Anyone resharpen their domino cutters?

[Jesse Cloud]

I think I know the answer to this, but I would love to be wrong. [wink]

 

[ccarrolladams]

Yes, we do have our Domino bits re-sharpened. So far we have not had one break. The oldest 5mm bit has been re-sharpened more than 5 times. Perhaps the cost of sharpening for that bit exceeds the price of a new one, but since it works, there is no reason to toss it.

Our grinding vendor also sharpens the Festool 5mm brad-point bits we use with the OF1010 to drill LR32 shelf holes.

We have found those 8mm shank bits (cat 491 066) are so well designed and made that we also use them on our CNC router, with a minimum speed higher than the OF1010. There has been no problem. Trust me, it is so convenient to only need for us to stock one style 5mm brad-point bit. That was always a PIA with line boring machines, since with those there are left and right twist bits.

 

[PaulMarcel]

I haven't, but I'd be inclined to think that you could touch up the plunge tip with a small diamond file to clean it up.

 

[upscale]

Yes, we do have our Domino bits re-sharpened. So far we have not had one break. The oldest 5mm bit has been re-sharpened more than 5 times. Perhaps the cost of sharpening for that bit exceeds the price of a new one, but since it works, there is no reason to toss it.

I haven't used my Domino enough to need a bit resharpened. Tell me, what were the signs you first noticed that indicated your bit(s) needed sharpening?

 

[Timtool]

i didn't look at the bit close enough, but i think it's quite similar to regular horizontal mortiser bits.
those are easy to resharpen yourself with a normal benchgrinder. though the size is quite small to handle.

when i had my horizontal mortiser i never felt the need to sharpen the bits, untill i would do it anyway and realise i should have done it long time ago. when it's sharp it goes through wood like butter, if you feel resistance it's dull.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Yes, we do have our Domino bits re-sharpened. So far we have not had one break. The oldest 5mm bit has been re-sharpened more than 5 times. Perhaps the cost of sharpening for that bit exceeds the price of a new one, but since it works, there is no reason to toss it.

I haven't used my Domino enough to need a bit resharpened. Tell me, what were the signs you first noticed that indicated your bit(s) needed sharpening?

Good question.  I use 8mm almost all the time, so don't look at the condition of the bit as often as I should.  I was switching it out for a 6mm bit today and noticed it felt a bit dull when I ran my fingers down the edge and across the plunger.  I was amazed at how smoothly that nice sharp 6mm bit went in.  Only close examination I also noticed a small ding in one edge.  The cool thing was, though, that it was still cutting perfectly good mortises.

So resharpening wont compromise the fit with the domino?

I've already ordered a spare, so when it comes in, I'll take it down to my sharpener along with some other stuff.  See what happens!  Curious to see what he charges and how good the result is!

 

[windmill man]

Jesse,

I was told by the Festool rep that there are about 3 regrinds in the bit before the domino bottoms out. If you did it by hand there should be more but not had to have any resharpened yet, as they are still cutting well. Mind you I ve not looked at them for chips or dings. [smile]

John

 

[mastercabman]

Yes, we do have our Domino bits re-sharpened. So far we have not had one break. The oldest 5mm bit has been re-sharpened more than 5 times. Perhaps the cost of sharpening for that bit exceeds the price of a new one, but since it works, there is no reason to toss it.

Our grinding vendor also sharpens the Festool 5mm brad-point bits we use with the OF1010 to drill LR32 shelf holes.

We have found those 8mm shank bits (cat 491 066) are so well designed and made that we also use them on our CNC router, with a minimum speed higher than the OF1010. There has been no problem. Trust me, it is so convenient to only need for us to stock one style 5mm brad-point bit. That was always a PIA with line boring machines, since with those there are left and right twist bits.

What's the $$ for sharpening a bit?

 

[woodbodger]

I have the DF 700 so not had any experience withe the Df500. But I sharpen my Festool domino cutters with success.

My only concern is with progressive sharpenings the width of the slot  is reduced so could make dominos tight. This is not a huge concern for me because i make my own dominos.  I have wrote a blog page on it here how to sharpen Festool Domino Cutters

 

[mbrusso]

I  have done mine for the first time extremely carefully, and slowly on my Tormek station using the multi tool jig, respecting as close as possible the angles of the bit. It is tricky but worth the time.  After enough mortising through hardwoods, these bits for sure will get dull and for me the telltale sign was ragged edges of the mortise holes, vs perfectly crisp edges, as well as much more effort during the plunge motion of the tool.