(a) This thread is a spin-off from a previous thread: (
http://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=8360.0); see Reply #10 – 12.
(b) This post describes a simple skate holder for use with a Pro-Filer (
http://www.pro-filer.com/) or other hand sharpener. Typically, an operator uses one hand to hold the boot on a bench while he uses the other hand to work the sharpener; see, e.g., (
http://www.afterness.com/skating/profiler.html) or (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9QOu05sIyI). In practice, this method is awkward; a device to hold the skate firmly to a bench would be preferable. Commercially available lasts or clamps are discussed in the thread cited in (a).
(c) Described below is a simple skate holder I’ve made from scrap pieces of wood and standard fasteners. No specialized tools or supplies are needed; just common handsaws, files, screwdrivers, electric drill, sandpaper, and wood glue.
(d) The skate holder is designed to be used in conjunction with a standard bench vise; one with a swivel base is preferable. The skate holder clamps onto the blade, and holds the boot and blade in a horizontal position. This configuration provides more rigidity, and requires less vertical clearance, than holding the boot in a vertical position. The skate holder is in turn clamped in the bench vise. The entire skate holder can be readily released from the bench vise and flipped (left-to-right or front-to-back) to even out the sharpening, without the need to remove the skate from the skate holder.
(e) Description of figures.
Pix1. Pix1 shows a front view of the skate holder. It comprises two assemblies (Assembly-1, Assembly-2) coupled by two sets of fasteners (Fastener-1, Fastener-2). Assembly-1 comprises a Backboard-1 and a Clampbar-1, which is attached to the Backboard-1 with wood screws and wood glue (see details below). Backboard-1 is fabricated from a sheet of plywood; Clampbar-1 is fabricated from a strip of wood. Clampbar-1 has a Notch-1, which provides clearance for the spin rocker of a blade (see details below). Assembly-2 is similar to Assembly-1. No dimensions are given; they should be adjusted for particular blades. Figures below will show a boot and blade for reference.
Pix2. Pix2 shows a close-up view of Fastener-1. Fastener-1 comprises a screw, a washer, and a wingnut. In this instance, the screw is a 1/4-20 X 2-3/4” long round-head machine screw. Through holes are drilled through the Clampbars, and the screw is inserted through the through holes. The blade is inserted in the adjustable gap between the Clampbars. The wingnut is tightened to clamp the blade (see details below). Fastener-2 is similar to Fastener-1.
Pix3. Pix3 shows an end view of the skate holder clamped in a bench vise. As shown, Backboard-2 is clamped in the bench vise. The skate holder can be flipped, and Backboard-1 can be clamped in the bench vise (see details below).
Pix4. Pix4 shows a front view of the skate holder clamped in the bench vise.
Pix5. Pix5 shows a back view of the skate holder clamped in the bench vise.
Pix6. Pix6 shows a front view of the skate holder clamped in the bench vise. Also shown is the blade held by the Clampbars. The spin rocker is positioned between the Notches. The blade is inserted from the back (see details below).
Pix7. Pix7 shows how Clampbar-2 is attached to Backboard-2. S1 – S3 indicate buried wood screws that attach Clampbar-2 to Backboard-2. The screw heads were recessed and covered with epoxy; the epoxy was then sanded flat and smooth. Wood glue is also applied to the joint between Clampbar-2 and Backboard-2 before screw attachment. Also shown are the Through Holes (T1, T2) for the Fasteners. Clampbar-1 is attached to Backboard-1 in a similar fashion.
Pix8. Pix8 shows an overhead view of a skate clamped in the skate holder. In this instance, the boot is a left boot, Backboard-2 is clamped in the bench vise, and the inside edge of the blade is facing up. The blade shown is the Paramount version of the Wilson Gold Seal. The Notches in the Clampbars provide clearance for the spin rocker.
Pix9. Pix9 shows an end view of Pix8.
Pix10. Pix10 is similar to Pix8, except the skate holder has been flipped such that Backboard-1 is clamped in the bench vise. The outside edge of the blade is now facing up. Flipping orientation of the blade during hand sharpening helps to maintain even edges.
Pix11. Pix11 shows an end view of Pix10.