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Thread: carbide checkering cutters

  1. #1
    Boolit Master
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    carbide checkering cutters

    i've got 10 or more dull carbide checkering tools.new ones are too sharp. i was thinking that there might be a way to "etch" them with acid; any thoughts. i really don't know what will affect carbide.

  2. #2
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    Winger Ed.'s Avatar
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    Hmmm,,,,, Normally, dulling out a tool isn't much of a problem.
    Those may be a little different though.

    If you have one that is sort of expendable, you might try running it across a real fine file.
    If you have a 'Drill Doctor', it has a diamond stone inside it, maybe take it out and rub it on a new one.

    I used to use a lot of carbide drill bits. As tough as they are, hardened steel would dull them out after awhile.
    Last edited by Winger Ed.; 05-25-2020 at 06:15 PM.
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  3. #3
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    Rubbing a file over a carbide tool will ruin it as a file and do nothing to sharpen the carbide tool. Diamond hones or silicon carbide stones are about the only things that can resharpen carbide tools. Carbide is harder than the best tool steel. That is why it's used to cut steel. Diamond tools are a lot cheaper these days, and it doesn't take a great deal of diamond to make a good sharpening tool. I have used an aluminum oxide grinding wheel to sharpen cheap brazed carbide tools, but I think it's mostly the heat that helps reshape the tool. It still took a diamond hone to get a sharpish edge on it, and didn't do the grinding wheel much good, either.

    Bill

  4. #4
    Boolit Buddy

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    Quote Originally Posted by porthos View Post
    i've got 10 or more dull carbide checkering tools.new ones are too sharp. i was thinking that there might be a way to "etch" them with acid; any thoughts. i really don't know what will affect carbide.
    Try checkering a scrap of laminated wood flooring. (Don't overdo it.)

  5. #5
    Boolit Buddy SODAPOPMG's Avatar
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    Use it on some steel for a long time, they make endmills out of carbide and use them to cut hardened tool steel
    The biggest problem is that carbide is brittle and chips and breaks easy
    When subject to shock
    Are you sure the old dull tools are carbide and not tool steel?
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  6. #6
    Boolit Grand Master

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    A simple easy way to change a carbide cutting tool is with a small piece of brass stock and some Diamond lapping compound imbedded into it. Use it like a hone stone to sharpen or brake the edges. If to sharp making a lesser relief angle may help and still allow for a sharp tool. Carbide is normally a 3-5* relief angle so making it 1-2* may help

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by SODAPOPMG View Post
    Use it on some steel for a long time, they make endmills out of carbide and use them to cut hardened tool steel
    The biggest problem is that carbide is brittle and chips and breaks easy
    When subject to shock
    Are you sure the old dull tools are carbide and not tool steel?
    They do make them in carbide. Generally about $80 each for a single line. You are correct that 99% of the handtools are steel

    https://www.ramelson.com/product/5pc...ring-tool-set/

    Don't think they are cataloged but they do make them here https://www.ullmanprecisionproducts.com/about-our-tools
    Last edited by M-Tecs; 05-26-2020 at 12:19 AM.
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