My 557 is about a year old. I have cut maybe 800 slots in that time, in all the common hardwoods.
It does not seem to work as effortlessly as it did new. It still works and cuts a clean accurate slot, but it fights a little to do it. When new it was hard to tell it was doing anything; now it is obvious.
Is it time to replace the bit? Can it sharpened? By me, or does it have to be done by someone who knows what he is doing? Thanks.