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Sharpening Router Bits
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Author:  Terence Kennedy [ Mon Apr 30, 2018 1:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Sharpening Router Bits
Have any of you guys used a professional sharpening service for router bits? I a thinking specifically of my LMI binding bit.

If so any recommendations?

I have those diamond abrasive sticks but have not found them optimal.

Thanks

Terry
Author:  meddlingfool [ Mon Apr 30, 2018 2:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sharpening Router Bits
I'd be worried that the sharpening could throw off the calibration of the depth of cut...
Author:  J De Rocher [ Mon Apr 30, 2018 2:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sharpening Router Bits
meddlingfool wrote:
I'd be worried that the sharpening could throw off the calibration of the depth of cut...


That was my first thought too for the binding bit. However, I always make test cuts on scrap wood to dial in the set up before routing the actual channels on the guitar so that would provide a way to take into account any change in the depth of the bit.

Is there any concern in general when sharpening router bits with putting them out of balance?
Author:  Lincoln Goertzen [ Mon Apr 30, 2018 3:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sharpening Router Bits
Sharpening router bits does change the diameter, certainly. I've used a flat diamond stone to hone some of mine, and just counted strokes to make sure I didn't mess with the balance. Never had a problem.
Author:  Tim L [ Mon Apr 30, 2018 5:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sharpening Router Bits
My experience with professional sharpening services and bits with a spiral helix is that they spin both the bit and the wheel to sharpen. It should not throw off the balance, at least it never did for me up to 10,000 rpm. It will change the size and it depends on how bad your bit is and how much they have to take off.
If its not a spiral helix, as in a straight edge, you can sharpen it on the interior face with a fine grinding wheel and not change the size. Once again how much you have to take off depends on the wear. I like this way better because you don't change the relief angles on the back side of the cutting edges. Best way to sharpen a counter sink too.
Either way they never seem to last as long as the original.
Author:  kjaffrey [ Mon Apr 30, 2018 6:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sharpening Router Bits
If it is just dull and not chipped I have had good results using a credit card sized fine grit diamond stone. Just gently hone the flat surface of the bit (not the bevel). It would take a lot to change and the diameter, but not that much to get it sharp again.

Kent
Author:  Clay S. [ Mon Apr 30, 2018 9:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sharpening Router Bits
Sharpening services usually give you two to three sharpenings before the carbide is too thin to sharpen. They generally grind off a noticeable amount of carbide. If the bit doesn't have chips then a diamond hone may make it reasonably sharp and extend the life of your bit.
Author:  Terence Kennedy [ Mon Apr 30, 2018 10:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sharpening Router Bits
Thanks guys.
Author:  Bob Orr [ Tue May 01, 2018 6:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sharpening Router Bits
Sometimes it is just a build up of resin on the blade. I soak mine in spray oven cleaner and give them a scrub with an old toothbrush and it does make a difference. Bob
Author:  ernie [ Tue May 01, 2018 7:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sharpening Router Bits
acetone or laquer , with a oily lubricant PB blaster and wipe off with plastic toothbrush, clean with a blast of air. diamond paddles from coarse to extra fine at HF LV or woodcraft
Author:  rlrhett [ Tue May 01, 2018 8:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sharpening Router Bits
A straight bit I understand how to hone with a small diamond card. But how do you do a spiral bit by hand?


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