Sharpening a Freud Blade

[Bruce Cohen]

I have a Freud Fusion blade on my BT. It's the best blade I ever used. Unfortunately, I use it way too much and I also hit a staple in some stock.

So not only is the blade on the wrong side of dull, but a bunch of the teeth are in various states of chipped (chippedness?).

Would you send it to a Freud sharpening center or to Forrest (which is much closer to me). Or would you chuck the blade, the make great targets, and buy a new one.

What would you guys do?

Bruce

[LCHIEN]

most places list a charge for sharpening. Then also list a tooth repair price for broken or missing teeth.

Factor in shipping and waiting and possibility of less than perfect repair and dissatisfaction.

Now you can decide whether its economically a deal for resharp/repair or just buy a new one and be more careful.

I used Forrest to sharpen my last Freud and Forrest blades. I figured sharpening technique is half their formula for high performing blades.

[cgallery]

The fusion may be a special case because it has a special grind, doesn't it? It isn't just Hi-ATB, there is some special side clearance stuff going on) I thought. I'm sure Knotscott will be along soon to inform.

I'd check w/ Scott from Scott's Sharpening (a forum regular at SMC and WoodNet). See his pricelist in message #2 of this thread:

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...ott+sharpening

BTW, I sent my Ryobi OEM blade to Forrest and they put a slight ATB on the blade (rather than FTG). They're about the most expensive sharpening service around. Next time I'm going to try Scott, who is less expensive and I think he either does the work himself or supervises closely the work that is getting done. I've never read a negative post about his work.

The thing about Forrest is that their blades are great. But from reading many threads on many forums, I've come to the conclusion that their QC could be better.

[poolhound]

I spoke to Scott this week as he is in Glendale about 8 miles from me. He has just gone on vacation but should be back in a week. I havent used him yet but intend to send him my old BT blade and also my Tenryu GM which could do with a tune up.

Bruce - I do still have that virtually new WWII for sale if you wanted another blade or a good backup. If you were interested and also going to send your fusion to Scott we could figure a way to have them shipped back to you together or you could send your fusion to me and I could hand carry it to Scott when I take my blades in to be sharpened.

[Knottscott]

Forrest and Ridge Carbide are both fairly close for you, and may be able to do a fine job, but CGallery is correct that there's a double side ground that requires some attention, so be very sure that whoever's going to fix it can do the side correctly. Freud typically recommends just a face grind the first couple of sharpenings but since your's needs a repair, you need have the sides done.

Scott Whiting may be up on that blade, so it might be worth sending to AZ. Scott's Sharpening Service
5214 W. Luke Ave., Ste. 7
Glendale, AZ 85301
(623) 931-0633
(800) 594-7262
scottsharpaz@qwestoffice.net

[sweensdv]

Freud Authorized Sharpening Services

[SARGE..g-47]

Freud Authorized Sharpening Services

Thanks for the site as I can use that sharpening service on the Georgia listing. Scott is absolutely correct in the side grind on the Fusion. I don't have one but do have an Infinity Super General which is idenical in 30* degree ATB and side grind. Infinity also recommends just a face grind on the first couple of sharpenings as I spoke to the owner of Infinity.

I have a great local source about 4 miles away but he is old school and had never heard of the side grind. Opps.... I think I will send the Infinity SG out when it comes time to touch those sides.