I recently got a router and a set of Freud router bits. I had a friend tell me that he sharpens his bits after every use. So I have a few closely related questions:

• How often should I sharpen my router bits? Is it really necessary to do it after every time I use them?
• What tool do I use? I could see a generic sharpening stone being difficult to use with complex bit shapes.
• As a follow up to what sharpening tool, can you describe a safe and effective technique for using it?

I recently got a router and a set of Freud carbide router bits. I had a friend tell me that he sharpens his bits after every use. So I have a few closely related questions:

• How often should I sharpen my router bits? Is it really necessary to do it after every time I use them?
• What tool do I use? I could see a generic sharpening stone being difficult to use with complex bit shapes.
• As a follow up to what sharpening tool, can you describe a safe and effective technique for using it?