Skate jig lifespan?

[VakarLajos 5]

Some of the skate jigs at my shop seem to be worn making the blade uneven, thus rendering the jig useless.

Unfortunately, I don't have the purchasing power at my store or I would have gotten new jigs, or at least new plates for them (among MANY other useful things we lack). I was just wondering how long the jigs should last with normal maintenance?

Thanks in advance.

[Hazard14 0]

whats a skate jig?

[jeffw 1]

whats a skate jig?

THIS

[dix0r 0]

i'm confused - what part of a jig would be worn that would make getting a level cut impossible? the only part i could think of that would really 'wear' would be the felt, which is easily replaceable...

i've worked on some beat up old machines, with sticky, scratched up surfaces, but if the jig is adjusted right, you should be able to produce square edges.

and lofl at the roenick dance...

[aarondevera 0]

a jig is meant to last pretty much forever, but will require regular maintenance. i would take the thing apart and detail it thoroughly, for sure. you should definitely replace the felt on the bottom of the jig if you haven't done so in the past. if your table-top feels slow, it's likely because the felt has been worn out, causing uneven blade height and table-drag. make sure you order the right shape of felt from either Blademaster or Blackstone to match your jig.

you should also make sure your diamond isn't dulled out, and the dressing arm is calibrated properly for even stone-cutting.

any pics or model of your jig would be helpful.

[VakarLajos 5]

The anvil is worn down on the inside. Some of the clamps are messed up as well. We're in a spot that was vacated by another shop and we have all the equipment they used which is at least 10 years old. I'm down to one good jig (holder, if you like) that I use for everything I can. I might have been a bit hast in saying they are "useless". You can use them, but the amount of adjusting you need to make doesn't seem worth the time lost.

Yes, it would be very easy to replace. IF it were up to me.

[DarkStar50 679]

If you are into sharpening, invest in your own skate holder. Buy it, don't let anyone else use it, and you will enjoy sharpening a bit more knowing its your own skate holder. Skate holders are not cheap but I have bought my own just to have the security of doing the best job possible. When too many different sharpeners use the same skate holder on a busy week-end, stuff happens!

[VakarLajos 5]

If you are into sharpening, invest in your own skate holder. Buy it, don't let anyone else use it, and you will enjoy sharpening a bit more knowing its your own skate holder. Skate holders are not cheap but I have bought my own just to have the security of doing the best job possible. When too many different sharpeners use the same skate holder on a busy week-end, stuff happens!

That's something I've been considering. I keep my own diamond. Guess I'll start saving now. I'd like the Blademaster 6000, cause I've heard great things. 2000 might be more in my area though.

[Doctor Hook 0]

What was the context of JR's jig? For a sec I thought it was after a game, maybe one of the game star announcements, but then I see there are teams on the ice.

[Monty22 834]

What was the context of JR's jig? For a sec I thought it was after a game, maybe one of the game star announcements, but then I see there are teams on the ice.

IIRC, it was a stopage to repair the glass.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

If you are into sharpening, invest in your own skate holder. Buy it, don't let anyone else use it, and you will enjoy sharpening a bit more knowing its your own skate holder. Skate holders are not cheap but I have bought my own just to have the security of doing the best job possible. When too many different sharpeners use the same skate holder on a busy week-end, stuff happens!

That's something I've been considering. I keep my own diamond. Guess I'll start saving now. I'd like the Blademaster 6000, cause I've heard great things. 2000 might be more in my area though.

Save some cash and get the Blackstone Tri-Lie. Not as light as the 6000, but same concept and a whole lot cheaper. $495.

[lb33knight 0]

If you are into sharpening, invest in your own skate holder. Buy it, don't let anyone else use it, and you will enjoy sharpening a bit more knowing its your own skate holder. Skate holders are not cheap but I have bought my own just to have the security of doing the best job possible. When too many different sharpeners use the same skate holder on a busy week-end, stuff happens!

It's obvious after one of my guys drop it that something isn't right... <_<

VakarLajos - I have been using the same SH2000 holder for the last eight years and the brass clamp and wear ring are finally starting to go. A new holder from Blademaster will run you about $370 US but a new clamp is only $70 US. That may be all that you need. About once a month I break my down completely and lubricate it throughout and it's been pretty reliable. The SH6000, in my opinion, is Blademaster trying to force an improvement on an already solid product. At almost double the price I don't think it's worth it. Any way that you can post a pic or two to see if we can spot any problem areas?

[prenny207 1]

If you are into sharpening, invest in your own skate holder. Buy it, don't let anyone else use it, and you will enjoy sharpening a bit more knowing its your own skate holder. Skate holders are not cheap but I have bought my own just to have the security of doing the best job possible. When too many different sharpeners use the same skate holder on a busy week-end, stuff happens!

That's something I've been considering. I keep my own diamond. Guess I'll start saving now. I'd like the Blademaster 6000, cause I've heard great things. 2000 might be more in my area though.

Save some cash and get the Blackstone Tri-Lie. Not as light as the 6000, but same concept and a whole lot cheaper. $495.

Thats it... you're cut off!!!

[VakarLajos 5]

If you are into sharpening, invest in your own skate holder. Buy it, don't let anyone else use it, and you will enjoy sharpening a bit more knowing its your own skate holder. Skate holders are not cheap but I have bought my own just to have the security of doing the best job possible. When too many different sharpeners use the same skate holder on a busy week-end, stuff happens!

It's obvious after one of my guys drop it that something isn't right... <_<

VakarLajos - I have been using the same SH2000 holder for the last eight years and the brass clamp and wear ring are finally starting to go. A new holder from Blademaster will run you about $370 US but a new clamp is only $70 US. That may be all that you need. About once a month I break my down completely and lubricate it throughout and it's been pretty reliable. The SH6000, in my opinion, is Blademaster trying to force an improvement on an already solid product. At almost double the price I don't think it's worth it. Any way that you can post a pic or two to see if we can spot any problem areas?

Thanks for the info on the pricing. How much would a new anvil be? It's basically just a piece of metal with with holes punched out. I can't imagine it topping $100.

I love the 2000, but it's one of the ones that it distorted.

[Chadd 916]

Go with the tri-lite. I'll be placing my order in person at the show.

[VakarLajos 5]

I've never used any of the Blackstone products. How do they compare to Blademaster?

[Chadd 916]

I've never used any of the Blackstone products. How do they compare to Blademaster?

Every one of the blackstone products that I have used has been better than the blademaster products that I have used. The only exception is the self-leveling holder. That was somewhat problematic.

[VakarLajos 5]

I've never used any of the Blackstone products. How do they compare to Blademaster?

Every one of the blackstone products that I have used has been better than the blademaster products that I have used. The only exception is the self-leveling holder. That was somewhat problematic.

If you're talking about the Scissors System Clamp, then I can see how that might be problematic. Looking at their site, that holder looks like an absolute beast.

Any specifics on how they perform better?

[Chadd 916]

I've never used any of the Blackstone products. How do they compare to Blademaster?

Every one of the blackstone products that I have used has been better than the blademaster products that I have used. The only exception is the self-leveling holder. That was somewhat problematic.

If you're talking about the Scissors System Clamp, then I can see how that might be problematic. Looking at their site, that holder looks like an absolute beast.

Any specifics on how they perform better?

The machines are usually much more quiet and I didn't have to regularly rebuild the jigs. The new spinner system is pretty damn cool too.

[aarondevera 0]

I've never used any of the Blackstone products. How do they compare to Blademaster?

Every one of the blackstone products that I have used has been better than the blademaster products that I have used. The only exception is the self-leveling holder. That was somewhat problematic.

If you're talking about the Scissors System Clamp, then I can see how that might be problematic. Looking at their site, that holder looks like an absolute beast.

Any specifics on how they perform better?

The machines are usually much more quiet and I didn't have to regularly rebuild the jigs. The new spinner system is pretty damn cool too.

i've had the opportunity to use both Blackstone and Blademaster machines. My shop currently has two Blackstone Stealth machines, with angled stations and the new spinner heads.

I'll definitely say that the Blackston machines I've worked on have been generally quieter, and the suction from the fan is much better. But on the other hand, I find that i have to vaccuum out the Blackstone filters a little more often than I had to on the Blademasters, regardless of frequency of sharpenings.

The first jig I ever used was the Scissors Clamp, and that thing was an absolute nightmare. the back lever snapped multiple times, and i had to recalibrate several times per skate. Stay away from this jig, if you can help it.

Like mentioned before, i'd really recommend the new Tri-Lie jig. The thing works like a dream, but you'll have to get the jig with a smaller plate and longer post to accommodate youth skates and goalie cowlings.

[lb33knight 0]

If your store has an account with Blackstone then go ahead. But if not that may be more of a hassle than you want just to be able to get a new holder. The SH2000 is just fine for any competent sharpener and it's less expensive.

[VakarLajos 5]

If your store has an account with Blackstone then go ahead. But if not that may be more of a hassle than you want just to be able to get a new holder. The SH2000 is just fine for any competent sharpener and it's less expensive.

We are Blademaster clients. So, I think it might be difficult for me to get a Blackstone jig. I'll call them up on Monday and see. Thanks for all the help.

[lb33knight 0]

If your store has an account with Blackstone then go ahead. But if not that may be more of a hassle than you want just to be able to get a new holder. The SH2000 is just fine for any competent sharpener and it's less expensive.

We are Blademaster clients. So, I think it might be difficult for me to get a Blackstone jig. I'll call them up on Monday and see. Thanks for all the help.

Sure thing bud. Where's your shop, btw?

[VakarLajos 5]

NYC