TC Router bits. Can you sharpen them?

[rich1911]

I have a Trend TC router bit, that although it feels sharp, isn't cutting.

I had a close look at the edge on the bit with a microscope and its clear that what feels sharp clearly isn't!

Can these be sharpend on a diamond flatstone?

You can see how the edge chips away.

Here's a brand new bit:

 

[Phil Pascoe]

If you can get the diamond plate on the flats, yes. If not you'll need to send it to a specialist.

 

[gwaithcoed]

I use a Trend credit card diamond sharpener. Bought a number of years ago and used regularly. It is double sided with course and fine grits.
Alan.

 

[TRITON]

I use a Trend credit card diamond sharpener. Bought a number of years ago and used regularly. It is double sided with course and fine grits.
Alan.

Ditto. Though I've the 3" pocket diamond stone version. Costs a tenner.
Invaluable.

 

[rich1911]

If you can get the diamond plate on the flats, yes. If not you'll need to send it to a specialist.

On the larger side of the cutter, not the outside edge? There's a lot of material to remove to get the edge back if you use the diamond stone on the flat?

 

[Sean Hellman]

The diamond cards are best as they are so thin. Ideally 600 grit and above, so little and often. I have not sent any router bits away to be sharpened for over 20 years, as when I did they took so much off I only had enough TC remaining for one maybe 2 more sharpenings.
Remove all the resin and dirt from the cutter before sharpening as this will clog up the abrasive. I use stanley knife blades for this, and acetone or other solvent. Don't worry about damaging the router bit, Tungsten carbide is harder than heat treated steels. Did you know router bits can be used for sharpening tools by scraping metal off. Not recommended as they leave a horrible finish.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

On the larger side of the cutter, not the outside edge? There's a lot of material to remove to get the edge back if you use the diamond stone on the flat?

View attachment 138331

Yes. Always on the flats. You'll be surprised how little it takes.

 

[Limey Lurker]

The diamond cards are best as they are so thin. Ideally 600 grit and above, so little and often. I have not sent any router bits away to be sharpened for over 20 years, as when I did they took so much off I only had enough TC remaining for one maybe 2 more sharpenings.
Remove all the resin and dirt from the cutter before sharpening as this will clog up the abrasive. I use stanley knife blades for this, and acetone or other solvent. Don't worry about damaging the router bit, Tungsten carbide is harder than heat treated steels. Did you know router bits can be used for sharpening tools by scraping metal off. Not recommended as they leave a horrible finish.

When I sharpen garden shears for friends, I use my Sandvik scraper; usually three or four strokes along the blade edge is enough, and the 'horrible finish' that results actually improves the action as hard twigs aren't squeezed along the blade. The 'disposable' Sandvik blades, I sharpen flat on a diamond plate, probably six times before they are too thin to use.