Would like some advice on getting into skate sharpening

[jimmy 194]

You do not need a control set. You do need a quality hollow tester and a level gauge. If you plan on offering different settings to customers, it is helpful to keep a data base. We keep a database of every customer, what they use, have used, didn't like, radius changes, etc. A complete history. Trust me, we have customers who have been coming to us weekly for years and yet they can't remember what their setting is. Having it on file is handy.

[chk hrd 164]

I 100% agree with you. However, my point was just that training at a pro shop is not an option for the OP. They only place anywhere near him (and I'm assuming near most of his customer base) that sharpens is awful. Without any really competition, he should be able to build a customer base while still perfecting his sharpening skills, as he'll still be turning out better results than the kids at the rink. As long as he strives to improve and asks questions when they arise, he can become proficient without actually working under an experienced sharpener.

Why is a training shop not an option; because it's a hour drive away. Considering the amount of money he will spend opening even a small shop an hours drive would be a small price to pay to learn. The way to become proficient is repetition. If you do not learn the basics correctly then you are just floundering by trail and error. Better results than the other rink can still be bad results that piss off customers. Even if you have a dozen practice skates you still have to test them on the ice. If you don't have that immediately available then you have to drive to the rink, pay to skate, see what you did, go back to your shop, tweek the skates and go back to see if it was good or bad. All of this is an expense and takes you away from your business. If you are not at your shop working then you are loosing money.

IMHO you would be better trying to spend as much time learning, even if you had to take a vacation from your current job and intern for free. It may cost you a little money up front but it will make you more in return. I am not trying to convince anyone from opening a business, just think it through from every angle and have a business plan before you do. It is a tough time to start anything right now.

[trukweaz 3]

any rec's on good online tutorials for the basics of sharpening? I have been practicing lots on old skates and my own. I get perfect level edges and they feel fine but I always wonder if I am screwing up the radius or other mistakes?

[goblue9280 33]

Why is a training shop not an option; because it's a hour drive away. Considering the amount of money he will spend opening even a small shop an hours drive would be a small price to pay to learn. The way to become proficient is repetition. If you do not learn the basics correctly then are just floundering by trail and error. Better results than the other rink can still be bad results that piss off customers. Even if you have a dozen practice skates you still have to test them on the ice. If you don't have that immediately available then you have to drive to the rink, pay to skate, see what you did, go back to your shop, tweek the skates and go back to see if it was good or bad. All of this is an expense and takes you away from your business. If you are not at your shop working then you are loosing money.

IMHO you would be better trying to spend as much time learning, even if you had to take a vacation from your current job and intern for free. It may cost you a little money up front but it will make you more in return. I am trying to convince anyone from opening a business, just think it through from every angle and have a business plan before you do. It is a tough time to start anything right now.

Point taken, you've laid out the ideal scenario. I don't know how feasible it is for him... and there's also no telling whether the LHS that is an hour away has job openings or would be willing to train a competitor. But you're right, with any skilled trade, hands on experience is invaluable.