Over time, we’ve become a disposable society — even in woodworking production. Instead of maintaining and servicing tools, we’re often quicker to toss them out and buy new ones.

But, as new tariffs drive up the cost of raw materials like carbide, HSS, and PCD, the price of new cutting tools is climbing fast. Even tools made in the U.S. are affected because the materials they’re made from are now heavily tariffed.

For woodworking shops, that means one thing: higher production costs are coming.

Before you spend more than you need to, here’s how you can extend your tool life, lower your costs, and stay ahead of price increases by getting the most out of every tool you already own.

CNC tooling: Don’t replace, resharpen
Solid carbide spirals are standard in CNC router work — cutting hardwoods, MDF, melamine, and plywood. But many shops don’t realize these bits can be serviced back to near-new condition.

Make sure you’re using the right tool and geometry for your material (for example, a compression bit for laminated panels, or a downcut or upcut for solid wood).

When resharpened properly, solid carbide tools will have a new diameter noted on the case — so your machine operators can update the cutter compensation settings. If your tooling provider is also the manufacturer, ask if they offer service discounts for resharpening their tools — many do.

Saw blades: Track usage and service
Saw blades are another big opportunity to save. Whether it’s table saws, panel saws, or chop saws, using the right blade or groover — and tracking its lifespan — can stretch your investment.

Keep a record from when the blade was new to when it’s first serviced. This helps you predict replacement cycles and maximize sharpening intervals. If you’re cutting abrasive materials often, you might even want to explore PCD-tipped blades, which last far longer before needing service.

Sharpening a blade that some would consider disposable, for a fraction of the cost of new, can extend its life through multiple cycles — real savings that add up fast. In addition to hammer and tensioning, damaged carbide tips can sometimes be replaced. All of these options extend the lifecycle of your original equipment.

Insert tooling: Sharpen, don’t scrap
Profiled inserts used on shapers, CNC machines, and moulders can often be resharpened instead of replaced. Profile sharpening brings them back to like-new condition, just slightly shorter. Face sharpening thins the insert but can sometimes weaken the profile edge — so it’s important to work with a service provider who understands the trade-offs. PCD-tipped inserts and tooling can also be serviced. When damaged tips are not just replaced but properly reset, you maximize the tool's usable life and keep the original profile accuracy.

Pro tip: Recycle for cash
Don’t throw away dull tools. Solid carbide tooling has significant scrap value. Recycling used tools helps recover some cost and supports more sustainable shop practices. 

About the author: Ron Migedt is the president of Hunter Precision Tool, located in Elkhart, Indiana. They manufacture and service cutting tools for the woodworking, plastic and nonferrous metal industries, and operate a sharpening and service center in Elkhart. For information, phone 574-800-4840 or email [email protected].