Electroplating cutting edges

[m899nyc]

Can worn cutting edges on steel or iron tools be built back up with electroplating?

 

[EdStainless]

Usually, No.
Platting will deposit at most a few thousandths of an inch of metal.
I have seen badly worn cutters repaired by machining back the edge and brazing a new cutting edge to them.
This is then ground and honed.
It all depends on the size, wear, and why you wouldn't replace the entire cutter.

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P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed

 

[TugboatEng]

I believe the electroplated coatings are not tough enough to tolerate edge applications. They are brittle and would chip too easily.

 

[m899nyc]

Platting will deposit at most a few thousandths of an inch of metal.
I have seen badly worn cutters repaired by machining back the edge and brazing a new cutting edge to them.
This is then ground and honed.
It all depends on the size, wear, and why you wouldn't replace the entire cutter.

The particular tool at issue is a pair of heirloom family dividers that have been used daily for several generations. Oversharpened, in my opinion. I want to keep using them. Maybe I should braze on a carbide tip, if that would work? Or somehow fashion a replaceable tip

 

[3DDave]

Perhaps a photo? What material is being divided/cut?

 

[TugboatEng]

Carbide tipped dividers? You're getting me excited.

 

[m899nyc]

Carbide tipped dividers? You're getting me excited.

There are a few companies that make carbide tipped dividers. Maybe brazing on a tip wouldn't be that challenging.

 

[EdStainless]

Maybe brazing on a tool steel inserts would be easier and give you a better edge.

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P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed