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May/June 2017

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50 / MAY.JUNE.2017 USICERINKS.COM ASK RINK You have rink questions, RINK has rink answers Send your rink questions to: INFO@USICERINKS.COM EACH TIME WE RESURFACE WE NOTICE THAT THE AMOUNT OF THE CUT SEEMS TO CHANGE EVEN THOUGH WE DO NOT MOVE THE BLADE ADJUSTMENT WHEEL. THIS IS MOST NOTICEABLE IN THE MORNING OR ANYTIME THE MACHINE SITS FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME, AND THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE GETTING WORSE. OUR CITY GARAGE MECHANICS HAVE SAID THEY SEE NOTHING WRONG WITH THE MACHINE. WHAT COULD IT BE? All types of ice resurfacers have moving parts that can become worn and cause this condition. Some models of resurfacers use bushings and springs to hold tension on the blade holder bar and these bushings and springs need to be thoroughly inspected. The inspection will require some disassembly to be sure that all the parts are in good shape and lubricated properly. As for the springs that keep pressure on the blade holder bar, if they become rusted to the point where there is no flex in them, replacement is required. Some ice resurfacer models have pivot points that can stick if not lubricated properly. This type of machine also uses a lock-down pressure system that must be adjusted properly for the conditioner to sit properly on the ice surface. If more than three years have gone by since the conditioner has been disassembled and inspected this would be the place to start. Only by use of some disassembly can the parts be thoroughly checked. The blade adjustment screws both side to side and main blade adjustment screw need to be inspected for damaged threads. The only proper way to do this is to clean and inspect them from under the conditioner. In some cases we have found dirt and debris caught between the blade holder bar and the side wall of the conditioner box. All of the details on the conditioner can be found on the manufacturers' maintenance videos. WE HAVE A SAND- BASE ICE RINK AND CURRENTLY DO NOT CONDUCT ICE-DEPTH MEASUREMENTS. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR TAKING ICE DEPTHS? Measuring ice depths on sand floors is tricky but not impossible. Here are some items you will want to be aware of for your particular situation: One easy but time-consuming way to take depths is to use a water bottle and hot water to melt to the sand base. You can then use a caliper (the steel shaft for depth probe) to give you the reading at that location. If you have more time or have an opportunity when the ice will be removed, I would recommend the following approach. With the ice removed: Level the sand and make sure you have a flat sand surface to start the install. Completely saturate the sand base and freeze to begin building ice over the sand base. Prior to adding any water onto the sand base, install electrical junction box covers (4" or 5") in the locations that you want to conduct ice depths. Measure and record the locations. Create an ice depth chart with those particular locations. Continue installing your ice to the desired ice thickness. With the plates installed in the ice, you can now use a drill and 1/4" drill bit in conjunction with the caliper or tape measure to conduct readings. With the ice installed: Find time in your ice rental schedule to chip the ice down in each location and install the plates. With the plates installed, build the ice slowly in small layers until you get back to your original depth. You may not have time to do this with every location simultaneously. If this is the case, start with one or two and install them as time permits. Eventually, you will have each location installed and you can start recording depths throughout the ice surface. Conducting ice-depth measurements is a vital component to energy savings and reduces the wear and tear on your refrigeration and mechanical components throughout the facility. J A: Q: PHOTOS: COURTESY OF RINK ARCHIVES Q: A: Clean and inspect blade adjustment screws if you're seeing issues on ice cuts. Conducting ice-depth measurements is vital for your facility.

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