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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?

If a blade has a bunch of rock dings, I grind the bevel edge perpendicular to the grinding stone. Once it is flat & straight and the dings are removed, then I recut the bevel. It saves a lot of time and reduces overheating of the cutting edges.

For specialty mulching blades with odd bends, I don't waste time trying to save them, I replace them. Some blades are just not designed to be resharpened.

Also, use a course stone instead of a fine. Fine stones remove material too slowly and build up more heat.

I balance plain round hole blades using a nail in a vise. For star center blades and a couple of other designs I actually have a selection of modified used (good) spindles that I can place in a vise and then determine how well the blades are balanced.

The magnetic wall mount balancers also work pretty well.

Drill mounted blade sharpeners are bad idea because they wear out the stone too quickly. You would have to try one to understand what I am talking about.

Angle grinders work well with a course wheel, but you have to keep a consistent angle, and the blade held firmly in a vise.

I have a couple of non used extra vises setting on the bench . By placing a 2x4 under the rear of the vise in the correct place it gives the angle i want when i hold my Makita grinder level . Sure other measures can be taken to use a mounted vise .

Nicks -- that Rt angle grinder makes short work changing those nicks to appear as a serrated edge . I balance with my pocket knife edge on center of the hole . Where is center ? Easy for me because I worked as a jeweler part time to get through college on the G I bill .

For those that have and use a bench grinder .

AllisChalmersForever1901 said:

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?

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There are tons of threads on blade sharpening on this, as well as other sites.

Tiger Small Engine said:

There are tons of threads on blade sharpening on this, as well as other sites.

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For a perfect angle grind with a angle grinder I suggest a home made steady rest you can rest / slide your hands or possibly your arm on .

You might try one of these. I just ordered one, so I can't comment yet on how well it works. It's a much cheaper knockoff of a tool that is reported to work well.

I just put my blades in vise, and use 60 grit flapwheel on drill...then cone balance

First I soak them in pan of water for ez clean. 20 minutes, crud wipes right off & no dust fumes.

7394 said:

I just put my blades in vise, and use 60 grit flapwheel on drill...then cone balance

First I soak them in pan of water for ez clean. 20 minutes, crud wipes right off & no dust fumes.

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I can't keep the angle consistent enough with a flap wheel.

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

GearHead36 said:

I can't keep the angle consistent enough with a flap wheel.

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

GearHead36 said:

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

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Because that is fake news.

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.

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.

slomo said:

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

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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.

slomo said:

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

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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.

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!

"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.