Maintaining a sharp edge on your grease scraper is essential for efficient kitchen exhaust cleaning. Whether you use a Tormek style sharpening system or a traditional sharpening stone, the following steps will guide you through the process:
1. Secure the Scraper
Tormek Users: Use the appropriate jig for the size of scraper you are sharpening.
Sharpening Stone Users: Place the stone on a stable, non-slip surface, such as a rubber mat, a rag or a bench vise, to prevent movement during sharpening.
2. Determine the Sharpening Angle
A consistent angle of 20 to 25 degrees is recommended for grease scrapers.
Tormek Users: Utilize the machine's angle guide to set the precise angle.
Sharpening Stone Users: Use an angle guide tool or maintain the angle manually by visual estimation. If you fold a piece of paper in half three times, that is about 23 degrees. This is the perfect angle for a KEC Scraper.
3. Sharpen One Side of the Blade
Tormek Users: Turn on the machine and gently press the scraper's edge against the rotating stone, moving it evenly across the surface to ensure uniform sharpening.
Sharpening Stone Users: Apply a suitable lubricant (water or oil, depending on the stone type) to the stone. Hold the hood cleaning scraper at the determined angle and move it across the stone in smooth, controlled strokes, maintaining consistent pressure.
4. Form and Remove the Burr
As you sharpen, a burr—a slight, raised edge—will develop on the opposite side of the blade. Removing this is the secret to getting a sharp long lasting edge. The more time you spend on this step, the sharper your blade will get.
Tormek Users: After sharpening, use the leather honing wheel to gently remove the burr, resulting in a clean, sharp edge. Make sure to add some honing paste.
Sharpening Stone Users: Flip the scraper so the burr side is flat against the stone. Gently pass it over the stone to remove the burr, ensuring a smooth finish.
5. Test the Edge
After sharpening, test the scraper on a piece of paper to assess its sharpness. A well-sharpened scraper should effortlessly slice through the paper. Regular maintenance of your kitchen exhaust scraper's edge enhances its performance and extends its lifespan, ensuring efficient and thorough cleaning of kitchen exhaust systems.