Sharpen Router Bits Like a Pro: Easy Steps!

Can You Sharpen Router Bits? Sharpening Like a Pro: Easy Steps!

This guide answers the common question: “Can you sharpen router bits?”, and provides simple, actionable steps to sharpening your own router bits, ensuring they deliver clean, precise cuts for longer. While professional sharpening services exist, this guide focuses on DIY methods suitable for home woodworkers.

Understanding Router Bit Dullness

Before diving into the sharpening process, it’s crucial to understand why router bits become dull and how to identify when sharpening is necessary.

Causes of Dullness:

• Friction: Constant friction between the bit and wood generates heat, which gradually dulls the cutting edges.
• Impact: Hitting knots, embedded particles, or even harder grain patterns can chip or damage the bit’s edge.
• Rust and Corrosion: Moisture exposure leads to rust, which deteriorates the sharpness.
• Incorrect Storage: Storing bits loosely in a drawer allows them to rub against each other, leading to premature dulling.

Identifying Dull Router Bits:

• Burning: Burn marks on the wood during routing are a telltale sign of a dull bit. The bit is creating excessive friction rather than cutting cleanly.
• Tear-Out: Excessive tear-out (wood fibers pulling away from the surface) indicates the bit is no longer shearing the wood effectively.
• Slow Cutting: A dull bit requires significantly more force to push through the wood.
• Rough Finish: A fuzzy or uneven finish after routing also suggests dullness.
• Visual Inspection: Carefully examine the cutting edges under magnification. Look for chips, rounded edges, or a generally dull appearance.

The Sharpening Process: Essential Tools and Techniques

This section outlines the necessary tools and detailed steps for effectively sharpening router bits. For optimal results, practice on an inexpensive or damaged bit before working on your primary set.

Required Tools:

• Diamond Hone: A fine-grit diamond hone or sharpening stone is essential for removing small amounts of material and refining the cutting edge. Multiple grits (e.g., coarse, medium, fine) offer greater control.
• Magnifying Glass or Jeweler’s Loupe: Crucial for close inspection of the cutting edges to ensure proper sharpening.
• Cleaning Supplies: Denatured alcohol or a similar solvent to clean the bits and remove residue before and after sharpening.
• Soft Cloths or Paper Towels: For wiping down the bits.
• Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles are mandatory to protect your eyes from debris.
• Optional – Router Bit Sharpening Jig: Can aid in keeping the bit at the proper angle during sharpening.

Step-by-Step Sharpening Guide:

1. Preparation: Thoroughly clean the router bit with denatured alcohol to remove any accumulated resin, dust, or grime. This ensures a clear view of the cutting edges and prevents contaminants from interfering with the sharpening process.

2. Inspection: Using a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe, closely examine the cutting edges. Identify any chips, rounding, or areas that appear dull. This will help you focus your sharpening efforts.

3. Sharpening the Cutting Edge (Straight Bits):

   a. Hold the router bit securely. For straight bits, maintain the original bevel angle of the cutting edge against the diamond hone.

   b. With light pressure, carefully push the bit along the hone. Maintain a consistent angle and direction. Focus on sharpening the face (flat) of the cutting edge, as this is where the primary cutting action occurs. Avoid excessive pressure, as it can damage the bit.

   c. Repeat the process several times, inspecting the edge frequently with the magnifying glass.

   d. Alternate sharpening strokes across different sections of the cutting edge to maintain even wear and prevent localized overheating.

4. Sharpening the Cutting Edge (Shaped Bits):

   a. Sharpening shaped bits is more complex due to their varied profiles. It is best to purchase a router bit sharpening jig.

   b. Mount the bit in the jig according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

   c. Using the diamond hone, carefully match the original shape of the bit.

   d. Take your time and frequently check your progress.

5. Deburring: After sharpening, the cutting edge may have a slight burr (a thin, raised edge of metal). Remove the burr by lightly stropping the back of the bit on a clean piece of wood or leather.

6. Final Inspection and Cleaning: Re-inspect the bit under magnification to ensure the cutting edge is sharp and free of defects. Clean the bit again with denatured alcohol to remove any remaining debris.

7. Storage: Store the sharpened router bits in a protective case or container to prevent them from rubbing against each other or other tools, which can dull them prematurely. Individual storage sleeves are ideal.

Maintaining Sharpness: Prolonging Bit Life

Proper maintenance plays a key role in extending the life of your router bits.

Preventative Measures:

• Clean Regularly: Clean bits after each use to remove resin buildup.
• Store Properly: Store bits in individual cases or sleeves.
• Avoid Excessive Force: Avoid forcing the bit through the wood. Take multiple passes if necessary.
• Use Appropriate Speed: Select the correct router speed for the bit size and material.
• Sharpen Frequently: Sharpen bits before they become excessively dull. Regular, light sharpening is more effective than infrequent, heavy sharpening.

When to Seek Professional Sharpening

While DIY sharpening can extend the life of your router bits, certain situations warrant professional sharpening services.

• Extensive Damage: If a bit has significant chips, breaks, or damage to the cutting edge, professional sharpening is recommended.
• Complex Profiles: Sharpening bits with complex or intricate profiles can be challenging and may require specialized equipment.
• Tungsten Carbide Tips: Carbide-tipped bits require special diamond grinding wheels and expertise, best left to professionals.
• Lack of Confidence: If you are uncomfortable or unsure about the sharpening process, it is best to seek professional assistance.

So, now that you know how, go sharpen those bits! We hope this guide helped answer your questions, especially that big one – can you sharpen router bits yourself? Happy routing!