How It Works & Sharpening Basics

🔧 Step-by-Step Operation

1️⃣ Plug In: Connect the 12V adapter to a grounded outlet and the unit (DC+ and DC- terminals)—power up in seconds.
2️⃣ Install Stone: Snap your 6x1" or 6x½" Sharpening Stone Plate (5mm-10mm thick) onto the gantry. Use the 5mm or 3mm spacer to lift thinner stones (e.g., 5mm-7mm) closer to the Angle Guide Pro—test both if needed. Stones not included—sold separately.
3️⃣ Set Angle: Adjust the Angle Guide Pro to your desired angle—use an angle finder, smartphone (e.g., iPhone level), or Sharpie method.
4️⃣ Position Gantry: Slide the gantry near the controller, leaving a 1-3 mm gap from the limit switch—prevents tripping.

***verify clearance and free movement of the system to prevent damage***


5️⃣ Start & Control: Lift the switch cover, flip the switch up, and press Start (CCW). Use the ZK-SMC02 Controller:

  • Forward Stroke Speed: Set slow (9-69 RPM) via F-03—better for sharpening precision.

  • Back Stroke Speed: Set faster (e.g., 200-300 RPM) via F-05 to speed up or match forward for ease.

  • Acceleration: Set level (001 slow to 100 fast) via F-12—smooths transitions.

  • Pause: Set delay (0.0-999.9s) via F-07/F-08—pause to check burr.

  • Keep strokes between limit switches—reset if it trips.

**Pro Tip: Slow forward, fast back—check burr on return stroke. Turn it off before swapping stones.

See it in Action

Sharpening Basics

1️⃣ Start Coarse: Use a coarse stone (<300 grit)—set forward speed to 9-69 RPM (F-03), back to 200-300 RPM (F-05) for dull/damaged blades. Wear safety gear.
2️⃣ Sharpen: Glide knife heel-to-tip on the Angle Guide Pro during forward stroke—stop at stone’s halfway mark. Check burr on back stroke—keep edge perfect.

3️⃣ Check Burr: Sharpen until a burr forms—flip and repeat on other side.
4️⃣ Refine: Turn off, swap to medium (300-600 grit) at 9-69 RPM forward/150-200 RPM back, then fine (>600 grit) at 9-69 RPM forward/100-150 RPM back—repeat steps. Use spacers for 5mm-10mm stones.
5️⃣ Strop: Use a stropping plate (sold separately)—set 9-69 RPM forward/50-100 RPM back, pull with edge direction.
6️⃣ Test: Slice paper—edge should scream sharp!
7️⃣ Edge Science: Each stone refines the edge—coarse cuts fast, medium smooths, fine polishes. Match the grit to your knife’s condition and purpose (e.g., rugged tools need less polish than chef’s blades)

Controller Settings (ZK-SMC02)

Access Menu:

  • Power on—LCD shows speed (RPM).

  • Press potentiometer once—enters menu, shows “F-01” (work mode).

  • Rotate potentiometer—scroll to F-03, F-05, F-12, or F-07/F-08.

  • Press potentiometer—selects parameter to edit.

  • Rotate to set value—press once to save, twice to exit menu.

Key Adjustments:

  • Forward Speed: F-03—9-69 RPM for sharpening stroke (slow is better).

  • Back Speed: F-05—9-300 RPM (faster speeds up return—or match forward).

  • Acceleration: F-12—001 (slowest) to 100 (fastest). Default 020—adjust for smooth cycles.

  • Pause: F-07 (Forward delay) / F-08 (Reverse delay)—0.0-999.9s. Set 1.0-2.0s to check burr.