New Forstner bit set sharpening

[Holzhacker]

So I went by my dealer yesterday and picked up the new bit set he had put aside for me. While talking about the bit set and other things he made a comment that I let pass at the time. Driving later though I thought that comment might be a good thread for some of us.
"Festool says you can sharpen these bits up to 30 times".
As mentioned, I didn't ask him about that comment at the time. I don't normally drop 2 bucks on wood drill bits so the idea of sharpening them repeatedly sounds like a great way to preserve a $200 outlay.
So the question for Festool and the geniuses out there. "How do we sharpen our pretty little drill bits properly".
I can't be the only one who doesn't know how to sharpen wood bits. Seems like a good opportunity for an edumacation for some of us.  [big grin]
As a side question, since these are supposedly a limited run, will Festool be supported the bits by stocking the center pins in NA. It would really suck if we can't buy more pins in the future, especially the spiral one.
Thanks, Markus

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

First, I am no expert on the subject. This is what I know about the process. What makes these bits so easy to sharpen is that the entire cutting surface is easily accessible.

General maintenance: keep the surfaces clean with a commercial blade cleaner. That alone will help.

Sharpening: Use a diamond stone. Remove the tip and sharpen it separately. On the bit, hit the back side of the cutting surface (see image below) with a few passes. Then lap it with a leather surface to remove any burr that formed.

If you don't feel comfortable doing this, send it to a professional sharpener.

Reference: About half way down this page are instructions for router bits, the process would be similar for the Zobos. http://www.dmtsharp.com/resources/written-sharpening-instructions/

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[Rob Lee]

Hi -

Here's another set of instructions for sharpening Forstner-type bits.

Maintaining and Sharpening HSS Forstner Bits by Lee Valley

Cheers -

Rob

[ Edited to fix link - Shane ]

 

[peter halle]

Markus,

Shane mentioned in another thread that replacement tips are expected in about a month.

Peter