Skiving Machine Sharpening

[Matt T]

I just got my skiving machine, a consew dcs-s4, and I notice that if it's not sharpened frequently, the blade will pull the leather and mutilate my piece.

My questions for those experienced with this type of machine:

1) How often do you find yourself sharpening?

2) How long do you grind the blade for?

3) How hard do you press the grinder into the blade? Sparks fly all over the place when I do it - is this too hard?

I also use the sharpening rod on the inside of the wheel when I sharpen, in order to reduce burrs.

[Tree Reaper]

Hi Matt;

I don't have skiving machine but I am familiar with planer blades and usually all they require is honing.

The only time they would possibly require grinding is if they got nicked.

If you don't get a response I would suggest you contact the manufacturer.

[Tex Shooter]

Sometimes blades are sharpened incorrectly and the temper at the edge is lost. This will cause the blade to get dull quickly. Usually if the blade is sharpened correctly a few times this problem goes away. -- Tex

[Matt T]

Yeah, the grinder is built into the machine for this purpose. I am not sure how I would go about honing it, or that it is necessary for this type of machine.

[Tree Reaper]

The problem with any kind of sharpening is the burr that's created and the blade must be removed in order to hone the back side as well as the front.

I wouldn't trust any grinding apparatus on a blade that must be sharp.

Grinding is for axes and cold chisels.

I would be looking at a way to remove the blade/blades and get them to someone that knows how to sharpen and not just somebody in the sharpening business.

[Northmount]

  On 11/8/2013 at 4:53 PM, Matt T said:

Yeah, the grinder is built into the machine for this purpose. I am not sure how I would go about honing it, or that it is necessary for this type of machine.

Do a search here. I recall seeing a post about sharpening bell skivers. After the initial sharpening, there is a stick used to take the burr off. The post was probably within the past 3 months.

Tom

[Tex Shooter]

I understand that a lot of leather workers already know this, but for those newcomers that don't here goes. In pocket/hunting knife sharpening the edge burr is is usually called a wire. If the sharpening is done fine enough stropping on leather will bend this wire back and forth and break it off leaving the sharp durable edge. A little rubbing compound on the the leather strop will also polish the edge as you strop it. -- Tex

[Tree Reaper]

I think it's absolutely necessary to hone any tool used for cutting or skiving leather for the best results.

[Ferg]

Your skiving machine was set at the factory for correct angle etc. You only need to touch the grinding wheel to the bell knife slightly after normal use. I seldom grind for more than 2 or 3 seconds. Take care with the hone to get rid of the burrs. Soft touch for sure.

With Chrome tanned leather you should sharpen slightly after every major skiving job. Veg tanned is a little different. Slow your feed speed down if you can, knife turns at high speed. Skiving on the machines takes practice. Read everything you can find about using them. I posted some info on using them some time back. Probably search for Skiving or Skiving Machine.

ferg

[Matt T]

Thanks Ferg!