can the 1/16 bit be sharpened?

[Capt Bruce]

I've been searching for about 2 years but have not found a source yet to re-sharpen the 1/16" carving bits. Mine seem to last about 3-5 months before I see curling edges along the cut edge of the wood. Usually my best signal that the edge is dulling. I commonly sharpen my own 60 and 90 degree bits on a diamond sharpening plate but I have not tried doing the same on the 1/16". Would be nice to find a method.

It seems like you'd only be dealing with about the first 2 or 3/32" where 90% of the cutting is really done so I guess I'll give it a try with some before and after cut lines. Open to any suggestions team.

[PCW]

I have hear this company sharpens the carving bits. Might want to give them a call.
http://www.sumnerwoodworkerstore.com/

Sumner Woodworker Store
908 Cherry Ave.
Sumner, WA 98390
253-891-941

[easybuilt]

Thanks but that is where I do take my 60 and 90 but they sent in my carving bits and were told that the carving bits can't be sharpened. I was surprised because the man that picks up the bits told me no problem. Thanks again for trying.

[Jeff_Birt]

The problem is that it takes a complicated/expensive CNC grinding machine to make/sharpen this type of bit. It is likely not worth the amount of time it would take to set up the machine to sharpen one or two bits. I thought about offering a trade in program, collecting a few hundred bits at a time to have sharpened. Not only was the amount of time required to do this daunting but since there are bits of questionable quality (poor quality carbide) being hawked on fleabay now I could never guarantee that someone would be getting back a good quality bit.

I do have sets of two and five 1/16" bits on sale now though

[msseaduty]

Jeff, are you selling the bits at a discount if you order 2 or a set of 5 if so i will order some later

[Jeff_Birt]

PreciseBits is adding a slightly longer shank to their tapered tools so they all have the same overall length. I bought up some of the last of the shorter style (same size as what comes with the machine) and have them on sale. Take a look at: http://www.soigeneris.com/PreciseBit...s-details.aspx . Please direct any other questions about the bits to me via a PM (I don't want to be rude and advertise too much on the forum.)

Thanks

[ktjwilliams]

I put some oil on a small diamond stone I have,, I touch up the leading edges just a bit,, 3 or 4 strokes,,, And the bit cuts marvelous..

[bergerud]

I think you are on to something Kevin. I have been experimenting with an ultra fine diamond "stone" on old carbide bits while looking under a microscope. The hard part is the tip. It is pretty easy to tune up the main edge. Since very little material needs to be removed, I think you can just rub the bit flat on the stone without worry about the angle. I'll bet one could get away with a few of these tune ups before any serious change in geometry would occur.

I think this certainly deserves some looking into. Maybe some small jig would help. Good one Kevin.

[AskBud]

I think you are on to something Kevin. I have been experimenting with an ultra fine diamond "stone" on old carbide bits while looking under a microscope. The hard part is the tip. It is pretty easy to tune up the main edge. Since very little material needs to be removed, I think you can just rub the bit flat on the stone without worry about the angle. I'll bet one could get away with a few of these tune ups before any serious change in geometry would occur.

I think this certainly deserves some looking into. Maybe some small jig would help. Good one Kevin.

Remember that the cutting edge (front) is higher than the back. You want the angle (clearance) so the bit has less chance of burning the wood.
AskBud

[CarverJerry]

AskBud is correct, the primary cutting edge can be touched up but if too much is removed then the secondary angle will start to rub and the wood will just burn. Do a google search on end mill sharpening.