Sharpening your slot cutting bit.

[Sinner]

Hi all,
I've lent my slot cutting bit to someone, and it's come back with burn marks and doesn't seem to cut through the wood like it used to.  MDF was cut through like butter before, but now it seems more like it's tearing through rather than cutting through...
Does anyone know if it's possible to sharpen the cutters on a slot bit??  Maybe with a file??

Thanks...

[fjl]

There are specialized machines made just for re-sharpening drill bits. Not sure if there is any for slot cutting bits. But I wouldn't use a file. I'm no drill bit expert but I do know that the cutting part is made of a kind of metal that is way different than the average metal. This kind of metal doesn't bend. It shatters similar to glass when mistreated. It's much like tempered steel cause you'd never sharpen it if you used  a file. You would only damage the bit and your file.

A sharpening stone would probably work. It'd be a real hassle getting it straight though. If I where you I'd take it back to the guy you lent it to and tell him to get you a new one.

[NiteWalker]

Exactly. There are no tools available for sharpening router bits other than diamond honing stones. Those work best with straight bits though. I would try cleaning it as the resin likely on it can affect the cut. If that doesn't work, go to your friend's house, grab him by the nostrils and politely insist he replace the cutter.

 

[fjl]

Or at least tell him to go halfers on a new one.

[NiteWalker]

Killer Instinct cabinet restore in progress...

I'd like to see some more of this one please.

[TroyO]

http://www.dynamic-saw-blade-sharpening.com/router-bits.html <-- You could try these guys. I'm not endorsing them or reccomending them... I've never used them myself, I just found it on a web search.

[javeryh]

There's a chance you have the slot cutter installed upsidedown.  If so, it will make cutting anything very difficult and leave all the burn marks and everything.  I did this once and thought my bit was dull but once I realized my mistake and installed the bit properly and it works like it always has - like cutting through butter!