Sharpening Millbands

[hamish]

Well this one is for folks that have there own sharpener and the technically savvy.

As the teeth on most millbands are induction hardened,what would be the best type of stone to use? Ceramic/Diamond (both priced likewise) or Aluminum Oxide/Silicon Carbide (once again both priced the same)?

I am using a hand crank manual/powered sharpener (bare bones Norwood set up), just the factory stone are outrageous and aftermarket ceramic/diamond are crazy too. I have used both the aluminum oxide and silicon carbide...........but then read the silicon carbide were no good......wanting some more opinions on the matter.

Jeremy

 

[VA-Sawyer]

Do you have one of the ones that look like a Dremal tool clamped on a jig with a crank handle ?

 

[hamish]

That is correct.

 

[VA-Sawyer]

Running a dry stone on heat treated steel, I would suggest the AlO2 stones as they will tend to break down and keep sharp particles available for grinding. The diamond would be my second choice but you will have to find a way to clean it on a regular basis. If you had a wet system the diamond would be my first choice as it will have the longest life and the least change in profile in use.
If the stone loads up, then it tends to polish rather than cut and that results in a lot more heat.

 

[tommone]

If you want to sharpen with superbrasives instead of alumminium oxide grit don't use diamond, use CBN as the particle profile is much better suited to hardened steel grinding. If you use a diamond grinding wheel the particle shape will pick up steel on the surface, clog the wheel and you will be grinding steel on steel which will cause burning which causes deterioration of the steel quality.Some diamond users continually dress the wheel to keep it clean but CBN is the best choice.tom.