APPARATUS & METHOD FOR SHARPENING EDGES OF RECIPROCATING BLADE

摘要

A cutting machine for cutting layups of sheet material has a reciprocating blade suspended from a platform above a support surface for the material. A blade sharpener is also suspended from the platform and comprises at least one sharpening wheel for engagement with the cutting edge of the blade. The sharpening wheel is mounted on a rotatably driven shaft, and includes an abrasive surface disposed about an axis of symmetry which in turn is arranged in angular relation to the axis of the shaft. The angular arrangement of the axes of symmetry and the shaft ensures contact between a limited portion of the abrasive surface and the cutting edge of the blade during sharpening operations.