I recently got a Dakota IV. I did what the video said as far as conditioning the blade but when I started to flesh it seems that i had to use alot of presure and it did'nt really shave that much off. I tried sharpening the blade like on the video but it just does'nt seem to cut much. I thought they would cut through a hide very quickly, but mine does'nt cut very much. I have the guards adjusted back father than when I got the machine. Probaly about 3/8" between the blade and the guard.Any ideas on what I may have/can do to fix this?
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Try adjusting the "pitch" of the balade's edge - the part that is turned over. Depending on its angle to the blade - it cuts less or more. When I do it - I first spray the edge with WD-40 then use one of my tuning steels to either lift the edge or depress it. When you do it - only leave the steel on the edge for about 15 seconds and use a steady pressure. If you draw a apark - you're heating the blade and you should back off immediately.
Check out that video again. There should be something in there may help explain what I said above.
One time when my Dakota IV got dull I sprayed the turning blade with WD-40, took some 220 sandpaper and pressed down on the top of the blade with the paper at the angle of the blade and it worked great. Not the "proper" way, but it worked. Later I got on here and one of the pros recommended the same. So I figured I'm not the only one who sharpens their blade the "wrong" way.
It works great and I've found that the sharper my blade, the less holes I make, cause I don't need to apply as much pressure. Try it, you'll be very surprised.
Good luck, Eric
It is plain and simple. the angle is not pointed upward enough, unfortunatly this is something that is a learned thing more than something you can learn form watching another on video or even in person. It is something you have to adjust till you figure it out.
WHen the angle is correct, it will cut threw the flesh really nice.
I can only sujest to practice, maybe watch closely the video like Bruce said and try to pick apart what is being done, and then good luck.
the ones that come with the machine are junk. Yes, you can tune a blade with them, but once you use a pair of tungsten steels you will never go back. I agree with the above post as well, once you learn how to use a knife properly no matter a straight blade or a circular blade, with a sharp blade you will make far fewer holes.
Chris