Sharpening of spade bits?

Charl · Post by **Charl** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 11:08 am

How do you guys sharpen spade bits?

With files or maybe a sharpening stone?

I've tried with files, but it doesn't seem to get as sharp as I would like it to be.

Charl

Benton · Post by **Benton** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 11:18 am

Charl wrote:How do you guys sharpen spade bits?

With files or maybe a sharpening stone?

I've tried with files, but it doesn't seem to get as sharp as I would like it to be.

Charl

A file is faster if the bit steel is soft enough. Mine is hard enough to require a stone, though. Make sure it is ground correctly first otherwise you will spend a year working on it with a stone without ever getting a sharp edge.
Cheers, Benton

Post by **KurtHuhn** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 11:21 am

You can also use a diamond hone from DMT or EZ-Lap. I find they're faster than stones for quick touch-ups.

Then there's the poor-man's sharpener - sandpaper wrapped around a paint stirring stick.

Charl · Post by **Charl** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 2:22 am

Diamond hones should work quite well, yes. Just a shame they're so expensive here. I think I'll try with the stone for a start.

Thanks!

Frank · Post by **Frank** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 3:56 am

What you need is something like this 4 Grit Diamond Grit Hone Knife: http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite ... ories.html

LexKY_Pipe · Post by **LexKY_Pipe** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 8:44 am

I sharpen them on my bench grinder. Quick and easy. Just watch the angle you use.

Charl · Post by **Charl** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 4:13 pm

Wow! Why is it that the prices over there are so cheap! Something like that over here would probably cost in the region of $30!

If you use the bench grinder to sharpen, wouldn't you have to get new bits every month or so?

Charl

Frank · Post by **Frank** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 5:54 pm

Charl wrote:Wow! Why is it that the prices over there are so cheap! Something like that over here would probably cost in the region of $30!?

Putting it succinctly, supply and demand. There are a shitload of Americans (especially in America

) with lots of retailers competing for their scratch. Plus, inflation has kicked the snot out of the SA Rand.

Charl wrote:If you use the bench grinder to sharpen, wouldn't you have to get new bits every month or so?

You use a fine grit wheel to touch up the cutting edge. It shouldn't remove much material, unless you really lean into it, in which case you'll ruin the temper anyway.

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Sharpening of spade bits?

Sharpening of spade bits?

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