Abstract: A machine for sharpening the blade of an ice skate has a vertically mounted, thin grinding wheel with a convex transverse cross-section corresponding to the concave transverse cross-section desired for the blade edge. Clamping plates on a cradle hold the blade above the wheel with their central planes coplanar and with the wheel biassed against the blade. The cradle is pivotable about a horizontal axis above the skate so that the skate can be swung in an arc. Hence the movement of the blade over the wheel takes place in an arc that is curved in the same direction as the convex profile of the blade edge. This action reduces the problem of unevenness of depth of cut along the length of the blade, that has been experienced with prior machines employing straight line relative travel between the skate and the wheel.

Abstract: A machine for sharpening the blade of an ice skate has a vertically mounted, thin grinding wheel with a convex transverse cross-section corresponding to the concave transverse cross-section desired for the blade edge. Clamping plates on a cradle hold the blade above the wheel with their central planes coplanar and with the wheel biased against the blade. The cradle is pivotable about a horizontal axis above the skate so that the skate can be swung in an arc. Hence the movement of the blade over the wheel takes place in an arc that is curved in the same direction as the convex profile of the blade edge. This action reduces the problem of unevenness of depth of cut along the length of the blade, that has been experienced with prior machines employing straight line relative travel between the skate and the wheel.

Abstract: Grinding apparatus is disclosed with the preferred embodiment being an automatic ice skate sharpening machine. The workpiece is secured to the frame, and a grinding wheel, mounted on a longitudinally moveable carriage, is biased against the workpiece for relative grinding movement. Sensing means are provided for detecting the grinding resistance of the workpiece on the grinding wheel, and control means responsive to the sensing means are provided for regulating the bias of the grinding wheel against the workpiece, in order to avoid chattering.