Helpful Hints for Re-Sharpening Industrial Blades

Why does anyone need helpful hints about re-sharpening industrial blades? You just turn on the grinding wheel, stick the knife in, and remove it when it’s sharp.

If only it was that simple.

Re-sharpening blades must be done properly and with a lot of care. If not, you may decrease the life of your blade and compromise edge integrity.

Scrimping on re-sharpening will adversely affect productivity. Proper re-sharpening of blades will actually decrease down time because your knives will be sharper longer and operate with better efficiency.

To achieve proper re-sharpening you won’t need 140-plus years in the industrial knife business like Hyde Industrial Blade Solutions has. All you’ll need is to concentrate on proper edge geometry, proper fixturing, and coolant.

Edge Geometry

While this sounds like a very difficult college course, it’s really just a reference to the angle your dull blade should be positioned relative to the grinding wheels.

When re-sharpening your blades, they should be at a 90-degree angle to a pair of offset grinding wheels. Not to be too technical, but this type of blade re-sharpening is called “re-honing.”

For more on terms related to knives click here.

It’s called “re-honing” because you’re focusing on the honed edge of the blade. The honed edge is located just down from the periphery of the blade.

Re-honing allows you to return the blade to its factory condition with as little stock removal as possible. Therefore, properly re-honing your blade will significantly extend its life.

Proper Fixturing

“Proper fixturing” is just a fancy way of saying “holding the knife in place while it’s being re-honed.” Again, you want the blade secured at a 90-degree angle relative to the grinding wheels throughout the entire re-honing process.

Why?

If your knife moves during the re-honing process, you could end up experiencing a few problems.

• One edge will be wider than the other.
• The edges will be out of alignment with the blade’s centerline axis.

Both of these issues can cause the blade to move while in use, reduce its efficiency, and weaken its structural integrity.

That’s why it’s so important for your blade to be at a 90-degree angle throughout the entire re-honing process

Coolant

When re-honing your blade you’re going to want to use a coolant. A lot of friction is produced by those grinding wheels. That friction produces heat and that heat is dissipated by the coolant.

What does heat do to a blade?

Well, it does a lot. The explanation of what it does is the literary equivalent to a Rube Goldberg machine, so please stay with us.

• Heat can alter the molecular structure of steel and turn it into a work-hardened edge.
• A work-hardened edge means your blade has a brittle edge.
• Brittle edges are at risk of cracking, flaking, and chipping.

While the aforementioned tips may seem a little overwhelming, proper re-sharpening of your Industrial blades will improve productivity and maximize your investment.

For more on re-sharpening knives click here.