Skate sharpening machines are used to sharpen the edges of figure, hockey and speed-skate blades. Sharp blades allow skaters to grip the ice more securely and are critical to successful skating whether you are a beginner or competitive skater. To keep your blades sharp, choose a sharpening machine that's easy for you to use and available when you need it.
Manual Sharpening Machines
Manual sharpening machines use a stone grinding wheel to sharpen skate blades. The wheel is mounted on a steel base, and when the machine is turned on, the wheel rotates. The machine operator slips the skate blade into a steel guide or track then adjusts the width of the guide to hold the blade in place and center it under the wheel. Some manual machines feature horizontal wheels, which sit parallel to the work table, while others feature vertically oriented wheels. No matter which way the wheel is positioned, the guide holding the blade must be positioned in the same manner.
Once these machines are turned on, sharpening staff use a diamond-tipped stylus to shape the stone wheel. This stylus gives the wheel a curved profile, which must be adjusted depending on the skill of the skater. By passing the wheel along the length of the blade, you create a hollow curve down the middle, which results in sharp edges along either side of the blade. Wheels with deeper curves give the blade sharper edges, while shallower curves create shallow edges that work best for beginning skaters.
Manual sharpening machines turn skate sharpening into an art form. Users must center the grinding wheel over the blade by eye, and can vary the amount of pressure on the wheel to fine-tune the profile of the blade. It takes time and effort to master this machine, and novice users may find that the blades they sharpen are uneven or unusable. Despite the difficulty in using these machines, they are still preferred by many skaters who like their blades sharpened a certain way.
Automatic Sharpening Machines
Automatic sharpening machines are set up like manual ones, with grinding wheels set horizontally or vertically depending on the model. These machines use a series of sensors and computer programs to make adjustments and move the grinding wheel along the length of the blade during sharpening. The software automatically centers the wheel over the blade, then exerts the correct amount of pressure to create the desired results. It also shapes the wheel using a mechanical stylus rather than a manual one.
Automatic sharpeners allow novice users to quickly and effectively sharpen skates. They are useful for large, busy ice rinks with lots of skates to sharpen, but might not accommodate the needs of some high-level skaters. For example, the automatic sharpener might not be effective on skates with tapered or dovetailed edges, which are popular with figure skaters. They also don't allow for the customization that's available with manual machines.
Hand-Held Sharpeners
The hand-held skate sharpener consists of a ceramic blade mounted in a metal or plastic handle. The blade typically features a V-groove cut into the tip, which fits around the outside of a skate blade. By running the device along the length of the blade, you can remove burrs or nicks to smooth out the edges. These tools also provide a basic sharpening that often lasts no more than a few hours. They are a good option for skaters who need a quick touch-up between hockey games or skating sessions.
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