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On the Ice => The Pro Shop => Topic started by: R45 on May 29, 2026, 10:38:49 AM

Title: Make your own blade edge checker
Post by: R45 on May 29, 2026, 10:38:49 AM
Prices for blade edge checkers are way too much.
Cheapest I found cost 74€
I made my own:
- Generic conduit level 90°: 15,36€
- Aluminium angle profile 10x10x100mm: 2,6€
- Neodymium Magnet, N52, 10x10x5mm: 1,7€
- 2 Drops of super glue: 0,64€
Total: 20,3€
Home made blade edge checker.jpgAluminium angle profile 10x10x100mm.jpgMagnetic Conduit Level.jpgneodymium_kubusmagneet_10_x_10_x_10_mm.jpgIndicator-balancer.jpg
Title: Re: Make your own blade edge checker
Post by: tstop4me on May 30, 2026, 02:55:24 PM
I just want to clarify one point.  You aren't using the function of the bubble level itself, correct?  You are simply using the top and bottom perimeters of the vial (as sighted in the perspective shown in the first photo) as reference lines orthogonal to the sides of the blade.
Title: Re: Make your own blade edge checker
Post by: R45 on May 31, 2026, 01:37:38 AM
Correct, the vial is the reference as it stands perpendicular to the blade.
Title: Re: Make your own blade edge checker
Post by: tstop4me on May 31, 2026, 08:53:48 AM
Here's one of my previous threads concerning a low-cost edge checker (no reference horizon):  https://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=8715.0

Unfortunately, all the attached images were lost when the forum software was upgraded.  But Kaitsu noted that under certain circumstances, magnetic edge checkers can induce enough residual magnetism in the blade to cause the blade to pick up swarf during sharpening and interfere with production of a clean edge.  So you probably want to use a weak magnet instead of a neodymium one.
Title: Re: Make your own blade edge checker
Post by: R45 on June 01, 2026, 02:10:52 AM
Will do, thanks!
Title: Re: Make your own blade edge checker
Post by: marc on August 23, 2026, 04:34:42 AM
R 45,

peut être que tu l'as déjà vu quelque part ici, mais rien ne vaut cet outil pour verifier un bon affutage.
en affutage de patin, malheureusement si tu veux bien affuter , il faut pas trop compter le temps. parfois l'argent qu'on peut mettre dans des outils qu'on ne peut pas fabriquer.
Ceci dit , j'ai moi même autocontruit une machine a affuter 3" et qui fonctionne aussi bien que l'IE
Title: Re: Make your own blade edge checker
Post by: R45 on August 25, 2026, 02:12:04 AM
Hi Marc, how do you use this tool?
Title: Re: Make your own blade edge checker
Post by: marc on August 25, 2026, 03:09:50 AM
R45
Alors si tu connais pas :
C'est que tu débutes, et que tu fais une bêtise de te fabriquer cette pièce.
Cet outil que je te montre en photo fait partie de la base d'un bon affûtage.
Regarde toute les belles vidéos de kaitsu ( tu les trouveras facilement sur youtube) et tu comprendra vite comment ça fonctionne.
Mais te casses pas la tête, achète cela
Title: Re: Make your own blade edge checker
Post by: tstop4me on August 25, 2026, 05:14:36 AM
Quote from: R45 on August 25, 2026, 02:12:04 AM... how do you use this tool?

It's basically a square; in particular, a small high-precision adjustable machinist's square.  In the US, it's commonly referred to as a diemaker's square.  Works best on traditional blades with planar parallel sides.  Difficult to use, or doesn't work, on some blade geometries.
Title: Re: Make your own blade edge checker
Post by: Kaitsu on August 25, 2026, 12:55:02 PM
Quote from: R45 on August 25, 2026, 02:12:04 AMHi Marc, how do you use this tool?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z8sCri8wzA

Similar square comes typically with Incredible Edger. Or at least used to come. It does not have knife edge like in this video. Knife edge is more accurate than flat bar when its not making so much shadows. You need bright back light to see light leak between the square and blade.

Negative side of this tool is relatively short measuring distance, which increases measuring uncertainly. Magnetic BAT gauges work like a magnifier, but they also magnify errors of the tool it selves.

I use square for all blade types, except Gold Seal Revolution. Other side honed blades and aluminum chassis blades are OK. 
Title: Re: Make your own blade edge checker
Post by: R45 on August 26, 2026, 01:37:26 AM
Thanks for the clarification