eriks334

Thanks everyone...and thank you Chiefs17. I have really been trying to make a great setup for myself and for people that want to feel what a correct skate sharpening feels like. I am doing ok with just word of mouth from people I have sharpened skates for. I see so many skates sharpened from 16 year old kids (with little instruction, not they're fault at all) and adults (whom have been sharpening for years) at the LHS and it kills me. 99% of the shops iv seen skates sharpened don't use any type of measuring device after the blade has been run on the wheel, many of them set the skate holder and never adjust it. I don't understand this. I have been sharpening skates for 12 years. I have NEVER found the "master setting" on the holder. I have never been able to "eyeball" the blade and tell if its level or not. (I mean obviously I can tell if its real outta whack) but with so many options for measuring the level of the blade out there I see no reason for it not to be done EVERY TIME. I have the 60$ "edge checker" and it works great, the "Max Edge" (my favored) (120$), I have the HDI which is like the most precise instrument on the market (120$ from Glynn at E-Z Sharp), I have a level from SSM (like 40$) the "Bat-gauge" from Blackstone (125$). How is this not a must have for any LHS?? No one can give perfect edges without measuring. That's why I wanted to start doing it correct. I won't give you back skates until I am absolutely satisfied each blade is level and sharpened to the best of my ability. Maybe this is just a CT thing, IDK, but I wanted to make a difference and that's why I like to sharpen skates. I really believe the FBV is worth it too. Its worth the extra expense, and was worth the start up cost. I think that when people try it they will notice the advantage. But, It needs to be done correct. If someone puts the FBV on a blade and its not level, or only 1 edge is hit with the wheel, the experience is not going to be pleasant. I thank everyone again on this thread. I have actually read all 100 pages. Seems like a great board. I am happy to be a part of it now. I have learned much about the FBV from this thread and have passed it along almost everyday.

My garage set-up. Used PVC pipe with Shut Offs on each machine to direct the vacuum to the machine being used. My Blademaster SPB850, the Wissota Form Dresser works great for using FBV. I wouldn't Sharpen a pair of skates without using my Maximum Edge blade square. A MUST HAVE for any skate sharpening machine. My Blademaster BRC2005. Can be a cross grind or sharpening system. Has a port on the side for vacuum. the port is the same as a central vacuum port that would be in the wall inside a your home or business. I havent really found any type of connection that would fit the PVC pipe and connect to the vacuum port perfectly, but a PVC reducer seems to do the trick. I am saving up for the Mark 6 profiling system, very expensive. I am hoping that i cant do blade profiles for $50 once I purchase it. The BRC2005 has the removable front bar to allow for the Mark 6 to attach. My Blackstone Xo2. I was able to find this rubberized multi adapter for the back of the machine to connect the PVC pipe. I wish I knew where it came from because I have read on this forum that many of you have had trouble finding a good connection method I purchased the carry box for the Xo2 it a while back, it fits beautifully, but I don't like to keep it in the box when its home. I use a couple sheet rock screws with washers to secure the machine to the table. It runs at such a high RPM that it vibrates hard and sometimes can shift on the table without being secured My Vacuum and Skate holders. I was really upset when I purchased my Xo2 and found that the machine was much lower than the other machines on the market. Luck has it, the machine I purchased came with 2 blackstone x series tri lie holders, 1 child and 1 adult, so I can still sharpen any skate with the Xo2. I was hoping to be able to use the Blackstone holders across the board, as well as use my current holders with the Xo2. Live and learn. I still love my Xo2 just as much as the others. Also, with the shop vac I use the "muffler". It doesn't really kill the sound, but it eliminates the force of air that races out of the back Thank you to everyone on this board for all the pictures and information on setting up a good vac system. It’s been a great addition to my workshop! I coulden't have done it without everyones help!

Thank you to everyone that has posted pictures, I was able to make a great vacuum system for my xO2 and Bladmaster machines!