| All the time you see different products that come out | | | | I use the same system for cleaning as I do for |
| to help the woodworker sharpen his or her tools in the | | | | sharpening. The two bit holder technique works well |
| shop. There is just about every contraption out there | | | | for keeping things organized. You can send bits and |
| with a variety of prices and features. The one thing | | | | blades out to be sharpened with companies you find |
| you never see is a good system for sharpening router | | | | on the internet. This is becoming handier since the |
| bits. I am all for having super sharp chisels in my shop, | | | | items are turned fairly quickly (a week or less) and the |
| but I just don't use my chisel set all that much. Buying a | | | | companies ships them right back to your doorstep. I |
| $350 sharpener just does not do much for my | | | | like this option because I do not have to allocate any |
| enthusiasm. However I am constantly using my router | | | | time in taking them and picking them up. I call that a |
| bits since the router table is a big part of my | | | | "low value activity" Having duplicates allows me to |
| workshop. Every time I sharpen a bit, it cost generally | | | | keep working while the other bit is getting sharpened. I |
| between 5 and 10 dollars. I like to use quality bits so | | | | do like to go the extra mile and make a simple chart |
| sharpening them and keeping them sharp is in my best | | | | that keeps track of my sharpening. This way I know |
| interest. | | | | that I am using sharp tools which give me better cuts |
| In the meantime, keeping the bits clean is probably one | | | | in my materials. |
| of the best things you can do to prolong the life of | | | | Today |
| your router bit. I try to make a system so that the bits | | | | So what exists out there today for the home user? |
| stay as clean as possible. This may work for you. I | | | | Not much. I have always said that the person who |
| take a small piece of mdf and drill some 1/4 and 1/2" | | | | invents the tool that helps automates this task will do |
| holes in them. On one piece I write "clean" and the | | | | very well for themselves. Investing time in some good |
| other I write "dirty" Having duplicate bits is the key to | | | | quality stones would be a good alternative. However if |
| this system. When a bit gets gunked up, I take it and | | | | you are a production shop, stopping and taking the |
| place it on the dirty holder. When I get enough of them | | | | time and learning curve to get good at this might not |
| to warrant a few minutes of cleaning, I get out my | | | | always be cost effective. Hobbyists might are more |
| cleaners and brass brush and have at it. Always | | | | prone to taking the time to hand sharpen their bits, but |
| remove the bearings first so as to not damage them. I | | | | there is a some kinks in that theory too. Many of the |
| quick scrub removes some of the pitch that builds up | | | | newer bits are very complex. Their shapes don't lend |
| on the cutting edges. If you do laminate work, you will | | | | themselves to easy sharpening and thus can kill the |
| notice that flush trim bits get very dirty very fast. | | | | whole do it yourself theory. These bits are best |
| Simply cleaning the bit in this instance makes a world | | | | sharpened by the professional. The next time you read |
| of difference. At this time it's a great idea to give the | | | | through your favorite woodworking magazine, take |
| bits a few swipes on a diamond sharpener to touch | | | | note of all the sharpeners for sale and you will |
| up the edges. This helps keep the bit tuned up | | | | definitely notice what I am talking about. Take the time |
| between sharpening. After I finish I move the bits to | | | | to organize a good cleaning and sharpening system |
| the "clean" bit holder and they are ready to go back to | | | | and your wallet will thank you. It can make a big |
| work. | | | | difference when you are working on that special |
| Sharpening | | | | project if you have nice clean and sharp router bits. |