How to sharpen a cheese grater

[gmensing]

Hello,

I work for a trading company and we are in the process of buying a kind of grater (like a cheese grater).
The problem is that the grater is very dull. We want it sharper, but the factory says this is not possible. I know this is not true, because I've seen plenty of graters which are very sharp.
How can we sharpen the grater?


Regards,

GM

 

[dvd]

First off, I have no idea. But that never stops anyone around here.

Two thoughts:

1) Mix abrasive compound in, maybe, parafin and after it solidifies, grate it. Or grate a Cratex stick if it is soft enough.

2) If the grater is made of carbon steel dip it in acid, which will hopefully dissolve the thinner steel at the cutting edge.

 

[jbel]

If the gratings are large enough you could go in with a Dremel type tool and sharpen each indivudual cutting edge. Not exactly a fun job but a great way to break in a new recruit!!!

 

[rhodie]

Great question!

see

http://www.boggstool.com/default1.htm

These guys sharpen files through a process called "liquid honing", which is somewhat more successful than acid dipping. I never personally dealt with this company, but have associates that speak well of them.

 

[rhodie]

Actually, this address will probably be more helpful:

http://www.boggstool.com/liquid.htm

 

[Rocko]

I take it they are using a poor grade stamping tool.

 

[tomwalz]

I would go with Rocko.

A good tool (die, form, etc.) will form the grater and draw the metal out so that there is a sharp edge.

tom

 

[gmensing]

Hello again,

Yes, they use bad tooling to produce the grater. I've informed them that the best thing to do is produce a better tool.

Cheers,

GM