D. Sharpening a Standard (Straight) Blade
REMINDER: Wear the proper safety equipment such as goggles and ear plugs during sharpening.
NOTE: We recommend using a 36 or 60 grit flapper wheel for sharpening. Using a hard disk is not recommended.
1. For sharpening standard blades put the vise handle to the “Low” position.
2. While holding the body of the grinder with your right hand firmly grasp the handle of the grinder
with your left hand.
3. Turn on the power of the grinder.
4. Lightly grind the blade starting at the bottom moving upward in a pushing motion. Make sure to
exert light and consistent pressure as you move upwards.
WARNING: If blue spots occur on the edge of the blade, it is an indication that you are
either moving too slowly or grinding too much material. Adjust to an even lighter pressure
to fix this problem.
5. As soon as you reach the upper most cutting part of the blade release the pressure on the blade
and move the grinder back to the bottom position repeat the process.
6. After two or three passes of the grinder, check the sharpness of the blade.
WARNING: Be careful when testing for sharpness using your fingers as this could cause
injury. Turn the grinder off and set aside before checking for sharpness.
7. Repeat these steps until you are satisfied with the sharpness of the blade.
NOTE: When sharpening a blade for the first time the blade angle will most likely not be at the
same angle of the “Low” position, which is 30 degrees. In such cases, it may be necessary to make
more grinding passes on the blade until it is of the same angle. It should take less time sharpening
after the first time.
8. When you have achieved the desired sharpness, turn the power of the grinder off.
9. Set it aside by moving it down and let it hang while still attached to the Guide Arm.
10. Turn the Vise Handle loose to release the blade.
11. Turn the blade to position the blade on the other side for sharpening.
12. Re-attach the blade to the Sharpener Clamp.
13. Repeat the steps for sharpening the blade.
Low Position for
Standard Blades
