LS2P Steel Problem

[EBondo 237]

I've had my Supreme 70's since March, and have only sharpened them maybe 7-10 times. I haven't been skating much because it's the offseason, but I already have maybe 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch left of steel. Has anyone else had this problem with the steel on the skates, or could it be something I'm doing wrong? Any help is appreciated.

[Jason16 0]

Is your sharpener cross grinding the steel before every sharpening?

[EBondo 237]

Not every sharpening, more like every other to every third sharpening, and my sharpener is myself, lol.

I guess it would be safe to say that this is the reason I'm losing so much steel?

[Jason16 0]

Ah, I didn't know you sharpened your own skates...

Generally, I try to avoid using the cross grind unless: 1. They're brand new skates 2. I'm profiling or 3. The chips and nicks are too deep to get rid of through sharpening.

I also don't put a lot of pressure into the wheel; ever so lightly but with enough force to get the job done.

[Jbone 0]

I've had mine for almost a year and i've lost maybe 1/5 of my steel.

[wrbush31 0]

What is the purpose of cross cutting a new blade? I know you are supposed to but I don't know why. Any insight is appreciated.

Thanks!

[jimmy 194]

I see no purpose in crossgrinding a new steel other than perhaps to save a little wear on the finishing wheel. It doesn't do anything to establish a hollow, and in fact it only risks screwing up the factory radius, takes off more steel than necessary. I think in the old days when steel was machine cut and not so precise, a crossgrinding would probably smooth that out before finishing. With today's lazer cuts, crossgrinding is a thing of the past. IMO, crosgrinding deep nicks out is unnecessary as well. You can have 30 deep nicks all over your blade and it won't normally effect skating at all. Removing nicks is a wive's tale. Burrs need to be smoothed out but deep nicks do not need to be removed.

[JR Boucicaut 3806]

Agreed - I don't touch the crossgrinder unless I'm radiusing. Dress the wheel and you'll be able to cut through the new steel.

[jimmy 194]

My crossgrinder hasn't been plugged in for at least a few years. I took it from the workbench and put it underneath out of sight. Oh, I take that back, I pulled it out once to grind a bracket down on a car alternator. :-) Almost all skate sharpening tasks can be done with a finishing wheel. If I need to remove stock, I use a 60grit. Works like a champ.