Slate Guillotine Maintenance and Care

9th March 2020

Slate Guillotine Maintenance and Care


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		Wiping your slate guillotine with a cloth after every use will prolong its working life. Keep it stored in a dry place to prevent moisture from rusting the steel. Keep the handle dry and away from other objects to stop degradation of the rubber.

		How to sharpen the blade of a slater’s guillotine
		Step 1 – Remove blade Remove the blade from the guillotine by unfastening the bolts holding it in place with a spanner. You will also need to remove the nylon bushings on either side of the blade.

		Step 2 – Sharpen blade Hold the blade in your hand and place its cutting edge against the moving wheel of an off-hand bench grinder.

		It is important that you maintain the exact same angle between the edge of the blade and the grinding wheel throughout the sharpening process. The aim is to grind past the worn edge of the blade and remove just enough material to reveal a new sharp edge.

		Don’t allow the blade to get too hot. Excess heat will cause the metal to lose its temper (hardness). Quench with water often to keep the blade cool.

		Step 3 – Replace blade Reinstall the sharpened blade in the guillotine. Position it between the two edges of the handle, with the bolt holes lined up with the hole on the base. Then, insert and tighten the nut and bolt you removed earlier.