runner Sharpener

[DN 5449]

Any thoughts of this being used to shapen runners

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/3/StationaryTools/StationarySanders/PRD~0553559P/Mastercraft+4-in.+Belt%2BDisc+Sander.jsp?locale=en

[DN 805]

This grinder does not meet two commonly accepted requirements:

1.  Belt is short, so will heat up and distort crown in runner.  Need a long belt.
2.  Needs to be integral with a bed that supports the runner so the cutting edge intersects the belt at the desired angle.
3.  It is really convenient when it is possible to adjust the angle of the cutting edge.

Better to buy pieces and parts and build your own machine.
Look around on iceboating websites for photos of folks sharpening runners.
On iceboat.org look at the Nordhouse Boat Shop photos of sharpening machine and on the New England IYA site there are photos of guys using sharpening machine.

...DN 805

[Paul Goodwin - US 46]

I have used a Grizzly commercial sander to sharpen runners, and I know a number of people that have purchased this sander.  It works pretty well right out of the box.  An advantage of this machine is that it is also a great workshop sander when you don't have ice.

Grizzly G1531 6" x 80" Edge Sander:    http://www.grizzly.com/products/6-x-80-Edge-Sander/G1531/

[wnethercote]

Paul's advice is very good, if you want to spring for something that good - or even better one of those Polish style dedicated runner sharpeners.  Nova Ice Yacht Club bought one and it's the bee's knees.

About 14 years ago I did buy one of those 3x24 bench sanders on sale at CTC and cut it up to make my own 3x90 runner as shown in the photo.  I used a long piece of 1/4 by 3 304 SS that I had left over from runner making as a working surface for the belt.  The photo is self explanatory.  I have various 'roof top' jigs available to cater for different sharpening angles.

If I were to do it again I would have the belt running 45 degrees to the horizontal so that the runner would be on a nearly flat platten, thus being easier to control.  If I were to do it again, I might actually do something from scratch with a 'real' motor that would allow the belt to run slower.  My sander works well enough if it's all you've got, but the club's variable speed Polish one is waaaay better, but didn't cost 36 bucks plus materials ...