Sharpening Router Bits
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Recreation Sports -> subcategory Tennis.
Sharpening Router Bits
Keeping your woodworking tools sharp is crucial for achieving the best results. While there are countless products on the market to help you sharpen various tools, a reliable system for sharpening router bits is rarely mentioned. Many woodworkers, myself included, value sharp chisels, but I don't find myself using them often enough to justify a $350 sharpening tool. On the other hand, I frequently use my router bits, as my router table is a central part of my workshop. Each time I sharpen a bit, it costs between $5 and $10. Investing in quality bits means keeping them sharp is essential.
Keeping Bits Clean
One of the best ways to extend the life of your router bits is to keep them clean. I’ve developed a system to maintain their cleanliness, and it might work for you too. I use two pieces of MDF, each with drilled holes. One is labeled "clean" and the other "dirty." Having duplicate bits is essential to this process. When a bit gets dirty, I place it on the "dirty" holder. Once I have a few that need cleaning, I take them out, remove the bearings to avoid damage, and use cleaners and a brass brush to scrub away any pitch buildup. This is especially important for flush trim bits used in laminate work, as they get dirty quickly. Cleaning alone can make a noticeable difference. After cleaning, a few passes on a diamond sharpener help maintain the edges. Finally, I move the bits to the "clean" holder, ready for use.
Sharpening System
I utilize the same double-holder system for both cleaning and sharpening. You can find companies online to send your bits and blades for sharpening, which is convenient as they often return within a week. This option saves time since you don't have to drop off or pick up the tools yourself. Having duplicates lets me continue working while another bit is being sharpened. To keep track, I use a simple chart for monitoring sharpening schedules, ensuring I always have sharp tools for precise cuts.
Options for Today
For home users, options are limited. If someone invents a tool that simplifies bit sharpening, they'll surely succeed. Investing in quality stones is one possibility, but in a production shop, learning this skill might not be practical. Hobbyists might take the time to hand-sharpen their bits, though many newer, complex bit shapes are difficult to sharpen manually. These are best handled by professionals.
Next time you browse a woodworking magazine, note the sharpeners available, and you'll see what I mean. Organizing a good cleaning and sharpening system will benefit your projects and your wallet. Having sharp, clean router bits can significantly improve your work, especially on special projects.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Sharpening Router Bits.
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