Tips for blade sharpening, how do ya’ll do it?

[slomo]

I really like the idea of soaking blades in water for ez clean up. Why didn't I think of that?

Because that is fake news.

 

[slomo]

Finally went to the dark side. 4.5" angle grinder with a 120 grit flap wheel on low revs. Don't want to remove a ton of material. Balance with a precision food scale.

Had to do something with 5 mowers in the garage. Hand file is still my fav.

 

[MParr]

4.5" angle grinder with a 40 grit flapper wheel. You will get the hang of it. A nail in a tree or a cheap cone balancer is all you need to balance them.

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

Don't worry about it. Just a mower blade.

Keeping the angle consistent along the length of blade is one of the most important aspects of sharpening a mower blade correctly. I see homeowners rounding the blade all the time. You should be able to look at the blade edge that is sharpened and see no difference in the pattern.

 

[AllisChalmersForever1901]

Don't worry about it. Just a mower blade.

Yes, but it is a finishing mower blade not a bush hog. You want to cut the grass not tear it. Your blade should be like a knife, only difference is the thickness.

 

[Telesis]

No hate intended but I have to respectfully disagree with the assertion that the blade should be like a knife. It's well documented on the inter-webs as to the reasons why too sharp is not preferred so I won't repeat them here. A quick search will answer why. Suffice it to say, 'butter knife' sharp is preferred. For me, a 60 grit flapper on the angle grinder does a great job and works good on all blades, no matter the contour. You do you!

 

[GrumpyCat]

"Too sharp" will soon become "butter knife sharp". I'm not going to worry about it, but am not going to break out the whetstone to be able to shave with my mower blades.

 

[Gord Baker]

I’ve seen ads for blade sharpening tools and such, I used to use a bench grinder to sharpen them until I got an angle grinder. I’ve been using that, but I feel like there is a better way to get a flat edge with a consistent angle. Any opinion on drill mounted sharpeners? Perhaps ya’ll have or use something else? Any way to speed this up?

It isn't a Reactor. A couple swipes on the bench grinder Coarse side and done. No need for razor sharpness which will dull quickly. Balance if you can.

 

[RevB]

Obsessing over straightness and angle is unnecessary. Whatever the angle, irregardless of "straight", when the steel blade hits the grass blade the steel wins. Every time. A dull blade tears, a sharp one cuts.....for awhile. Be more concerned about balance.

 

[d2wing]

Course bench grinder at 35-40% angle. Balance with a cone. Works well for me. I also use a blade clamp, an electric rachet wrench, and a motorcycle lift. I am 77 and get all three blades done in less than an hour.