Expansive Bit Care and Maintenance
Expansive Bit Care and Maintenance |
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Expansive bits should not require a lot of specialist care. They are sturdy tools that should last a long time, so the main cost involved in keeping them spick and span will be in creating a custom wet stone for sharpening.
For more information on wet stones, see {{widget type=”cms/widget_page_link” anchor_text=”How to sharpen an expansive bit” title=”How to sharpen an expansive bit” template=”cms/widget/link/link_inline.phtml” page_id=”3246″}} |
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As well as keeping your expansive bits sharp, you must also keep them dry. | |||
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Allowing your tools to rust seriously decreases their life and undoes all your hard work sharpening your bit. | |||
Mind the gap! |
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In a Clark-patent expansive bit, the cutter should be flush against the back of the tool when it is screwed into place by the lock screw.
For more information on this type of bit, see: {{widget type=”cms/widget_page_link” anchor_text=”What are the different types of expansive bit?” title=”What are the different types of expansive bit?” template=”cms/widget/link/link_inline.phtml” page_id=”3238″}} |
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If it is not, wood shavings could get stuck in the gap between the tool and the cutter, causing it to clog. | |||
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If, for any reason, your cutter is not flush against the body of your bit, remove it, and check if there is any debris stuck in the tool. | |||
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If everything seems clear, you will need to file the back of your cutter to make sure it is flat. You can do this with with a flat file, an abrasive tool designed to smooth down metal surfaces, being careful not to take any material off the curved cutting lip or the bottom of the bit.
For more information on flat files, see: {{widget type=”cms/widget_page_link” anchor_text=”Files” title=”Files” template=”cms/widget/link/link_inline.phtml” page_id=”2348″}} |
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It’s better to file down the cutter rather than the bit itself, as it may be that your spare cutter still fits perfectly. If you filed down the body, your first cutter would fit again, but your second cutter would now be the wrong shape – you would be trading one duff cutter for another! | |||
