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screen printing => Equipment => Topic started by: ericheartsu on October 18, 2017, 02:36:16 PM

Title: squeegee corners
Post by: ericheartsu on October 18, 2017, 02:36:16 PM
Aside from the corner rounder tool from Firmor, what's the easiest way to do this to like 40 squeegees?
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: Admiral on October 18, 2017, 02:45:12 PM
dremel isn't too bad
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: mk162 on October 18, 2017, 02:50:06 PM
bench grinder or the squeegee sharpener we have(which I don't use to sharpen, only to round corners).  It's pretty much a bench grinder with a sandpaper wheel.

You could also use a stationary belt grinder:
https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/woodworking/4-inch-x-36-inch-belt-6-inch-disc-sander-97181.html (https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/woodworking/4-inch-x-36-inch-belt-6-inch-disc-sander-97181.html)
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: Maxie on October 18, 2017, 03:06:40 PM
https://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-bench-grinder-39797.html (https://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-bench-grinder-39797.html)

I use a bench grinder, does a great job.
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: tonypep on October 18, 2017, 03:13:32 PM
Yes the bench grinder is the best option IMO. May be in the minority but most squeegee sharpeners are not worth the investment; unless you go all the way and get automated ones. We also use the BG to radius the corners of our stainless steel ink scrapers. Good $45.00 investment
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: mk162 on October 18, 2017, 03:16:44 PM
Our squeegee sharpener should be called a squeegee murderer.  We never use it for that.  Only for rounding corners and as a grinder.

A grinder is a fantastic thing to keep around a shop anyway.
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: ericheartsu on October 18, 2017, 03:22:15 PM
We have a big squeegee sharpener, leftover from when we were doing UV ink.

How would i use it for corner rounding?
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: tonypep on October 18, 2017, 03:45:19 PM
Some use belts, others, wheels. Just turn it on and play with it just watch your fingers!
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: mk162 on October 18, 2017, 03:57:57 PM
Some use belts, others, wheels. Just turn it on and play with it just watch your fingers!

https://youtu.be/toNsPh-pxgc
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: mimosatexas on October 18, 2017, 09:59:06 PM
I've always just used a little cheapo orbital hand sander. Takes like 10 seconds per corner.
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: screenxpress on October 18, 2017, 11:15:03 PM
What is the rationale for rounding the corners? 

Something for autos over manuals?
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: ZooCity on October 18, 2017, 11:40:46 PM
May be in the minority but most squeegee sharpeners are not worth the investment

Nah, I think there's at least two of us in that camp, anyone want a like new sharpener? 

Rounding corners is actually the only thing the sharpener has made sense for, you use the wheel to buzz them off.  The fimor cutter, not so much there, can't seem to cut cleanly.  Belt/bench grinder sounds pretty much ideal.  Maybe a bench grinder with stone on one side for rounding and buffer on the other for flood bar polishing. 

Wayne you got to do this for most auto printing and especially high speed printing which takes more pressure in my experience.  The blade corners just cut right through emulsion after so many impressions.  It's kind of a catch 22 since you want a super sharp edge on the blade to shear ink but the corners will form a sharp point.   We both round blade corners and top tape to ensure the corners are riding on durable tape and not emulsion/delicate mesh.
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: screenxpress on October 19, 2017, 12:03:21 AM
Thanks for the explanation.
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: tonypep on October 19, 2017, 07:31:33 AM
Pigments have different properties; most of which are unseen to the naked eye. Most blues are conical in shape and can be abrasive. Titanium in white and carbon in black can abrade as well. Yes, this mostly applies to auto printing and especially WB apps. The pressure points are when the squeegeegee initially contacts the stencil at the right and left ends and thats where the radius benefits.
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: 3Deep on October 19, 2017, 05:32:24 PM
I've got a 1 x 6 plank with some course sandpaper glued to it, I just rub the corners on it just enough to knock the sharp edge off.
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: ffokazak on October 19, 2017, 07:26:25 PM
We have a Quik-clamp, and you can bang out 50 squeegee replacements In no time.

Just get a combination belt disc sander, and you can burn through em in a second or two each.

Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: tonypep on October 20, 2017, 07:28:49 AM
We love the Quikclamp as well
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: ffokazak on October 20, 2017, 02:51:16 PM
Quik-clamp makes squeegees such a breeze.

I shudder thinking of how hard it was to replace blades in the old one piece M&R holders...

This system is a luxury, but for a couple grand it would be hard to ever go back to the old style...
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: ZooCity on October 20, 2017, 06:13:49 PM
We miss the quick clamp.  Wanging blades into the holders with a mallet feels super dumb once you've used the system. 
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: ffokazak on October 20, 2017, 07:03:52 PM
We put it good use, thanks Zoo!

Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: ScreenFoo on October 22, 2017, 06:50:30 PM
I've got a 1 x 6 plank with some course sandpaper glued to it, I just rub the corners on it just enough to knock the sharp edge off.

I use the sidewalk outside, it's always set up and ready to go.
Finish with some 300-400 grit and it's ready for press.

Of course, I do like four at a time, so this only applies to low volume shops.  :)
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: screenxpress on October 22, 2017, 08:37:25 PM
I've got a 1 x 6 plank with some course sandpaper glued to it, I just rub the corners on it just enough to knock the sharp edge off.

I use the sidewalk outside, it's always set up and ready to go.
Finish with some 300-400 grit and it's ready for press.

Of course, I do like four at a time, so this only applies to low volume shops.  :)

If you did it right, you could play hopscotch from the residue marks.....  ;)
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: TCT on October 25, 2017, 12:23:48 PM
https://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-bench-grinder-39797.html (https://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-bench-grinder-39797.html)

I use a bench grinder, does a great job.

We use pretty much this same one.
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: domineight on October 27, 2017, 12:31:59 AM
I've got a 1 x 6 plank with some course sandpaper glued to it, I just rub the corners on it just enough to knock the sharp edge off.

I use the sidewalk outside, it's always set up and ready to go.
Finish with some 300-400 grit and it's ready for press.

Of course, I do like four at a time, so this only applies to low volume shops.  :)

Same. Walk outside to the car park and a couple quick scrapes on the corner sorts it.
That action of drawing the squeegee toward you just gives the natural perfect radius.

If you did it right, you could play hopscotch from the residue marks.....  ;)
Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: JmanRT on November 14, 2017, 10:26:59 PM
Dremel is what I️ use. Cheap and easy


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Title: Re: squeegee corners
Post by: screenxpress on November 14, 2017, 10:34:44 PM
I used a Delta unit I had that looked just like this.  Worked quick and easy.

https://www.amazon.com/Goplus-30-Inch-Grinder-Sanding-Machine/dp/B019H0PUF8/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1510716792&sr=8-7&keywords=sander+belt+and+disk (https://www.amazon.com/Goplus-30-Inch-Grinder-Sanding-Machine/dp/B019H0PUF8/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1510716792&sr=8-7&keywords=sander+belt+and+disk)