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Sharpening blades

#1

B

bullet bob

I listed in the WTB section that I was interested in buying an All-American blade sharpener. That was some time ago, and no responses. That got me to thinking, if maybe the 'pros' aren't using some type of 'jig', maybe I don't need one also. Sooooo are you fellas mostly just free-handing these? I made one out of wood, finished it, but it wouldn't work w/ my Oregon gator blades. Went back to the 4 1/2 grinder w/ 36 grit disc. Turned out pretty good. Too anal about this?


#2

tom3

tom3

bullet bob said:
. Too anal about this?
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Probably. Put the blade on upside down and it still mows. And today's blades are in all kinds of shapes, kerfs, and edges. I just try to follow the original angle and get a good sharp edge. It would be nice to have a sharpener that could be used with the blade(s) on the machine, couple swipes and its done.


#3

G

gainestruk

You know I have a lot of sand here in central Oklahoma, I've found for me it's best to just leave blades alone, I go thru a set of blades each year, if I sharpen I will go thru 2 sets.


#4

S

SeniorCitizen

I set in a comfortable chair with the blade extended across my leg and use my angle grinder with a Makita disc.Murray blade sharpen - 2016.JPG


#5

Hammermechanicman

Hammermechanicman

bullet bob said:
I listed in the WTB section that I was interested in buying an All-American blade sharpener. That was some time ago, and no responses. That got me to thinking, if maybe the 'pros' aren't using some type of 'jig', maybe I don't need one also. Sooooo are you fellas mostly just free-handing these? I made one out of wood, finished it, but it wouldn't work w/ my Oregon gator blades. Went back to the 4 1/2 grinder w/ 36 grit disc. Turned out pretty good. Too anal about this?
Click to expand...
I have the all american sharpener. Done a few hundred blades on it. If it breaks i will buy another. Best sharpener i have used


#6

Ken22

Ken22

I have 2 sets of blades and rotate my blades every 2nd or 3rd mow. A file is usually enough to touch them up. I also use a router with a blade stone for when a friend bring me blades to sharpen. I cut the speed down to about 1/3.

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#7

primerbulb120

primerbulb120

I use a plain old angle grinder. But I end up replacing blades more often than sharpening them, we have sandy soil in my area and it wears them out fast.


#8

1

1saxman

I take blades off, clean them, put them in the vise, sharpen with a file, check balance and paint. Then I hang that blade and put on one I did previously. I even do the same on my 30" rider. Typically my blades last until the airfoil on the back gets too thin for safety. Then I trash it and order a new one to replace it, and take a reconditioned one down and put it on the mower.


#9

B

bertsmobile1

Angle grinder for this little black duck
The angle is not all that important .
What is important is removing nicks & gouges and keeping the edge a constant thickness ( around 2 mm ) and that the cutting edge is a strait line.
MY commercial customers all keep at least 2 sets of blades in their truck so they can change them in an instant when requirred .


#10

Mower King

Mower King

I use both, a 4 1/2" angle grinder or a 6" stationary belt sander......which one I use depends on what the blades look like and how dull they are!


#11

Q

qmark

I just use a free standing grinder with a 10 in. wheel and 2 HP. motor. Hand hold the blade and less than a minute per blade. Don't over think this. It is not a chefs knife.


#12

Mower King

Mower King

qmark said:
I just use a free standing grinder with a 10 in. wheel and 2 HP. motor. Hand hold the blade and less than a minute per blade. Don't over think this. It is not a chefs knife.
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No it's not rocket science either but, some people think they must match the OEM angle when you sharpen their blades......and if you don't, some get pissy!


#13

Hammermechanicman

Hammermechanicman

WHAT! You don't match the angle perfectly and get them shaving sharp. And you call yourself a mower mechanic. You need to send them "pissy" folks to the $100/hr dealer. I do. Actually had a customer tell me a dealer he bought a mower from tell him they only install new blades and not sharpen them for insurance reasons.


#14

Mower King

Mower King

Hammermechanicman said:
WHAT! You don't match the angle perfectly and get them shaving sharp. And you call yourself a mower mechanic. You need to send them "pissy" folks to the $100/hr dealer. I do. Actually had a customer tell me a dealer he bought a mower from tell him they only install new blades and not sharpen them for insurance reasons.
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Actually, I do match that factory angle with the belt sander when the blade is in real good shape, which is NOT often. Most get the angle grinder!
New blades for Insurance reasons.....I'll have to tell my boss that one!
And a $100 an hr dealer......no comment!


#15

Hammermechanicman

Hammermechanicman

mower king said:
Actually, I do match that factory angle with the belt sander when the blade is in real good shape, which is NOT often. Most get the angle grinder!
New blades for Insurance reasons.....I'll have to tell my boss that one!
And a $100 an hr dealer......no comment!
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Both of the John Deere/Stihl dealers near me are $98/hr labor. I use an All American sharpener with an angle grinder with 36 grit disks. Maybe some day the tooth fairy will bring me a Burr King. In my dreams.


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