Sharpening blades

bullet bob

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2019
Threads
21
Messages
154
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?
 

tom3

Lawn Addict
Joined
Apr 9, 2018
Threads
25
Messages
1,579
. Too anal about this?

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.
 

gainestruk

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2013
Threads
4
Messages
422
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.
 

Hammermechanicman

Lawn Addict
Joined
Jan 10, 2020
Threads
49
Messages
3,484
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?
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
 

Ken22

Member
Joined
Oct 19, 2019
Threads
1
Messages
46
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.
 

Attachments

  • Resized_20190911_142254.jpeg
    Resized_20190911_142254.jpeg
    446.6 KB · Views: 29

primerbulb120

Moderator
Joined
Nov 3, 2014
Threads
43
Messages
1,315
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.
 

1saxman

Active Member
Joined
Mar 29, 2020
Threads
8
Messages
67
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.
 

bertsmobile1

Lawn Royalty
Joined
Nov 29, 2014
Threads
64
Messages
24,647
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 .
 

Mower King

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2018
Threads
20
Messages
663
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!
 
Top