The quality of ice skating depends not only on skill, but also on the condition of the skates and their sharpening. With regular use, the blades wear off, interfering with maneuvers, turns and other shapes. There are different sharpening methods to choose depending on how you skate and the type of skate. Sharpening should be done carefully and carefully, as it determines safety on ice.
Necessary
- - grinding wheel;
- - round file;
- - sandpaper;
- - fine-grained bar;
- - sharpening for knives.
Instructions
Step 1
Figure skates and hockey skates have a small depression along the entire length of the blade with two ribs on the sides. Such a groove makes it possible to increase the pressure on the ice in order to better glide over it, provides maneuverability when performing complex curly elements, and gives stability to the skates. The groove is gradually erased, so it must be regularly deepened when sharpening. Some hobbyists prefer flat blades without grooves, since they can be used for high speed. Think about which option is right for you.
Step 2
If you decide to abandon the groove, use a knife sharpener. Sharpen the blade by keeping it perpendicular. Use sandpaper to remove the shavings. The second option - with a groove - is more difficult to perform. To do this, use a grinding wheel or a guide plate to make a groove along the entire length of the blade, even in width and located exactly in the center.
Step 3
Then use a round file to deepen the groove and shape it into the correct shape. In some cases, one file is sufficient if the groove is not completely worn out. Make sure the edges of the blade are the same. The depth of the groove may vary depending on the type of skate. On curly skates, as a rule, they make a depression with a radius of 11 to 15 millimeters; hockey skates have a deeper, but narrower groove. When the notch is ready, remove the burrs from the blade with a fine-grained block. Sharpen the second skate in the same way, trying to make a groove of the same shape and depth.
Step 4
Cross-country skates are sharpened on special machines. The pair is attached parallel to each other and the blades up. A wide block passes along them, which forms an even edge, after which a thin block grinds the surface of the blade to an ideal state. There should be no grooves on these skates.
Step 5
If sharpening the blades is difficult for you, take your skates to a master at a public ice rink or go to a workshop. Explain your requirements to a specialist, describe your riding style. Please note that in some places, sharpening is not carried out without a notch.
