Dental Tool Sharpening

[rales]

Here's something I stumbled on while modifying a few dental tools. One of my favorites is a #47 that is normally an oval (left in the pic) that I take down to almost flat (on the right) and use as a fishtail scraper (great for tight areas - and you can use it at about 60 degrees upright). In the past I had always taken a ceramic slip to the inside of the face to sharpen - but after grinding down the outside and finishing on on a fine ceramic stone I put it to some wood and was amazed at how sharp is was - then I slapped my head (I do that a lot) - Of course its sharp! - it has a burr on the inside - just like a cabinet scraper! Needless to say - all my dental profiles are now sharpened from the outside.... Works best with a very fine stone or maybe even a piece of hardened metal (saw blade)

I'm sure many of you have had these same sorts of epiphanies also... share em!

rales

[Thomp]

during my service years i had the dentest collect broken and outdated tools for me, as it turns out i have quite a hodge podge collection of broken scrapers and such..

most are ss hex shaped handles most are broken off so theres only 1/64th" shaft,
the tools seam to be made of stainless steel,

but what im wondering is the the tool tip and handle shaft made of the same metal,

or is it possible to use the handle stock for tool making, it doesn't appear that the working end is welded or pressed into the handle...

[Ron T]

Nice Rales. I use dental tools a lot, too.