Intelligentsia

Hey,

My diamond bit on my lathe isn't delivering clean cuts anymore. Is there any way to get a diamond bit sharpened?

If so please let me know.

Thanks

popsracer

Sounds like you have a Chipped bit. I believe that REPLACEMENT is the only option.

Intelligentsia

hmmm.

Where can I purchase a carbide bit?

Randy Caster

iTrader: (47)

Check out this thread
http://www.rctech.net/forum/showthre...threadid=20775
Hope that helps

Intelligentsia

Do you know what type of bit I will need for an Elite lathe?

Randy Caster

iTrader: (47)

no clue Call Ultimate Hobbies, they might know...

Graphitedust

I know that these bits CAN be resharpened. There is a place in Yorba Linda, CA that sells and sharpens these bits. Its an industrial supply place and they are also well versed in RC car tool bit needs. I've got their card somewhere, I'll try to find it. I do know that they use a VERY fine wheel, they may even lap it, which is VERY fine. Don't try to do it on a bench grinder.

Graphitedust

OK, heres the latest.....I can't find the card. Typical. I think the place was called Western Industrial Supply, and was located in Garden Grove, CA. The last time I was in there they said they were moving to Anaheim Hills. I have tried to find them on the internet, but had no luck.

I'm going to the track saturday, I'll see what I can find out.... I'll also drive by the old place and see what I can find.

Art Jensen

iTrader: (3)

The diamond in lathe bits is actually man made (diamond dust compressed) and requires a diamond impregnated wheel. Check with this guy. He sharpened one for me that was chipped badly and it turned out to be the best bit I ever had.

GW diamond cutting co.
4100 w. Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, Fl.

813-287-0068

It takes a while to get it done, So I bought another bit and Got mine sharpened. When the other one came back, I used the new one as a backup. Never needed it though. If you are going to buy a new one, the Carter bit is the best.

Randy Caster

iTrader: (47)

Is it cheaper buying diamond bits at these places than it is from an RC manufacturer? Where can you get the Carter bit?

David Root

Screw the diamond bit. You can buy 15 carbide bits for the price of one diamond. You can sharpen carbide your self too.

Mcmaster Carr on line has them, see the link posted earlier.

Bits come in AL or AR that is cuts from left to right or right to left. you need a 1/4 inch bit, that cuts the OPPOSITE direction you are cutting because your lathe cuts with the bit upside down compared to other lathes.

Carbide bits are $5 to $7 each. They can be sharpened many times before they are junk.

Just My Opinion. We are only cutting copper.]

David Root

Randy Caster

iTrader: (47)

How do you sharpen carbide on your own, what tools are needed? I already have a diamond bit, but you do get a nicer cut with a new carbide bit...

David Root

A carbide bit can be sharpened with a diamond file also available at Mcmaster Carr. A leatherman wave and some other pocket tools have a diamond file too.

Just make all edges new again, do NOT round any of the edges or change the angles. If you know a machine shop or some one that works at one, you are home free. I am lucky, my girlfriend is a tool and die maker.

David Root

Intelligentsia

I guess that I will go to the local harbor freight and pick some up today.

Randy Caster

iTrader: (47)

Hmm, I didn't realize Harbor Freight carried them...