Is regrinding end mills worth it?

Usually yes for solid carbide end mills above about 6 mm (0.236 inch) diameter: a regrind costs much less than a new tool and gives most of the original life, as long as the tool was not badly chipped.

Which wheel is used to grind carbide?

A diamond wheel. CBN or aluminium oxide wheels are used for high speed steel.

Can a tool and cutter grinder sharpen drills?

Yes, with a drill fixture. Shops that sharpen many drills often also use dedicated drill sharpening machines.

Tool and cutter grinder: uses, types, regrinding

A tool and cutter grinder sharpens and makes cutting tools: end mills, drills, reamers, milling cutters, form tools and punches. Its heads and fixtures can be set to almost any angle so the wheel can reach each cutting edge. CNC versions grind complete carbide tools from blanks.

Quick facts

Main types: Manual universal, CNC 5-axis tool grinder
Typical work: Resharpening end mills, drills, reamers, cutters; making special tools
Wheels: Diamond for carbide, CBN or aluminium oxide for HSS
Accuracy: A few microns on CNC machines
Workholding: Collets, centres, dividing heads, tilting fixtures
Benefit: Reground tools cost a fraction of new ones

What it is used for

Resharpening end mills, drills, taps and reamers
Grinding form tools and special cutters
Sharpening milling cutters and saw blades
Grinding punches and small die parts
Making step drills and custom carbide tools on CNC machines

Manual or CNC?

	Manual universal	CNC 5-axis
Setup	Skilled operator sets each angle	Programmed, repeatable
Speed	Slower, suits small numbers	Fast, suits batches and new tools
Typical shop	Toolroom, regrinding service	Tool makers, large regrinding services

Good to know

Carbide tools need diamond wheels; HSS tools use CBN or aluminium oxide
Regrinding usually restores 80–90% of a tool's life if done before it chips badly
Coated tools may need recoating after regrinding for full performance
Keeping the original geometry (helix, rake, clearance) is what makes a regrind good

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Questions

Is regrinding end mills worth it?: Usually yes for solid carbide end mills above about 6 mm (0.236 inch) diameter: a regrind costs much less than a new tool and gives most of the original life, as long as the tool was not badly chipped.
Which wheel is used to grind carbide?: A diamond wheel. CBN or aluminium oxide wheels are used for high speed steel.
Can a tool and cutter grinder sharpen drills?: Yes, with a drill fixture. Shops that sharpen many drills often also use dedicated drill sharpening machines.

The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 16 October 2026.