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General Information on Sharpening
Metalworking Bench Tools

  
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Typical Grinding Media Used

  • 250+ micron abrasives
  • Tormek
    • SB-250 Original Grindstone, graded course
    • DC-250 Diamond Wheel Course
  • Sorby ProEdge
    • 60 grit ProEdge Zirconium Belt
  • Bench Speed Grinder
    • CBN wheel : <100 grit
    • Very friable grindstone : <100 grit
  • Other
    • Sandpaper : <100 grit

Shaping the Tool

Metalworking bench tools are typically only (re)shaped once in their lifetime. And that happens when the metalworker gets the tool from the manufacturer, and adjusts it to their own preferences.

Typical Grinding Media Used

  • 40-250 micron abrasives
  • Tormek
    • SB-250 Black Grindstone, graded fine
    • DF-250 Diamond Wheel Fine
    • DE-250 Diamond Wheel Extra Fine
  • Sorby ProEdge
    • 120 grit ProEdge Zirconium Belt
    • Pedia ProEdge Diamond Belt
    • 600 grit ProEdge Trizact Belt
    • 1,200 grit ProEdge Trizact Belt
  • Bench Speed Grinder
    • CBN wheel : 150-180 grit
    • Very friable grindstone : 150 - 180 grit (possibly held on an angle grinder)
  • Other
    • Sandpaper : 150 - 250 grit (possibly held on an angle grinder)

Sharpening the Tool

Metalworking bench tools should be resharpened at the start of the day, and as often as necessary.

It is not uncommon to also repair the tool at this stage. Mushrooming of the struck surface is common, and must be repaired to keep the tool safe to use. The U.S. War Department's TM 9-867 Maintenance and Care of Hand Tools is a great guidebook.