Sharpening Blades

[The_Jeff]

I sharpen mine *on the mower* with a 4" grinder. Just go for that "machete edge", about a 1/16-1/8 vertical surface then a 30 degree angle on top. Forget how I get in, probably thru the grass discharge. Sometimes the sparks catch on the grass buildup and start smoking.

 

[Virtuoso]

"Ask This Old House" had a segment on lawnmower blade sharpening not that long ago..

They had a sharpener that attached to your drill that looked pretty neat. I may pick that up. But first, I think I'm going to replace the stocker with a Gator blade and see how that works out for me.

 

[hate2work]

Nitehawk, you used a grinder with no guard and used the side of the grinding wheel? Not the smartest thing I've heard lately, as those grinding wheels are not designed for sideways pressure.

Did you know Mr Bulger when you worked for Stihl Canada?

 

[Kestas]

I sharpen by file. I only use the grinder when I need to take a lot of meat off.

Mike, blades are sharpened so the grass ends have a clean cut rather than shredding. It's healthier for the grass.

 

[nitehawk55]

Originally Posted By: hate2work

Nitehawk, you used a grinder with no guard and used the side of the grinding wheel? Not the smartest thing I've heard lately, as those grinding wheels are not designed for sideways pressure.

Did you know Mr Bulger when you worked for Stihl Canada?


If you use the right type of stone it is fine , I've been doing it this way for 30+ years with no issues . The reason I use the side is it leaves a straighter edge and you have better control getting the right angle and you arn't applying much pressure . I should add I don't have the guard removed completely , just the side and of course I wear eye protection .

Can't say I recall a Mr. Bulger from WA , I have not been with the company for about 5 years . Does he work for Stihl USA ?

 

[Bear]

Originally Posted By: c3po
The place where I bought my mower does blade sharpening, but you have to leave the blades there, and you cannot wait, and when I found out that they wanted $10.00 to sharpen a blade, I knew a Grinder was the answer.


Ten bucks will buy brand new blades for most mowers.

 

[ProStreetCamaro]

I sharpen the blades on our mowers every other day. Have never balanced a blade ever. Have lost 2 spindles in 25 years of commercial cutting and they both happen to be on our lazer z hp that now has 2500 hours on it.


These are blades I sharpened that goes on the Cub Tank we had. Perfect edge every time with the oregon dedicated blade grinder.

MMMM clean crisp cut.

 

[doitmyself]

Originally Posted By: ProStreetCamaro
I sharpen the blades on our mowers every other day. Have never balanced a blade ever. Have lost 2 spindles in 25 years of commercial cutting and they both happen to be on our lazer z hp that now has 2500 hours on it.

These are blades I sharpened that goes on the Cub Tank we had. Perfect edge every time with the oregon dedicated blade grinder.


Ah, yes, what every homeowner needs: ........And, on top of that, you proved our point.......
had you balanced those blades, those sealed Ultra Cut spindles would have lasted longer!

 

[ProStreetCamaro]

Originally Posted By: doitmyself
Originally Posted By: ProStreetCamaro
I sharpen the blades on our mowers every other day. Have never balanced a blade ever. Have lost 2 spindles in 25 years of commercial cutting and they both happen to be on our lazer z hp that now has 2500 hours on it.

These are blades I sharpened that goes on the Cub Tank we had. Perfect edge every time with the oregon dedicated blade grinder.


Ah, yes, what every homeowner needs: ........And, on top of that, you proved our point.......
had you balanced those blades, those sealed Ultra Cut spindles would have lasted longer!

No no no you got it all wrong. this is my grinder right here.

And no the spindles were to dry from the factory. That is the main reason I HATE sealed spindles. It has the Tri-Vantage deck BTW. Exmark had that issue for a while with the under lubed spindles.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: c3po
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lLnYpW_OMY&feature=related

Nice Video on Sharpening Lawn Mower Blades

Does anyone know where I can find this cordless drill sharpening attachment that is shown in this video? I've been trying to find it on numerous websites to no avail... maybe I am just not using the right key words...

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: Bear
Originally Posted By: c3po
The place where I bought my mower does blade sharpening, but you have to leave the blades there, and you cannot wait, and when I found out that they wanted $10.00 to sharpen a blade, I knew a Grinder was the answer.


Ten bucks will buy brand new blades for most mowers.


A well sharpened blade is better than a new blade.

 

[doitmyself]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: c3po
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lLnYpW_OMY&feature=related

Nice Video on Sharpening Lawn Mower Blades

Does anyone know where I can find this cordless drill sharpening attachment that is shown in this video? I've been trying to find it on numerous websites to no avail... maybe I am just not using the right key words...


Google unifit blade sharpener. I wonder if they work?

 

[hate2work]

Originally Posted By: nitehawk55
Originally Posted By: hate2work

Nitehawk, you used a grinder with no guard and used the side of the grinding wheel? Not the smartest thing I've heard lately, as those grinding wheels are not designed for sideways pressure.

Did you know Mr Bulger when you worked for Stihl Canada?


If you use the right type of stone it is fine , I've been doing it this way for 30+ years with no issues . The reason I use the side is it leaves a straighter edge and you have better control getting the right angle and you arn't applying much pressure . I should add I don't have the guard removed completely , just the side and of course I wear eye protection .

Can't say I recall a Mr. Bulger from WA , I have not been with the company for about 5 years . Does he work for Stihl USA ?


Dave was part of the management of Stihl Canada in the late 80's and early 90's, til he came on board for Stihl USA and now manages the Stihl Northwest branch in Chehalis, Wa. He's a good guy, thought maybe you knew him

Side pressure on a bench grinding wheel....I saw one explode and gouge a guy's hand pretty good while he was pushing on the side of it. I applied Einstein's "genius theory" to the episode, and have never done it.

 

[greenaccord02]

+1

I'm not a 'safety fanatic' by any means and I really don't follow best practices in the shop like I should, but you shouldn't ever apply and pressure to the side of a grinding wheel.

 

[lexus114]

Originally Posted By: greenaccord02
+1

I'm not a 'safety fanatic' by any means and I really don't follow best practices in the shop like I should, but you shouldn't ever apply and pressure to the side of a grinding wheel.


Thats for sure,that thing could come apart in your face!

 

[nitehawk55]

Originally Posted By: hate2work
Originally Posted By: nitehawk55
Originally Posted By: hate2work

Nitehawk, you used a grinder with no guard and used the side of the grinding wheel? Not the smartest thing I've heard lately, as those grinding wheels are not designed for sideways pressure.

Did you know Mr Bulger when you worked for Stihl Canada?


If you use the right type of stone it is fine , I've been doing it this way for 30+ years with no issues . The reason I use the side is it leaves a straighter edge and you have better control getting the right angle and you arn't applying much pressure . I should add I don't have the guard removed completely , just the side and of course I wear eye protection .

Can't say I recall a Mr. Bulger from WA , I have not been with the company for about 5 years . Does he work for Stihl USA ?


Dave was part of the management of Stihl Canada in the late 80's and early 90's, til he came on board for Stihl USA and now manages the Stihl Northwest branch in Chehalis, Wa. He's a good guy, thought maybe you knew him

Side pressure on a bench grinding wheel....I saw one explode and gouge a guy's hand pretty good while he was pushing on the side of it. I applied Einstein's "genius theory" to the episode, and have never done it.


Hmmmmm , well I'll keep that in mind but as I said that's the way I've done it for years and it looks like the one grinder someone has posted is set up to work that way . Again , depends on the stone you use and method too .

Dave Bulger , yes I do remember Dave ( sorry , a senior moment) and you're right he is a great guy and was a loss when he left the company as were quite a few others who left as management changed over the years ( not for the better I'm afraid ) . I'm sure Dave would agree that when Fred Whyte (president) left and went to Stihl Virgina Beach VA that the place was never the same....it was a blast working there in what I call the good ol days .

Say hello to Dave from "JR"....I'm sure he'll remember me .