Does one sharpen router bits?

[davidtu]

newbie alert!

If and when they dull, what do you do? Sharpen? Toss?

If sharpen, then how?

Thanks!

[RayintheUK]

It depends on the bit, David. I'll sometimes run a diamond hone along my straight bits (NOT the bevel), but you have to be very careful, otherwise you can upset the balance and if you do too much, suddenly a 1/2" bit isn't 1/2" any more. Profiling bits can also benefit from a light hone, especially since their overall dimensions are not so critical as with a straight bit. That said, gently does it, otherwise the balance suffers.

Most "dulling" comes from build-up on the cutters, so I give mine a good shot of bit-cleaner every time I take them out of the machine. I leave them to soak, then dry off any put away at the end of the session.

If the cutter has become dull simply by useage (especially on MDF!), toss it - there's nothing better than the edge from a new cutter! Specialist bits and the more expensive sets could be professionally sharpened after relevant use.

Have a look here and here for further info. HTH

Ray.

[LCHIEN]

yeah they can be sharpened. Take one of those diamond coated files and run it up and down the back side of the flats on the carbide on the router bits and that will sharpen them. That will square up the edges and not change the profile any.

professional blade sharpening services will also sharpen carbide-tipped router bits for a lot less than buying new ones.

[davidtu]

Thanks guys!

[jziegler]

One of the current magazines that I get (forget which one) just had a tip about sharpening router bits. Like everyone here said, lightly with a diamond hone. They add that you should count the strokes so that both edges get the same amount of material removed to keep the bit balanced. And only a few strokes.

Jim

[ryan.s]

One of the current magazines that I get (forget which one) just had a tip about sharpening router bits. Like everyone here said, lightly with a diamond hone. They add that you should count the strokes so that both edges get the same amount of material removed to keep the bit balanced. And only a few strokes.

Jim

August 2006 of Workbench Magazine. I saw the article as well.