Can You Sharpen Chipper Blades Yourself?

Can I Sharpen Chipper Blades Myself? A Guide for Arborists

When it comes to maintaining your chipper’s performance, sharp blades are everything. Dull chipper blades don’t just reduce efficiency...they can cause uneven, poor quality cuts, overheat your wood chipper, and even pose serious safety risks. But can you sharpen chipper blades yourself? The short answer: yes - but with caution.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Whether DIY blade sharpening is right for you

• How to sharpen chipper blades safely

• When it’s time to let the experts (like UK Sharpening Service Rotatech) handle it

Should You Sharpen Chipper Blades Yourself?

Many arborists choose to sharpen their own blades, especially for light wear or in between jobs. But it’s not a task to take lightly. Improper sharpening can:

• Change the cutting angle, reducing efficiency

• Create uneven blade surfaces, causing vibration

• Weaken the blade structure, risking failure

If you're unsure or lack the right equipment, professional sharpening is strongly recommended, especially for high-grade steel like the ones used in Rotatech blades.

How to Sharpen Chipper Blades at Home

Only attempt this if you're confident with tools and understand the risks. Always wear PPE (gloves, goggles, hearing protection).

What You’ll Need:

• Bench grinder or wet grinding system

• Honing guide or jig

• Protractor or angle gauge

• Safety gear

• Torque wrench (for reinstallation)

Step-by-Step:

1. Remove the blades carefully from your chipper. Check your user manual for the correct procedure.

2. Inspect for chips or cracks. Damaged blades should not be reused., and will instead require replacement. You can get high quality replacements from Rotatech.

3. Secure the blade in a vice or sharpening jig.

4. Match the factory bevel angle (usually 30 - 45° depending on model).

5. Grind evenly on both sides, cooling with water frequently to prevent heat damage.

6. Deburr the edges with a fine file or whetstone.

7. Reinstall using a torque wrench to manufacturer specs.

Tip: Do not use handheld grinders or angle tool, as they often cause uneven edges and heat stress.

How Often Should You Sharpen?

For arborists processing clean, untreated wood:

• Every 25 - 40 machine hours is typical

• If you’re hitting dirty, sandy, or frozen material, you should sharpen more often

Rotatech blades are designed for extended sharpness, reducing how often you need to touch them up, which is another reason arborists across the UK trust our brand.

Prefer to leave it to the experts? Use Rotatech’s Blade Sharpening Service

If you’d rather skip the DIY risks, we offer a professional chipper blade sharpening service using industrial-grade CNC grinders for absolute precision. We:

• Maintain correct bevel angles

• Balance blade sets

• Use coolant systems to prevent warping

• Return blades safely packaged and ready for action

All Rotatech sharpening work comes with a quality guarantee. Perfect for arborists who need reliable performance, job after job. If you're blades are too damaged for sharpening, we can return them straight to you or dispose of them on your behalf, and offer replacements instead when available.

Learn more about our pro sharpening service here.

Conclusion

Yes, you can sharpen chipper blades yourself, but it takes care, the right tools, and attention to detail. If you want guaranteed sharpness, angle accuracy, and safe performance, Rotatech’s professional chipper blade sharpening service is a trusted alternative used by arborists across the UK.