Power Scrapers and Curling Ice

   If operated properly, a power scraper with a level and sharp blade will help keep your ice clean and keep the pebble under control. When scraping, you will actually be removing your old playing surface, and creating a new playing surface when you re-pebble. This could be compared to removing your old powder wax from your shuffle board, and covering it again with a new powder.

   Keep in mind, the old rule the equipment only operates as well as the operator applies well here. Familiarize yourself with your equipment. The only way you will become familiar with your machine and learn how to scrape with it is from experience and (unfortunately) mistakes. As mentioned in previous articles, a mistake is a good teacher. The problem with making a mistake as an Ice Maker is that the feed back is immediate and long-lasting.

   If you have any questions on the operation of your power scraper, don't be afraid to call your dealer. After all, they are the one that sold it to you. Also feel free to drop Wright Ice a line by e-mail or give us a call.

Important Safety Points:

1. While working with the blade on your power scraper, wear good quality leather gloves to help protect your hands.
2. Never stand directly in front of the blade while tipping it up or down from the ice surface for transport or for scraping.
3. Avoid putting your hands under the blade and it's beam except when honing the blade. The beam and blade are very heavy and may slip off in transport (My own fingers know this from experience!!).
4. Always place safety guard over blade while in transport (if the unit has one).
5. Wear shoes with good grip while scraping for better control of the scraper.

Brief Maintenance Points:

• Read operators manual
• Remove snow and moisture from the blade after each scraping.
• Spray blade with moisture inhibitor, (WD-40 Works) after each scraping to help prevent rust.
• Hone blade when required. This varies with usage. Try to keep blade sharpness consistent to achieve consistent forward angling of the blade
• Keep guard over blade when not in use.
• Keep check on wiring and fluid (If Hydrostatic).
• Make sure tires are equal air pressure
• If any rust shows on metal parts, wipe with cloth moistened with moisture inhibitor

   To observe some examples of scraping patterns, click on either of the two numbered patterns.

   These are two of the scraping patterns that I presently use. I use each pattern every time I scrape, but alternate them. Alternating patterns and the direction of angling on the blade will help reduce the possibilities of runs in your ice.

   If you have pattern examples or any comments you would like to include in helping scrape curling ice, drop us a line and we'll try to put it up to share.

Thanks for dropping by and I look forward to hearing from you!

Doug Wright

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