I have been using MLCS shaper bits for making raised
panels & doors for the last several years. They have performed
fairly well considering the price.

However, my last project involved making about 24 raised
panels from MDF. This left my raised panel bit in very
dull condition. I have tried sharpening it by using a set of
diamond sharpening tools (the cheap flat ones) using 400,
600 and 1200 grits. I probably spent well over two hours
on this, but although it came out sharper than when it started,
it is nowhere near the razor sharp condition I was used to. Of
course, I didn't know exactly how to do it - just tried to follow
the original angles.

Anyhow, has anyone tried to do this or is there a professional
sharpening service that could do it or should I just figure that
I got my money's worth & buy a new one? I think I paid around
$75 for the bit.

By the way the coping set which I used only on oak & poplar
has been holding up much better.

Any help/advice would be appreciated.

Lou

"loutent" wrote in message
...
I have been using MLCS shaper bits for making raised
panels & doors for the last several years. They have performed
fairly well considering the price.

However, my last project involved making about 24 raised
panels from MDF. This left my raised panel bit in very
dull condition. I have tried sharpening it by using a set of
diamond sharpening tools (the cheap flat ones) using 400,
600 and 1200 grits. I probably spent well over two hours
on this, but although it came out sharper than when it started,
it is nowhere near the razor sharp condition I was used to. Of
course, I didn't know exactly how to do it - just tried to follow
the original angles.

Anyhow, has anyone tried to do this or is there a professional
sharpening service that could do it or should I just figure that
I got my money's worth & buy a new one? I think I paid around
$75 for the bit.

By the way the coping set which I used only on oak & poplar
has been holding up much better.

Any help/advice would be appreciated.

Lou

This is one of those times that saying WHERE you are might be of help...most
people have a favorite sharpening service that they use. And in just my
opinion, it's usually not cost effective to have to ship bits out for
sharpening. I live about 15 miles from a very good place and I can be there
quick enough that I can afford to drop off one cutter without needing to
figure out if it'll wait until I get a few more to ship with it to make it
worthwhile.

Let us know...

Mike

You say you tried to fallow the original angles. They may be beyond hope.
Router and shaper bits are of a form called form relieved cutters. They are
sharpened on the face only so they retain their shape. For sharpening, look
in the phonebook for tool and cutter grinding. Anyplace that does cutters
for machine shops can sharpen router or shaper bits.


"loutent" wrote in message
...
I have been using MLCS shaper bits for making raised
panels & doors for the last several years. They have performed
fairly well considering the price.

However, my last project involved making about 24 raised
panels from MDF. This left my raised panel bit in very
dull condition. I have tried sharpening it by using a set of
diamond sharpening tools (the cheap flat ones) using 400,
600 and 1200 grits. I probably spent well over two hours
on this, but although it came out sharper than when it started,
it is nowhere near the razor sharp condition I was used to. Of
course, I didn't know exactly how to do it - just tried to follow
the original angles.

Anyhow, has anyone tried to do this or is there a professional
sharpening service that could do it or should I just figure that
I got my money's worth & buy a new one? I think I paid around
$75 for the bit.

By the way the coping set which I used only on oak & poplar
has been holding up much better.

Any help/advice would be appreciated.

Lou

I have tried sharpening it by using a set of
diamond sharpening tools (the cheap flat ones) using 400,
600 and 1200 grits. I probably spent well over two hours
on this, but although it came out sharper than when it started,
it is nowhere near the razor sharp condition I was used to. Of
course, I didn't know exactly how to do it - just tried to follow
the original angles.

Just follow the flats. No touch anything but the flats. Tom
Someday, it'll all be over....

Thanks for the help - wish I had asked before I
went at the sharpening.

I guess I probably screwed the cutter up since I was
working on both sides (flat & angles).

I was wondering if it would be cost-effective to have
this bit sharpened and I am guessing that it probably
will not. I am going to check in the phonebook as suggested
and see if it's worth it - may be beyond repair anyway.

Thanks again!

Lou

(Newark, DE, USA)

Lou,

No reason for not sending them out for professional sharpening. The fact
that you tried sharpening both the flats and the angle has no real effect
since the raised panel doesn't have a mating surface it must match (2nd bit
profile). It will be less expensive than a new bit. Next time though - only
touch up the flats....

Bob S.


"loutent" wrote in message
...
Thanks for the help - wish I had asked before I
went at the sharpening.

I guess I probably screwed the cutter up since I was
working on both sides (flat & angles).

I was wondering if it would be cost-effective to have
this bit sharpened and I am guessing that it probably
will not. I am going to check in the phonebook as suggested
and see if it's worth it - may be beyond repair anyway.

Thanks again!

Lou

(Newark, DE, USA)