Sharpening lawn mower blades
- Thread starter Picky1
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POP_Rivit what do you have that lets you take the blades on and off in 5 min? a lift? or your tractor is just that easy?
it would take me 5-10min to get mine up on ramps safely
The 3/8" cordless impact does make removing them a 1 min job.
I do mine 1-2x a year. its a hard job to remove the deck
not so hard to put it on ramps then jack and block the rear end.
I think sharpening weekly could be counter productive but whatever works.
When I used to mow 10 acres twice a month those did get sharpened every 2 mows.
it would take me 5-10min to get mine up on ramps safely
The 3/8" cordless impact does make removing them a 1 min job.
I do mine 1-2x a year. its a hard job to remove the deck
not so hard to put it on ramps then jack and block the rear end.
I think sharpening weekly could be counter productive but whatever works.
When I used to mow 10 acres twice a month those did get sharpened every 2 mows.
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"Huh? An hour with hand file? It takes me 5-10 mins with a hand file, with the blade clamped in vise."
Let me say that the blade probably had never been sharpened. I got the mower from my cousin who neglects their mowers. Yes the blade looked like it had cut through several rocks and rough debris.
Let me say that the blade probably had never been sharpened. I got the mower from my cousin who neglects their mowers. Yes the blade looked like it had cut through several rocks and rough debris.
Originally Posted By: Picky1
Is this the way to go? or is there a better tool? (would love to be able to sharpen them right on the tractor!) What size grinder do I need? Are the Harbor Freight ones any good?
I use a rotary sander with the blade in a vise.
If it's not nicked you can get a nice edge without a lot of metal removal. If it's nicked, start with coarse grit and work your way to something finer.
Is this the way to go? or is there a better tool? (would love to be able to sharpen them right on the tractor!) What size grinder do I need? Are the Harbor Freight ones any good?
I use a rotary sander with the blade in a vise.
If it's not nicked you can get a nice edge without a lot of metal removal. If it's nicked, start with coarse grit and work your way to something finer.
I have used a belt sander and an angle grinder and a bench grinder to sharpen mower blades.
I prefer the belt sander if there's no chips in the blade,otherwise I start with the grinder to get it smooth,then the belt sander to finish.
I prefer the belt sander if there's no chips in the blade,otherwise I start with the grinder to get it smooth,then the belt sander to finish.
I've sharpened blades for years for myself and when I had a small engine shop .
I use a bench grinder but use whatever suits you . It's good to sharpen to about 45 degrees on the edge so it doesn't loose it too fast , you want some meat there .
Also , you do not need a fancy balancer gadget of any kind , I simply have a screwdriver by the grinder and when done sharpening I put the blade on the screwdriver . If it sits level you're good to go , if it drops take more material off that side till it sits level . Simple !!
I use a bench grinder but use whatever suits you . It's good to sharpen to about 45 degrees on the edge so it doesn't loose it too fast , you want some meat there .
Also , you do not need a fancy balancer gadget of any kind , I simply have a screwdriver by the grinder and when done sharpening I put the blade on the screwdriver . If it sits level you're good to go , if it drops take more material off that side till it sits level . Simple !!
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Finally got a chance to head over to Harbor Freight and picked up an 4.5" angle grinder and metal sanding disc for a grand total of $14 and change!
Took all of 20 mins to pull off my blades from my tractor, sharpen & balance both of those blades as well as my gator blades that I use in the fall (leaf duty).
Should have done this ages ago, it is amazing how much better the lawn looks when it is cut with freshly sharpen blades!
Took all of 20 mins to pull off my blades from my tractor, sharpen & balance both of those blades as well as my gator blades that I use in the fall (leaf duty).
Should have done this ages ago, it is amazing how much better the lawn looks when it is cut with freshly sharpen blades!
Originally Posted By: Picky1
Should have done this ages ago, it is amazing how much better the lawn looks when it is cut with freshly sharpen blades!
Yes, it do make a difference with a sharp blade.
Should have done this ages ago, it is amazing how much better the lawn looks when it is cut with freshly sharpen blades!
Yes, it do make a difference with a sharp blade.
You wouldn't want to sharpen them on the mower because you can't check the balance. I use an attachment for a Dremel specifically for sharpening mower blades. It has a guide that screws onto the end to keep the angle the blade was originally ground at. I use one of those plastic blade balancers to make sure I've taken an equal amount of metal off. I doubt I spend more than 30 minutes to do the whole job; but I know the correct socket for the bolts, and have the Dremel and the balancer all set up.
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