TERMINAL SHANK
INSTRUMENT LABELING When the design name and number are stamped along the length of the handle, each working end is identified by the number closest to it. If the design name and number are stamped around the instrument handle, the first number
identifies the working end at the top and the second number identifies the working end at the bottom of the handle. GRACEY /
CUTTING EDGE
Sharpening of the Sickle Scaler
FACE
TIP
BACK
LATERAL SURFACE
GRACEY /
TERMINAL SHANK
The sickle scaler has two cutting edges which are formed by the junction of the facial surface with the two lateral surfaces converging to a pointed tip. This triangular cross-sectional results TIP CUTTING EDGE
in an almost pointed back. The facial surface of the blade is positioned at a 90° angle to the terminal shank. This is important to note because it affects the positioning of the stone and instrument while sharpening. 90° BLADE TERMINAL SHANK
FACE
BACK
LATERAL SURFACE
INSTRUMENT GRASP Your grasp on the instrument is important throughout the sharpening process. Hold the instrument in your nondominant hand with a secure palm grasp. Brace your thumb against the upper shank to counterbalance the pressure caused by grinding the lower blade. Using the clock as a guide, hold the instrument vertically with the blade to be sharpened at the bottom with the tip toward you. G/ STONE GRASP Grasp the lower half of the stone in your dominant hand. Hold the stone upright at 12:00 by placing your thumb on the edge toward you and your fingers on the edge away from you. This grasp stabilizes the stone and assists in maintaining a consistent vertical motion. Move your entire arm in a fluid up- and-down motion when sharpening.
G/
FACIAL SURFACE
TERMINAL SHANK
CUTTING EDGE
CUTTING EDGE
CUTTING EDGE
FACE
90°
TERMINAL SHANK
TIP
LATERAL SURFACE
BLADE
BACK
LATERAL SURFACE
FACIAL SURFACE
When sharpening either the straight or curved sickle scaler you will restore the cutting edges by grinding against the lateral surfaces of the blade and finishing the CUTTING EDGE
facial surface. Excessive sharpening of the facial surface is not recommended because it will weaken the blade.
CUTTING EDGE
90°
TERMINAL SHANK
BLADE
LATERAL SURFACE
7
8 A CLASSIC APPROACH TO SHARPENING SCALERS & CURETTES
IT’S ABOUT TIME
FACIAL SURFACE
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