Forstner bits

[Rich Stewart]

Does anybody know how to sharpen forstner drill bits. I don't think I have seen anything on this subject anywhere. I have a set and the sizes I use the most seem like they could use a little sharpening.

[Jim Becker]

Hone the flats with a diamond hone, 'same as you would for touching up a router bit.

[Glenn Clabo]

Forstners have 3 parts...the point...the Chipper (center blade)...and the Rim (outside blade). Stone (half stone works for me) only the flat side of the Rim. Don't change the angle. Knock of the wire edge by just running the stone on OD of the rim. Stone the Chipper on the flat keeping the same angle and parallel to the throat. Make sure you keep the Chipper below the Rim so the Rim cuts the wood ahead of the Chipper. I believe the good factory ones would be about .005 inch...but you don't have to be that exact.