Guspro 850 sharpener questions

[speedcraft 0]

I recently picked up a used Guspro (Blademaster) 850 sharpener. The sharpener is just for personal use (my skates SS runners, and my son’s skates Carbon Steel runners).

I used the search and the Google Advanced search, but couldn’t find the answers to these questions:

BTW, I also emailed Blademaster, but didn’t get a response yet, so here goes.

1) Is there anywhere on the net I could download a manual for this machine?

2) Thanks to MSH, I think I’ve got a reasonable idea of what needs to happen during the sharpening process; should I just jump in (with an old pair of skates) and practice, or should I get a copy of Blademaster’s Video or CD?

3) It came with a new “blue†wheel, however reading through MSH posts, it appears most people use the “Ruby†wheel. Do you think the Blue wheel would be adequate for my purposes?

4) Is it necessary to use “Slick It†on the table, and if so, is there a readily available alternative?

5) Is it necessary to use “Gusto Glide†for the final pass, and if so, is there a readily available alternative?

6) Could someone recommend a vendor for wheels, diamonds, etc (I live in California if it makes a difference)?

7) The unit is a bit dirty, so I’m going to disassemble the moving parts and clean them. Is there any special lubricant needed for the mechanism that pulls the diamond toward the wheel?

8) There are a couple nicks on the table surface. I was thinking of smoothing them out by taping some emery paper on the surface of a small granite surface plate and then using the surface plate to run the emery cloth over the table. Is there a better way and/or are a few nicks even worth worrying about?

Sorry for the long post, and TIA for any advise!

[UMWhockey 0]

I would suggest getting a copy of the video or trying to find someone who knows how to sharpen and have them come over and help you out at first.

The Blue wheel is not the best in the world, but unless you have been getting professional sharpenings and are very picky about the finish of your skates, then the Blue will be fine. You can always order the Ruby once your Blue wheel gets low. When i first got into pro shops we used the Blue for hockey and pink for figure.

I use both slick it and gusto glide and like both products.

I don't know who on the west coast carry's blademaster products, In the three shops i have worked at we used Murray Sandler

hope this helps

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

www.centerice.on.ca

[jimmy 194]

Go to thrift store and buy a couple of old skates, and practice over and over. If you don't have a hollow guage, and edge level checker, get one. Also mandatory is a blade width guage. Without those 3 tools, you will not know if your sharpened properly. As for blade finishing, there are many different products, all work well.

Go for a pink or ruby 80 grit wheel. That will work well on the skates you plan on doing. Change your diamonfd often. I know several "home" sharpeners who have never changed their diamonds. Bad mistake.

It is not necessary to use any substance on the sliding surface, just keep it clean and polish with a stainless-brillo type pad.

PM me and I'll give you and awesome vendor for parts, supplies and repairs.

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

In my opinion...(and all i do all day long is teach sharpening and repair machines) i think your best bet is go to MaxEdge website read through there. Got to the Balckstone website and get the Trilite holder and go to the Blademaster website and get a Pro Level all this may cost more than your machine (I am asuming you may have gotten it used) but that holder and level will make the job so easy you will rarley make a mistake.

As for learning nothing beats practice. I cant send you my manual in full but I could send you a couple pages that would help out or if you e-mail me I can go through your questions with you.

As mentioned by Jimmy if you dont have atleast that level you will never get a perfect edge and that is now available through Blademaster and it is the one that is $139.99 I think CDN but worth every penny!

[sogaduch 0]

id also suggest this holder blade master holder, one click drops it down half a line from the pro level that way you can get abit more accurate of an adjustment