Squeegee sharpener - what`s hot what`s not

[Rockers]

What`s everyone using to sharpen their rubber?
I looked at several options, Fimor, Lawson, some stuff from China as it is close to our door and some other fringe players. So far I like the Chinese model mainly because of the price and the Lawson one, EZ-Auto Sharp as I bet the quality is better while the price is still OK.
What do I need to look out for when getting a fine piece of equipment like that?

[Dottonedan]

This is one thing I know little about, but know that all the top good ones sharpen often.
I'd like this info also.

following.

[Doug S]

I bought a used fimor.  It's one of the better investments I've made.  I sharpen my blades about once a month or before each process job.  Ink clears the screen much easier w/less pressure.   It's well worth what you'll spend on it.

One thing you'll notice is that even when you replace your existing rubber, if you'll sharpen the new rubber, how uneven it is.  I always sharpen the replacement to ensure it's flat.

[BP]

Something every auto shop should have. M&R's bladeshaper SC is very good.

[kingscreen]

I made one years ago for next to nothing.  Still works great.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VenDec_BIUs

[Itsa Little CrOoked]

I made one years ago for next to nothing.  Still works great.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VenDec_BIUs

LIKE THIS A LOT!

Nice to talk to you today.

Thanks!
Stan

[Prince Art]

I made one years ago for next to nothing.  Still works great.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VenDec_BIUs

I've been thinking about something like that for a few years, but haven't ever taken the time to do it. What did you use for the channel the squeegee travels in?

[kingscreen]

You too Stan! 

Here's the bit I used.  I can't seem to locate where I got it, but I remember it was only about $8-9.
Router is from Harbor Freight.  Stock aluminum channel from Ace Hardware.

[screenprintguy]

I made one years ago for next to nothing.  Still works great.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VenDec_BIUs

LIKE THIS A LOT!

Nice to talk to you today.

Thanks!
Stan

Yeah, I'd love a squeegee sharpener, but dam, over a few thousand bucks for something so simple seems crazy. How much would you charge me to make one of these homie?

[kingscreen]

Here's some close up photos.  The only real trick is getting the height correct and finding the grinding wheel.

Harbor Freight Cut Out tool:
http://www.harborfreight.com/electric-cutout-tool-42831.html

[Maff]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing. This just went to the top of my winter project lists

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[Itsa Little CrOoked]

I did a job recently on my Gauntlet where the white ink simply WOULD NOT CLEAR the screen to my satisfaction. Boards were 120-ish, Ink seemed happy enough...but no amount of jacking with the angle, pressure, speed could satisfy me. The customer didn't know, all is well in that area, but I KNOW....

I suspect the squeegee I picked was most of the problem.

Anyways, I know I need a sharpener.

So Scott's simple solution gets the nod for me.

I imagine spending a grand or three would yield a better blade...or faster..., but how much better is a fair question.

Thanks Scott!!

[Prince Art]

THANKS! Similar to what I was thinking, but less complicated. (And less complicated means it's more likely to be built!)

As far as squeegee sharpening in general goes, it's always seemed strange to me that you either glue some sandpaper to a piece of wood (so obnoxious to use it's hard to keep up the habit), or you pay over a grand for something not that far off from what Scott put together. (There are hot cutters, too, but they're at least as expensive.) One would think an effective solution could be had for $100-$300, and someone could still be making a reasonable profit.

[mk162]

THANKS! Similar to what I was thinking, but less complicated. (And less complicated means it's more likely to be built!)

As far as squeegee sharpening in general goes, it's always seemed strange to me that you either glue some sandpaper to a piece of wood (so obnoxious to use it's hard to keep up the habit), or you pay over a grand for something not that far off from what Scott put together. (There are hot cutters, too, but they're at least as expensive.) One would think an effective solution could be had for $100-$300, and someone could still be making a reasonable profit.

Some of it is the limited market.  Some people never sharpen and just replace them.  I've always though a mobile sharpener from a supplier that delivers would be smart.

[Homer]

THANKS! Similar to what I was thinking, but less complicated. (And less complicated means it's more likely to be built!)

As far as squeegee sharpening in general goes, it's always seemed strange to me that you either glue some sandpaper to a piece of wood (so obnoxious to use it's hard to keep up the habit), or you pay over a grand for something not that far off from what Scott put together. (There are hot cutters, too, but they're at least as expensive.) One would think an effective solution could be had for $100-$300, and someone could still be making a reasonable profit.

Some of it is the limited market.  Some people never sharpen and just replace them.  I've always though a mobile sharpener from a supplier that delivers would be smart.

I offer this service for my local supplier. I have a diamond bit sharpener I picked up for 500.00 a few years back. I charge them, they charge the customer. From what they tell me, nobody sharpens their blades only because they don't know you have to.  We hit our blades once a month. even brand new blades can need sharpening