goodin wrote:
DannyV wrote:
Has anyone sent their Stew Mac bit out to be re sharpened. I have a good sharpening guy here that I trust but I suspect professional re sharpening will alter the original diameter. A bit of a pain to figure out which bearings cut what.


This is such a simple task that I don't see the need to send it off to be sharpened. It can be done at your bench with your choice of sharpening stone in about a minute.

Fine! I was just wanting to help the local economy. Diamond card it is.
Author:  Goodin [ Thu Oct 03, 2013 8:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honing the cutter
DannyV wrote:
Goodin wrote:
DannyV wrote:
Has anyone sent their Stew Mac bit out to be re sharpened. I have a good sharpening guy here that I trust but I suspect professional re sharpening will alter the original diameter. A bit of a pain to figure out which bearings cut what.


This is such a simple task that I don't see the need to send it off to be sharpened. It can be done at your bench with your choice of sharpening stone in about a minute.

Fine! I was just wanting to help the local economy. Diamond card it is.


I accept donations. laughing6-hehe
Author:  Mark Fogleman [ Thu Oct 03, 2013 10:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Honing the cutter
DannyV wrote:
Spiral bits may not be re sharpenable. I toss them when they get to that point.


Don't toss your straight bits! Their smooth shafts make great scraper burnishers. Drill a hole into the end of a big dowel/other handle and bury the cutter end of the bit into it.
Author:  Clay S. [ Sat Oct 05, 2013 7:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Honing the cutter
"Spiral bits may not be re sharpenable. I toss them when they get to that point"

Spiral bits can be resharpened professionally, and considering the initial cost, this is probably worth doing.
Shear angle bits offer some of the advantages of spiral bits (shearing cut), cost less, and can be resharpened like straights (with a diamond hone)
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