Official Luthiers Forum!

There was a thread about binding router bit/bearings sets. I have the SM set. The bit is getting dull. Anybody had the bit resharpened and noticed a change in the dimensions with the bearings? Or is it better to get a new bit (pricey…)?
BTW I'm not too thrilled about the SM limited bearing sizes, any place where I can get other bearings for this bit?

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Laurent Brondel
West Paris, Maine - USA
http://www.laurentbrondel.com/

Laurent buddy my Stew-Mac binding router bit was getting dull too and like you I wanted more bearing size choices that I was unable to locate any where. In addition, the shorter shank on this bit requires that one cut the purfling channels first.

With all of that on my mind I just purchased the LMI set. In all fairness I understand that there is a bushing retrofit for the SM set that extends the shank. I am sure that I will use it again and have it sharpened, when I learn how to get this done or do it myself, but a new bit set got me out of the woods.

If you do learn how to sharpen it and its not posted here would you let me know please?

Hesh my friend, If you decide to try resharping your router bits please keep in mind how fast they turn when your using them, ya realy need to keep em balanced

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Say what you do, Do what you say.

I bought the LMI bit & bearings. Not happy about sinking $150... but all my research led me to those. It apears that router bits are to routers what service contracts are to cell phones...

Mike

Sounds like I blew it by ordering the Stew-Mac bit set. But it's ok. I can return it (still in the original packaging).

The SM set works fine, I've not had the issue or having to rout the purfling channels first either. I just wish I had more bearings, and the bit got dull after about 20 guitars…
So I assume sharpening the bit will increase the depths of a few thous, right?

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Laurent Brondel
West Paris, Maine - USA
http://www.laurentbrondel.com/

Try this place. They have bits for machining but they will work well on wood. Pretty inexpensive to boot.

http://www.jlindustrial.com/MLR-33500E/ ... oduct.html

Vince

I would measure the wing cutter first. Then sharpen with diamond stone , counting strokes. Re-measure. Inform us!

Also, you could take some good 1/4" bearings and have a machinist make a few press fit "tires" to place onto the bearings. Just make sure to roundover the edga a bit so it doesn't dent the wood as you rout.

That's what I'd do. Yep. SM set oughta be expanded....

I have router bits sharpened all the time, usually 5 or 6 a month. Since sharpenening is off the face, not much change in size. If you ask to minimize the grind,it helps, as most sharpening services have a standard grind which can be reduced. They're used to cabinet shops that give them bits with chips and grooves due to abuse. Any good saw sharpening service can do this for you- usually for about a 1/4 of the price of a new bit.

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Dean

I dont see how sharpening the bit will make the ledge deeper ????? sharpening bits makes them smaller, thus the ledge will be shallower.

I have the SM bit set as well, but only use it for headstocks. My other routers for bindings/purflings use somehting akin ot the luthier tool setup, with a movable guide and a 1/4 inch downcut spiral. Simply buy a new 20 dollar bit once its dull, even Home Depot has them.

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"