Blade Shaping: Grinding Wheel Direction

[isk8byu 4]

Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on blade shaping (contouring, etc) with a horizontal grinding wheel vs a traditional cross-grinding wheel? Is it just a speed and convenience issue? The single head Blackstone machines accept the blade shaping jig and are considerably less expensive than a two head unit. Blademaster also has single head unit, but it rotates between horizontal and cross. Thanks!

[JoshV 20]

I have never tried, but I think you would burn the steel out before you made any real progress.

Not to mention, you would have to dress the wheel A LOT of times before you even got one runner done.

If you are debating about which to purchase for home use, the cross grinder comes in handy and is well worth it... unless you don't mind paying someone to cross grind/contour your skates every time you need it done

[Xero117 7]

Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on blade shaping (contouring, etc) with a horizontal grinding wheel vs a traditional cross-grinding wheel? Is it just a speed and convenience issue? The single head Blackstone machines accept the blade shaping jig and are considerably less expensive than a two head unit. Blademaster also has single head unit, but it rotates between horizontal and cross. Thanks!

I've done it before and it takes a lot longer compared to using a cross grind wheel. Definitely more of a speed and convenience issue imo.

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

I use my portable all the time to do profiles. Having the blademaster that can switch is a benefit you just dress it to 7/8ths and cross grind away. Then set it back to the hollow of choice and you can fine tune it and put in the hollow! Using that machine I can go from start to finish in 20 min for a profile.

[Chadd 916]

The biggest concern for me when doing it is making sure not to overheat the steel. It's a very easy mistake to make.

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

The biggest concern for me when doing it is making sure not to overheat the steel. It's a very easy mistake to make.

With that new blademaster.....it really is easy and not an issue heating the blade. Cross grind is so easy to set up.

[JR Boucicaut 3810]

Right, but he's talking about shaping with the wheel in the normal direction, not using the portable that converts to a cross grinder.

Yes, it can be done. You just have to be a bit more patient.

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

Right, but he's talking about shaping with the wheel in the normal direction, not using the portable that converts to a cross grinder.

Yes, it can be done. You just have to be a bit more patient.

Ahh yes...

Well yes correct. Right now I have to do this myself on my machine. I use a new wheel I got from Blademaster its Ruby with extra grit is all I can explain. Its kinda like the blackstone black wheel. But seems to be better balanced. Worst part about wheels. You get an amazing box one time then poof you get some bad ones n a box. doesnt matter were from. Always seems to happen. Kinda like wood hockey sticks...LOL All wheels seem to be getting better though!