sharpening router bits?

[CoryC]

Does anyone do this?  If so how often?

Is it difficult to do properly, or is it just easier to have it done professionally or purchase a new bit even?

I'm new to routing, and i'm just curious what kinda life expectancy a decent bit will have (cutting softwood).

PS. What are obvious performance signs of a dull bit?  burning or chipping?

[ChadTower]

When they develop a British accent.

[TOK]

Welcome to the forum!

From WoodZone.com

Question:
I have a carbide router bit that is in need of sharpening. Can it be saved or do I need to buy a new bit?

Answer: 
As long as the bit is not excessively dull or nicked you can sharpen it yourself. Excessive wear or damage to the bit's carbide cutters will require professional servicing. Professional sharpening usually costs less than $10 depending on the bit.

Before sharpening check to make sure the bit is actually dull and not just in need of a cleaning. Cleaning the pitch and resin off your bit may solve the problem and it's the first step in the sharpening process. You can clean the bit with a solvent like WD-40, paint thinner, or denatured alcohol.

To test the bit's sharpness, carefully scrape the cutting edge gently across your fingernail (Caution!). The blade is sharp if it scrapes off a little surface of the nail.

If the bit is in need of sharpening you will need a diamond paddle honing stone and water. Four to six passes of the carbide cutter (not the body of the bit) should be enough. A 600 grit paddle is all that is needed for a light touch up. More aggressive sharpening jobs will require a preliminary sharpening with a 325 grit paddle followed by 600 grit.

[TOK]

Here is another link that might be helpful.

http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=32

[ScottS]

The only problem with trying to sharpen bits by hand is that you need to keep the angle of the sharpening paddle very consistent from one swipe to the next. If you vary the angle at all, you'll actually end up making the bit dull rather than sharp. If you can't sharpen a chisel or a blade blade by hand and get it to the point where it will shave the hairs off the back of your hand, I wouldn't recommend trying to sharpen a router bit by hand...

[CoryC]

This is my fear - that any sharpening attempts may in fact make the bit perform worse.  Keeping them clean i certainly do.

I see other sources indicating that you shouldn't sharpen modern bits yourself.  I dunno, just somewhat confused if it's a good idea or not.

http://www.rockler.com/blog/index.cfm?commentID=153

or

http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=169128

[ScottS]

Well, here's the thing: if your bit is dull enough that it isn't cutting well you really have nothing to lose from trying to sharpen it... except the cost of a few diamond paddles. I wouldn't try it myself, but then again I already know that I can't sharpen a chisel, plane blade, or knife very well without some sort of jig. And I have enough money to throw the occasional router bit into the trash when it gets dull.

[DrewKaree]

It shouldn't cost you more than a few bucks to have someone do it for you.  Pay them.  Worst case scenario is that you are out $10 and you know to never go back to that place. 

[NiteWalker]

I wouldn't sharpen them myself. If they're cheap bits, toss em. If they're good bits, send em out to be sharpened.

[TroyO]

It looks like they are talking about working on the flat side of the carbide, so no weirdness with angles. I'd try it on a cheap bit but mostly because it would be faster than going to the store to get another cheap bit, LOL. (I hate stopping mid-project for a shopping spree)

I wouldn't try it on a "good" bit though, I'd send anything worth $30 and up out to be sharpened probably.

It's actually good to know it can be done. I thought Carbide bits couldn't be sharpened at all. I'm starting some cabinets in Purpleheart which is infamous for dulling bits, so if I get dulled out it may not mean having to buy another $95 rail and stile set.