Rounding the edges of a contact wheel.

[L6steel]

I tried rounding the edges of my contact wheel with a file but just couldn't get both sides near the same. I got sick of it so I took out my router and chucked up a 1/4" round over bit, carbide tipped with a roller bearing, and ran it around the wheel edges. It came out virtually perfect. Makes such a difference with plunge cuts.

 

[NickWheeler]

I think even now mine are a touch off....I'm gonna have to try that... Thanks Michael!!!

Nick

 

[Marcel J.B. Morin]

Had a brand new Bader 10" smooth wheel just waiting to get used, so I went to my son's house and put a 1/4" round over bit in his shaper and now it works just great. Thanks for the tip.

Marcel

 

[RARanney]

A router bit (taps self on forehead)! I'd been trying to come up with a carbide lathe/mill bit for radiusing wheels, with no success. All the while my router bits are sitting on the shop shelf. Thank you.

 

[tom mayo]

great idea....although I would think a 1/4" might be a little much, how about a 1/8" round over?? will give it a whirl....plus, if you want to go over it later with a larger one you can easily.
I need to add that one of the things that needs to be done when radiusing the corner is to relieve it somewhat towards the middle a little too.......that way you eliminate the possiblility of an ever recuring 2" line on your grinds.