blunt forstner bits

[sunnybob]

Thats what I have, can they be sharpened? or do I have to remortgage the house to buy new?

 

[DaveL]

You should be able to use a slip stone to restore the edges, it's easier on the larger sizes.

 

[Woodbloke]

I've used a needle file before now to sharpen mine; useful for the smaller sizes as well - Rob

 

[Mike G]

Those little diamond file thingies work for me. Like this:

https://www.axminstertools.com/axminster-four-grit-diamond-hone-103263

.....but this looks even better:

https://www.axminstertools.com/axminster-diamond-sharpener-103264

 

[AJB Temple]

Yes. Diamond files. I have a diamond needle file set, also from Axminster, and they do the job fine and dandy.

If you have the type of Forstners with a wavy, scalloped cutting edge than a shallow half round diamond file helps.

 

[novocaine]

slip stone and a bit of wood with autosol on for me.

 

[sunnybob]

I dont have any of those, except ordinary needle files.
But there are a couple of shops here I might be able to get stuff from as long as its worth doing.
I only have a few bits, 15 up to 30 in 5 mm steps. No wavy lines just old fashioned style. But the smaller ones have blued tips, so even if I sharpen, I doubt they will last long.

 

[Cabinetman]

I don’t know what it is Bob but I get the same blue effect on parts of my number 4 plane, and I can assure you that it isn’t from overheating! I think it’s Oak that does it so you might be lucky with your Forstner bits. Ian

 

[Vann]

I use an auger bit file - of the type used to sharpen good olde fashion brace-'n-bit bits.

Blue tips? Here's another tip: don't run your Forstner bits so fast .

Cheers, Vann.

 

[Woodster]

I’ve just used ordinary files on mine, the metals not that hard but they seem to cut ok.

 

[sunnybob]

I'm working with oak right now, for the very first time, so thats not to blame.
It sits squarely on me.
For many, many years I worked for companies that paid for consumable tools. Burn a drill out by pushing too hard? Just buy another half dozen. :lol:
I built up quite a stock that way, but that stock is getting dangerously low and now I'm having to foot the bill myself, I'm getting a little bit more circumspect with force and speed. :shock: