28/07/2017
Information for those new to the world of clipping:
This information has been developed to assist those who may be experiencing issues with their New clipper or clipper blades.
If you are an experienced groomer and the machine that you have purchased is of a different manufacturer than that previously used, then it is most important that the instructions are read and understood regarding the New clippers initial set up before use, this is because although all clippers predominately clip hair, and the set up will look similar, there will be differences in the set-up techniques that can reduce the clip life of the blades.
The clipping machine is a very basic agricultural tool that has not really change over a hundred years, although today’s clippers are more refined, they require the same attention in the set-up, during and after the clip.
New or re-sharpened blades when fitted to a machine will clip, but the duration of this clip solely depends on the operator, and how proficient they are in using their clipper, blades will loose their sharp edge very soon into the clip if the instructions supplied with the clipper are not followed, and this can only be resolved by sending the blades to be re-sharpened or by replacing the blades with new blades.
99% of clipping issues are the result of poor set-up of the clipping blades, this is the most important process that requires close attention to detail of the instructions, if this is not achieved then the sharp edge of the clipping blades will be lost and the clipping blades will stop cutting, it is most important that this is understood, as the blades can only perform when the tension has been set correctly, and only continue to perform when additional tension is applied in very small increments when required.
Clipping blades will loose their sharp edge very quickly when the tension of the blade is removed and applied for whatever reason, (for instance when removal of the blades is required to clean any debris from between the blades, or when many operators attempt to set-up a machine) this is because the tension of the blades not fixed to one setting, it is variable and controlled solely by the operator, and should only be set by the operator that is clipping, this again is because the operator should be aware of the changes in the machines performance while clipping, and only the operator will be able to apply the correct additional tension when required.
Once the default setting of the blades has been set and clipping has begun, additional positive increments should only be applied when required during the clip, too much tension can shorten the clip life of the blades as can to little tension, this is because the blades will wear as a pair, and require an even pressure during the whole clip, excessive turning of the tension screw will reduce the life of the blades, and the blades will require re-sharpening or replacement.
It is recommended that any person new to the world of clipping should either work alongside an experienced groomer or attend a course in clipping, as it can be very frustrating getting to grips with your clippers when it seems such an effortless process to master, it is NOT, also more than one set of clipping blades might be a good idea, that is why there are professionals, and they will not only have many sets of blades to their disposal, they will own multiple machines.
Clipper blade sharpening is part of grooming, and we offer this service together with a great deal of knowledge to impart to anyone who is experiencing any difficulties with new or old clipping equipment.
The most important thing is to remember that 99% of clipping issues relate to the setting up of the clipping blades, and that if this is not correct, blades will fail to clip, and this is solely the responsibility of the operator alone, no one else.
Once blades have lost their sharp edge then only by re-sharpening can this be restored, no amount of fiddling with the tension setting can make a poor set of blades clip, and if full turns of the tension nut have been applied, firstly this is incorrect and will only result in the blades becoming blunt blades.
