G`day to all out there,
Looking at purchasing a Hare&Forbes Universial `D bit grinder`listed in their
cataloge,just curious if anyone has bought one/using one,here in Australia and are happy with it.
I plan on sharpening/grinding engraving cutters and V bit/router cutters,
any help suggestions would be great.

Regards
jubee.

OK,
It looks abit like this one http://www.hareandforbes.com.au/sample_2/home.php

To save the time wading through the cataloge i have attached a photo.

I have used a Deckel, which is similair to the Hare & Forbes, for 20 years sharpening d point or split point cutters. These machines are a must have to sharpen engraving cutters efficiently. You can find a used Deckel model SO grinder listed on Ebay quite often for about $500 if you are on a budget like me.
If you can afford the new one, by all means that's the way to go.

Thanks Diecutter for the info,
I have been looking at ebay for ages ,without any satisfaction.
Mostly whats on offer is in the States,and the freight/shipping
costs are very expensive.(cheaper to buy brand new here)

This model Iam looking at ,appears to come from China,
Just curious as to the quality of the product.
thanks
regards
Jubee

The one from China should be ok if it's like the ones I have seen. If you are sharpening carbide split point cutters also get a diamond cup wheel rather than the wheel shown in the illustration. Light years better for carbide; they cost $100 plus, but last a lifetime. The only way to fly and worth every penny. Any questions on sharpening feel free to ask.

Thanks Dicutter,
I`ll take you up on that offer,as I have no Idea on sharpening.
will let you know when I buy it and give it ago.

Do you know where i good place for blanks are.
Regards
Jubee

The instruction manual you get with the machine should have specs for grinding split points. If not, I'll send you a file with the specs for various materials; each material ideally should have different rake, relief, etc.

I use mainly 1/8" dia. split point carbide inserts. I buy the double sided blanks and put the 60 degree cone on the end myself. Suppliers include www.gesswein.com, www.mscdirect.com, and www.antaresinc.net. I bought from all three and they are all great. Antares has a lot of info on split points on their site also. Price is about $8.00 each and they last through dozens of resharpenings on each end.

Remember to get the diamond cup wheel when you buy the grinder; MSC also has them.

Thanks for the info,
www.antaresinc.net seem to have what Iam after,
Just come across this Tool & cutter grinder (see picture below),locally ,asking about the same price,
Do you know if this machine could also sharpen/grind engraving cutters or is it for bigger
work.
I would like to sharpen end mills/lathe tools as well.
Regards
Jubee

Jubee,
The tool & cutter grinder won't efficiently sharpen split points, but is great for end mills, reamers, etc. I have one which I mainly use for surface grinding dies. You definately need the split point grinder with a diamond wheel to sharpen carbide engraving tips; it's the only good way to get the critical back relief.

diecutter,
Thanks again for all your info,looks like the d`bit grinder wins.
Regards
jubee.