Good maintenance and frequent sharpening of your carbide tools lets you cut faster and more accuratey. Dull carbide can be sharpened on green silicon carbide grinding wheels with a grit size of 80. It is much easier to grind a cutting edge often than it is to grind it back to shape after it has become dull. |
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| Heads on hand struck tools should be hard enough to allow moderate upsetting or mushrooming from the striking of the hand hammer. This moderate upsetting should be ground off frequently to avoid rolling over of the steel. If the heads are hard enough to prevent upsetting, they will usually crack and chip off, making them dangerous to use. Improper grinding can damage the carbide and cause the tool failure. To extend the life of your carbide tools, do the following. |
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- When grinding, leave corners slightly beveled. Very sharp or pointed carbide may break on harder stones.
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- Don't forget to grind the shank end or striking head frequently to maintain the correct shape for safe performance.
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- Use care when storing or transporting carbide tools. Although tough and durable, carbide can break, especially when struck by another carbide tool.
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- Never quench your carbide tool after grinding. Sudden changes in temperature can cause cracking and chipping of the tip. Always air-cool the tool after grinding.
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