Sharpening Blades

[djradz]

Bob, I use my 4-1/2" angle grinder and on a rare occasions my 7", and then finish-dress with a file.

Lately, in between sharpenings, I've been lightly touching the blades up with the 4-1/2", but fitted with a sanding pad instead of the grinding disk. I think the grit is 120, if I recall correctly. This puts a good sharp edge back on the blade, takes out minor nicks and any points where the edge may have curled, all while doing so in a matter of minutes without even removing the blades from the deck. Wish I would have stumbled on this technique years ago. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[cp1969]

When I'm lazy, I use a 4" angle grinder. When I want to do it right, I use a big file. If you don't let them get too far gone, a big file cleans them right up.

 

[demote]

Soundguy, I just bought one of those last week but haven't used it yet. I was a little concerned how steady it will be in a drill. Any tips, etc. , speed?

 

[Soundguy]

I'ts as steady as your hand is.. or as your drill press is. I had better luck with higher speeds. I'm sure slow will do it.. but the grass was growing when i was sharpening mine if you get my drift..

Soundguy

 

[JoeF]

Bob,

I am lucky enough to live next door to an individuel who has worked in the metal trades for over 35 years. I have seen him sharpen blades from a bush hog to on down. You have to play with your grinder some.... but to watch him is better than a movie. Don't worrk too much about heating the blades just don't get them glowing red. All you want to do is just touch them up, don't go for the razor edge.

 

[tswirka]

as long as there are no gouges us a large flat file. a grinder will take out gouges but take the same amount from both blades, for bush hogs go see your local blacksmith , he will reshape the cuttin edge with out removing metal and they will last for ever with a little touch up.
Todd

 

[5030tinkerer]

I use my 6" bench grinder for the initial cleanup if I waited too long between sharpenings, then my 12" disc sander on my shopsmith (www.shopsmith.com) at a low RPM for a consistent finish. It takes just a few minutes per blade.

 

[JD F350]

Bob55,
I bought my Foley-belsaw blade sharpner quite a few years ago so it looks alittle different than the new models, but it works great. I mow 6-7 acres a week, so I sharpen my blades about 5 times a season. Plus I do custom sharpening for anyone who drops their blades off at the shop. I sharpen blade sizes that range from my push mower to my 7 ft. woods finish mower. The sharpeners are alittle pricey /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif, but well worth it. Here's a link.
http://www.saw-toolsharpening.com/lawnmowerSharpening01.html

Bill

Hey Bill, where in central PA are you located? I'm in Fairfield Adams Cty and might be interested in some custom sharpening John

 

[pennwalk]

John,

If you click on a members name in blue to the left of a message you will get a pop down menu. You can send a private message to the member and you can check when a member last posted to see if they are active.

Chris

 

[actionaj]

If the blades are in bad shape I will use a 4" grinder but usually I use a 2" air grinder to clean them up with. A large flat file I think is best don't have to worry about getting the metal to hot.