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Sharpening of spade bits?
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 11:08 am
by Charl
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
Re: Sharpening of spade bits?
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 11:18 am
by Benton
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
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 11:21 am
by KurtHuhn
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.
Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2008 2:22 am
by Charl
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!
Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2008 3:56 am
by Frank
What you need is something like this
4 Grit Diamond Grit Hone Knife:
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite ... ories.html
Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 8:44 am
by LexKY_Pipe
I sharpen them on my bench grinder. Quick and easy. Just watch the angle you use.
Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 4:13 pm
by Charl
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
Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 5:54 pm
by Frank
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.