Replies

1. 
   McDesign | Jan 07, 2009 05:44pm | #1

   I always send mine to Forrest - http://www.forrestblades.com/sharpening.htm , and have always been pleased.

   Forrest (really)

1. 
   ottcarpentry | Jan 08, 2009 04:25am | #6

   Thanks for your response. A couple of other questions.Do you feel that forrest does a "top notch" job at sharpening? How long does the blade seem to last after sharpening? Is it "sharper than new" when you get it back. About how much is shipping typically?ThanksOtt

1. 
   McDesign | Jan 08, 2009 01:10pm | #9

   Top notch - the blades are definitely sharper than new.  I can tell when cutting melamine-faced PB or cross-cutting cabinet ply.  I always pick the wax off a newly sharpened blade when starting a cabinet project!

   As far as comparative durability, I just can't say.

   Forrest

    

2. 
   jet | Jan 07, 2009 06:31pm | #2

   Local lumber yard sends mine out for me.

1. 
   ottcarpentry | Jan 08, 2009 04:27am | #7

   My "local" ship out destination is 45 min away. That's why I'm checking on other options. :-)Ott

3. 
   Scott | Jan 07, 2009 08:32pm | #3

   I've always either carried mine in or couriered mine to a local shop, and have always been pleased. There are two notable ones in my local city (Vancouver, BC), your mileage may vary.

   Scott.

4. 
   frenchy | Jan 07, 2009 09:07pm | #4

   The quality of sharpening varies greatly as does the amount of metal removed.. a great service will remove the absolute minimum and check run out etc..  A poor service will grind off a lot of life things won't be at the best angle and the balde will quickly redull.

    If you see someone hitting a blade with a ball been hammer while doing the resharpening.. thank him..  that's a craft that does not come easy and yet should be done. If you see dents on both sides of the blade he's a trainee and had to remove some of his work.. Knowing where and how hard to hit is an art!

     The best way to find great sharpeners?  ask around! Not just one or two guys but a dozen. Go into woodworking shops and ask, Ask competitors and buddies..

     You've got to do this or you'll likely get sent to some hack who does it part time for beer money..

1. 
   Shoeman | Jan 08, 2009 05:08pm | #10

   Do you have someone in the cities you like to use?

   I have only used Edie Saw in Northeast Minneapolis, but, have been pleased with the results.

1. 
   frenchy | Jan 08, 2009 06:34pm | #14

   I can second Eide saw in mpls.  that's where I've had all my blades sharpened..

     They do an excellant job and will remove the absolute minimum so you get as long a life as possible out of your blades.. . reasonably quick turnaround as well!

    I've got a total of 18 blades that I resharpen and some have been in 10 times or more. 

5. 
   junkhound | Jan 07, 2009 09:16pm | #5

   Sharpen everything myself, incuding brazing new carbide if needed.

   That way, no one to blame but self if not done right.

1. 
   ottcarpentry | Jan 08, 2009 04:28am | #8

   Thanks for the reply.How do you sharpen your blades, by hand or machine?Ott

1. 
   junkhound | Jan 08, 2009 07:47pm | #16

   How do you sharpen your blades, by hand or machine?

   Both.  Generally sharpen hand saws, band saw blades, and chain saw chains by hand, by hand meaning either with a file or by hand holding blades to a grinding wheel.

   7-1/4"  blades that are worth sharpening usually by hand.  10"  and 14" circular blades on homebuilt jig built onto 6" bench grinder

6. 
   Darkaluke | Jan 08, 2009 05:38pm | #11

    

   http://www.cal-ore-carbide.com/sharp.htm

   When I worked at the tool store, I sent literally hundreds of blades to this outfit.  Never had a complaint from a customer.  Even though they were 1 state away, their rep would come in every week, drop off last week's blades, and pick up this week's...just like clockwork.  Some weeks, 20-25 blades.  Never ever had one "lost" in the process.

   Every once in awhile, the rep would bring a blade back saying it was no longer a safe blade to use, and they would refuse to sharpen it.  But he never pushed his company's product on us, or the customer.

   I'm pretty sure you can do this by mail.  When you get it back, it will be in a neat, re-useable mailing package for the next time.

   Side note:

   Even though I am a great supporter of dealing locally, the blade sharpening shop in our own area was horrible.  In business for 50 years, apparently they used to be good, but my experience with them was not good.  It took them 2-3 weeks to get a blade sharpened, complaints about the shapening from my customers, and many "lost" blades (yikes!).  As well, their rep was horrible.  Came in the store with a handful of excuses everytime.  Then she would go into sharing all of her presonal issues...her car, her kids, her husband...

   Anyway, in my experience, Cal-Ore is a great company.  Awesome customer service.

    

    

    

    

1. 
   ottcarpentry | Jan 08, 2009 05:50pm | #12

   Thanks,I've e-mailed for a price list and shipping costs. I'm sure the shipping would have been cheaper when I still lived in Oregon. :-)Ott

1. 
   ottcarpentry | Jan 08, 2009 05:52pm | #13

   Does anyone have any experience with this company?http://www.dynamic-saw-blade-sharpening.com/Ott

1. 
   restorationday | Jan 08, 2009 06:49pm | #15

   I have used these guys many times in Springfield MO
   http://www.ballewsaw.com/services.htm
   I have had them do many blades, new tips, custom molder knives, planer blades, augers
   I have never used their mail order but if it is as good as their front counter you won't be displeased.

2. 
   Darkaluke | Jan 09, 2009 05:54am | #23

    

   Glad I could help.  They are a good company.

    

    

    

    

7. 
   marv | Jan 08, 2009 09:52pm | #17

   Every spring I send my 4 Forrest blades to the factory.

   You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.

   Marv

8. 
   Mongo | Jan 08, 2009 10:36pm | #18

   Local place destroyed two of my blades a few years ago, since then I've sent mine to Forrest as well. Router bits and blades. Some "Forrest" brand, others off-brands. Never sent them planer knives.

   Everything comes back better than new, they do a nice job with matched router bit sets too.

1. 
   ottcarpentry | Jan 09, 2009 04:38am | #19

   Sounds like forrest is the place.Ott

1. 
   betterbuiltnyc | Jan 09, 2009 05:35am | #22

   I send most blades there since the local guy BUTCHERED a Festool blade. Forrest does a great job on them.

9. 
   Shep | Jan 09, 2009 04:53am | #20

   Another vote for Forrest. They have pretty much the best blades, along with the best sharpening.

1. 
   ottcarpentry | Jan 09, 2009 05:33am | #21

   I have a couple of matsush!ta blades that cut rip like a dream, run quiet and last a long time. I have heard forrest is a great blade, I haven't had the opprotunity to purchase one yet.Ott

   Edited 1/8/2009 9:34 pm ET by ottcarpentry

1. 
   Shep | Jan 09, 2009 06:14am | #24

   I've never tried a Matsush!ta blade, but I've heard good things about them.

   I've met Jim Forrest. Nice guy. I even got invited to come up and see their operation, which I never got around to. ( I know, dumb).