Fisch Forstner Sharpening Jig

[TinyShop]

Just came across the Fisch Forstner Bit Sharpening Jig (US$180 delivered to N.A. - if importing yourself - or $230 plus shipping if purchased domestically):


Expensive paper weight or serious tool?

I'm thinking particularly of those who own a healthy collection of "wave" style bits (which have enough individual rounded and concave cutting surfaces on the cutting heads to make hand sharpening them well a little tricky and time consuming) like the Fisch Maxicut or the Fisch-made Freud "wave"-style bits. But, I suppose my question is also aimed at anyone who would appreciate a more "exacting" method for sharpening their bits, wave-style or not. The Dremel technique (which I liken to being as aggressive as using a drill press with this jig and its various abrasives) can be a little tedious and can take some time to master (in order to get the various angles right). I've always been turned off by a mechanized approach since so much material is removed, at least when compared to sharpening by hand. But maybe I baby my bits too much?

So, is this a pricey jig in search of a problem that doesn't exist? Or might it allow those folks who currently send their bits in for sharpening to accomplish the job themselves?

All thoughts appreciated.

 

[Steven Owen]

It looks neat but also a little complicated.  Most Forstner aren’t that expense.  Maybe I’m a little lazy but I’m more likely to buy a bit from Amazon vs spending a huge amount of time and money trying to sharpen a Forstner bit at home.

I could see a cabinet shop using something like that.  I wear out a Forstner bit once every 5-6 years as a home shop user.

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

I think it’s all down to individual needs, for an occasional user, it’s a waste of money however, for a busy workshop or business, it would pay for itself fairly quickly.

For example, i have a couple of chain saws that rarely see daylight, so when the time comes to sharpen the chains, I use files. A friend of mine who is an arborist sharpens his with a machine, and frequently too.