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How to Sharpen a Carbide Burr

A carbide burr is a small cutting tool that attaches to a cullet that spins. A machinist, woodworker or metal worker uses the carbide tool to grind away material. The cutter is made of carbide steel and is knurled. Over time, the carbide dulls out and eventually you must sharpen the carbide burr. There is a simple way to sharpen carbide burrs without sending the tool out to a sharpening facility.

Things You'll Need

Drill press
Cutting oil
Diamond Hone

Instructions

- 1
  Secure the shank of the carbide burr into the cullet of a drill press and set the drill press to its highest speed.
- 2
  Apply a small amount of cutting oil to the textured surface of the diamond hone.
- 3
  Turn on the drill bit and place the textured surface of the diamond hone against the right side of the carbide burr. This will ensure the hone goes away from you in the unlikely event that it gets caught on the carbide burr. However, as a precaution, make sure you wear eyeglasses when sharpening the burr.
- 4
  Slide the burr up and down the full length of the carbide burr for approximately 10 seconds. For seriously dull burrs, you can sand for up to a minute.
- 5
  Stop the drill press and remove the carbide burr from the cullet.

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