Carbide cutter sharpening

[CMC75]

First off, today I found one of Mark's videos on turning and learned how to use the square cutter differently than I am using it now. Mark your videos are great for new turners like me, so thank you!

Secondly, I realize the cutter blades will last a while and you can also rotate them along the way but how often would you say you would sharpen a blade? Should I look into a diamond card sharpener for keeping the blades in good cutting shape? Thanks

 

[Mortalis]

Resharpening carbide inserts

 

[bugradx2]

I sharpened mine for a while but it didn't seem like they were quite as sharp as new ones. It's possible that may have been the guy doing the sharpening too. The video @Mortalis shared is a great example of how to sharpen the cutters.

Anymore, I will sharpen my cutters occasionally but usually just order a new cutter head. It gives me an excuse to get some M&M's from Exotic Blanks.

I do not personally know anyone who sharpens the negative rake cutters though.

 

[CMC75]

It gives me an excuse to get some M&M's from Exotic Blanks.

Haha I like the way you think!

 

[Woodchipper]

I sharpened mine for a while but it didn't seem like they were quite as sharp as new ones. It's possible that may have been the guy doing the sharpening too. The video @Mortalis shared is a great example of how to sharpen the cutters.

Anymore, I will sharpen my cutters occasionally but usually just order a new cutter head. It gives me an excuse to get some M&M's from Exotic Blanks.

I do not personally know anyone who sharpens the negative rake cutters though.

Mark Dreyer feels that rubbing the carbide on a fine surface only burnishes it. May get a couple extra hours from it. Recommends buying new carbide cutters.
Good idea, bugradx2. M&Ms are made here. Support the local economy.

 

[KenB259]

I resharpen all mine on a 600 grit diamond card. Always works for me and they feel and cut like new.

 

[Mortalis]

Resharpening is purely dependent on how much wear there is. I look at mine through a B&L microscope and I've seen the wear start to erode the relieved side. When that happens you're better off just replacing it.

 

[Woodchipper]

Resharpening is purely dependent on how much wear there is. I look at mine through a B&L microscope and I've seen the wear start to erode the relieved side. When that happens you're better off just replacing it.

Haven't used a microscope since 1971.

 

[Mortalis]

Haven't used a microscope since 1971.

Many years ago, I bought it to get splinters out of my fingers and to inspect the surface of my CA finish on my pens. It comes in handy in so many ways.

 

[randyrls]

I have honed my carbide bits for many years. Always sharp.

This will not work the negative take bits. As soon as you think. "Is this still cutting like new?" Hone it. Remove the bit from the tool. With a diamond credit card hone, put a drop of water on the hone. Place the bit face down in the water drop. Move it in a figure 8 pattern 8 times around the 8. Rotate the bit 90 degrees and repeat 3 more times. Dry the bit AND the HONE. Takes maybe 3 minutes.