How to sharpen blades?

[MBG]

Ok, I would like to sharpen my lawn mower blades. What tools would I use? Is it just a stone that would sharpen them?

[One of Many]

Originally Posted by MBG Ok, I would like to sharpen my lawn mower blades. What tools would I use? Is it just a stone that would sharpen them?

Since the grass does not really care(or maybe I don't care if it does?). I have had adequate success with a 4" angle grinder and a blade balancer. Just give the edge a 45deg bevel from the top side. If one side is heavy, I grind it a bit more. I wouldn't put more effort into than that.

Don't try to make a nice straight edge to remove all the rock dings. A slight bevel from the bottom will still get a sharp edge but may not be as professional looking. I can get a few seasons out of my JD rider sets. That works out to be about $10-15 of use per year.

DC

[MBG]

Originally Posted by One of Many Since the grass does not really care(or maybe I don't care if it does?). I have had adequate success with a 4" angle grinder and a blade balancer. Just give the edge a 45deg bevel from the top side. If one side is heavy, I grind it a bit more. I wouldn't put more effort into than that. Don't try to make a nice straight edge to remove all the rock dings. A slight bevel from the bottom will still get a sharp edge but may not be as professional looking. I can get a few seasons out of my JD rider sets. That works out to be about $10-15 of use per year. DC

How much is a blade balancer? Also, you couldn't just stone it or something?

[MrWild]

The cost of a nail pounded in your garage wall. Simple as that.

[WhiteTiger]

Thanks MrWild, that was just the chuckle I needed to wake up to



Tiger

[One of Many]

Originally Posted by MBG How much is a blade balancer? Also, you couldn't just stone it or something?

A course belt sander would fall into the "Or something". The thing to avoid is overheating the edge turning blue. This only softens the new edge.

Here is one style on the cheap.

Northern Tool Blade Balancer

This is not like sharpening a knife. More like sharpening a splitting maul. A razor edge typically will not last long enough to really matter for the average lawn. Far too much effort for hand stoning IMHO, but that is by choice of course.

DC

[B_Bueno]

A nail in the wall works.
*but it needs to be perpendicular"
IMO