Sharpen blades for shaved ice machine

[wanabnerdy]

I have been trying to find the best and easiest way to sharpen blades for my shaved ice machines. The factory edge is very good and will last several weeks. I have taken them to several different local blade sharpening places and they are never quite as sharp as they are when new. I have tinkered with sharpening them myself and can get them fairly sharp but they don't last very long at all. I don't have much experience sharpening knives or blades, but I figure there has to be some system out there that I can use. I am willing to learn too. I am including a picture of the blades. They have a single bevel on one side.

 

[samuraistuart]

I am certainly NO expert on single bevel sharpening.....or double bevel for that matter! Calling David and Jason......

What size are those blades by the way?

The basic of single bevel sharpening are about the same as double bevel. The backside MUST be flat in order for it to be sharp. So make sure the back side is dead flat. Then you work the front bevel with your abrasive of choice until you reach that apex (and then slightly past it creating a burr). Then it is just a matter of removing that burr to form that crisp apex.

If the backside is only polished to, say, 600 grit, then no matter how far you go on the bevel, it won't be any finer than 600 grit. Like a plane blade, many woodworkers will almost mirror polish the backside, and then usually never have to worry about it again.

 

[Jason B.]

I've sharpened lots of these but I usually do it on a grinder, just faster and easier. Shoot me an email and we'll get you fixed up.