Sharpening Auger Bits
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- This topic has 13 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 11 months ago by Mark68.
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Ideally you would want an “auger bit file”. These are available from Lee Valley, Highland Woodworking, Tools For Working Wood and other online tool vendors–even Home Depot. Prices generally run around $17-$20. You would use a small triangular file to clean up the snail, if necessary, and could probably use one on the spurs and leading edges.
Dave
Auger bit files to the best of my knowledge, are only made in one size and are useable on any auger bit that you or I are ever likelyto have to sharpen. Current prices on new ones are crazy high due, I suppose, to limited availability but one should last for many years, unlike the files you use on saws.
Waitaminit! Lie-Nielsen has them for eight bucks! Get em’while you can!
https://www.lie-nielsen.com/product/files-auger-bit-file-
Dave
- This reply was modified 5 years ago by Dave Ring.
Is £20 the standard price?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/MAGBIT-303DLX-FILE-MAG303-Auger-File/dp/B005M273E2
Fine-tools has them for Eur 9.90 https://www.fine-tools.com/schlangenbohrerfeile.html
21 April 2019 at 8:23 pm #556660Try using a diamond paddle from ezelap or DMT, if you already have one.
I started using one when I misplaced my bit file. I’ve found it just as effective. It’s more effective if you slice away a little of the plastic around the edges of the paddle. It makes it easier to file close to the snail. The paddle is thin enough you don’t actually need a safe face to get close to the snail.
The areas to concentrate on are the top of the cutting edge ( assuming you are drilling down) and just the leading edge of the inside of the spurs up to their apex.
You also need to file the leading edge of the wing that holds the spur, so you maintain clearance angles for the cutter.
With two wing cutters, remember the spur cuts the edge of the hole for the cutter 180° behind it.
The snail cleans up with any small triangular file.
Don’t file anywhere on the outside of the bit, or on the bottom of the cutter edge.
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You must be logged in to view attached files.8 May 2019 at 4:30 pm #558461I’ve used the diamond paddle files that Paul recommends to great effect. Useable in other sharpening areas so it’s more bang for the buck. Three paddles are around $30 US and are available in the UK from EZE-Lap.
My son bought be an old Irwin auger bit set (in wooded box) for Christmas. He and I were playing with them last night, and were thinking they’re pretty dull. So this was a good thread to read this morning, and I’ve just purchased a pair of auger files from Lie Nielsen! Thank you.
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