I own several CMT Plug Cutters (such as 529.254.31) that actually weren’t super sharp out of the box. After cutting fewer than 20 plugs they now really need to be sharpened. The question is can they be sharpened? And, how do I approach it? Should the bevels be filed or should the flat faces be filed? Also, will a file work or would it be better to use a slip stone? I am not sure how hard the material is.
-Deke
Replies
Post a photo "down the throat".
@_mj_ let me know if this works. Thanks.
If I were to try this I would start with the hooks at the leading edge (1). A diamond rod or slipstone on the lead surface with care to hold the geometry and not round over the inside edge. I would test it before going further.
Next I'd go for the leading face of the outside spurs (2) and test again. The top faces of the spurs (3) look like a complex shape, but if there are flats you can hit with a little diamond paddle it would be next.
The inside (4) needs to be clean and smooth but without changing it. Maybe some fine emory paper wrapped on a dowel if it feels scratchy but be careful again not to change the hooks from #1... they cut the shape of your plugs.
This advice is worth everything you've paid for it, but if they are no longer working there's not much to lose by trying.
Thanks! I will post results after trying.