Sharpening Forstner bits

[Michael Hammers]

I received quite a few Forstner bits in my last haul, I am curious if and how you can sharpen these?
Thanks,
MSH

[Jim Becker]

Kinda the same way you do a router bit...only on the flat with a diamond hone.

[glenn bradley]

I use one of this (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=32954&cat=1,43072,43089) for the initial swipes on augers and brad points. A diamond rod after that. I assume this would work for Forstners as well but here's (http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/library/sharpening_forstner_bits.pdf) another viewpoint.

[Michael Hammers]

Ok, Ok.....I guess maybe I knew the answer but was afraid I was right...:o..this just leads me to the "not enough hours in the day" conundrum. I was thinking the same as a router bit but trying to figure out how long it would take to get that many bits in shape. That is alot of sharpening and time. Not sure if these older bits are worth it.
MSH

[Scott Whiting]

I cannot really justify the time it takes to do by hand. Using a 1/8" thick cutoff wheel I sharpen the face of the chip lifters and the leading edge of the outside rail. Then I debur the outside with a sheet of sandpaper on the workbench and a small hone to debur the chip lifter. Keep a bucket of water handy when grinding to keep dipping it in.

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

I use a file. If the cutter is high speed steel you'll have to use a grind stone, if it's carbide you gotta use diamond