ejj

Hey guys - I've had my X01 up and running for a month now, and for the most part it has been trouble free. I'm using a 3/4" spinner, and the quality of the machine and holder (I upgraded to the U12 holder) have been top notch. Now, when I sharpen, after a few passes I have no problems getting the edges on the straight run of the blade level. However, when I get this portion of the blade level, the edges on the toe and heal of the blade are way out of whack. Sometimes, the straight of the blade is square, but (for example) the top edge (in the holder) of the toe of the blade past where the blades starts to curve is way, way higher, and I don't know why. If I lower that side of the holder, it messes up the straight portion of the blade. If I get the straight portion of the blade correct, the toe is back out of whack, etc. So, as someone who has not sharpened skates before, I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. Any pointers?

I picked up a X-01 about 2 weeks ago. I just got it setup this past weekend, and have had no problems. I requested a 3/4" spinner instead of the 1/2" spinner that the machine came with, and they made the substitution without any hassle. I also ordered a 90/75 FBV spinner, but I haven't used it yet. I was also offered the upgraded holder for $100, and was quick to take that offer. Just looking at the holders on their website made it clear that it was a good value. Never having sharpened a skate before, I've done mine a few times and had no problems. I may spend close to 10 minutes on my skates, so I'm certainly not quick, but I take my time, check my edges and get them level. So far, I've done them 3 times and have had NO problems. One sharpening question though. I just do my skates (Graf Ultra G70s with Step steel), and there is a huge difference required in the holder for each of my skates...like 10-12 "clicks" difference between the 2 skates up and down. Since they are the same skate, same steel, shouldn't they be pretty darn close for each skate? It doesn't cause a problem, as I just take my time and get the holder adjusted, but I would think since the steel should be the same width, the height of the holder shouldn't need to change that much.

I put my stock blades with a traditional 3/4" hollow back on my skates yesterday and skated 3 games. I need to take-back what I said before. The difference between the traditional sharpening and FBV was really quite dramatic. I'll stick with FBV!

I skated on a FBV sharpening for the first time tonight. I normally skate on 3/4", and tonight I was on 90/50 FBV. I honestly didn't notice much different. I always have had plenty of glide with the 3/4" hollow, and I'm able (230lbs) to generate plenty of bite as well. I felt pretty much the same on the FBV.