HOW TO SHARPEN A LAWNMOWER BLADE - SUPER SHARP AND SUPER FAST - How To Balance Link Below
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- čas přidán 27. 09. 2019
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UPDATE - This is how I balance the 6 star mower blades.
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UPDATE - This is how I balance a 6 star mower blade .
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I've never thought of holding the blade in the vise like you do. Your method of setting the blade down into the vise, instead of the jaws is a great idea, thanks much!
Thanks for watching Charles 👍
Can't beat a 120 grit flap disc on the angle grinder. Leaves a smooth shine like new money. I am still on the same disc for about 3 years. Excellent for dressing up old screwdrivers, too.
👍
I worked in a professional lawn mower shop and what you're doing is just as good
Wow thanks Steven , much appreciated 👍
I keep coming back to this. Been fighting cancer. Was starting my Lawn Care business last March but missed the whole season.
As my strength is returning this has become a video I keep coming back to. 👊🧔🇺🇸 Just started my own channel too.
Thanks Bud 👍
Best of luck to you on a speedy recovery my friend.wish you all good health and enjoyment you need to succeed in life.
@@darrylcook2845
Thanks Darryl
I'm just getting started on the next phase. It's going to be challenging.
The last treatments were so damaging I've went from 230lb down to 157lbs now.
With the cancer now in my lungs they're looking at other options.
I'm doing what I can at home.
Using nutrition and other things.
Talking about it on my channel.
Won't be popular.
Most won't like my videos but I don't care - I need to survive this.
No pride Left.
I sharpen mine so sharp that I don’t have to start the mower....just push it through the grass.
HAHAHA that's my kinda sharp 👍
@@SteveRobReviews 😂
Thats nothing
I get mine so sharp that the grass knows I'm coming and it cuts it's self
@@Brickbossman 👍😂
My blades are sooo sharp i might buy a mower
I'll have to ask my wife what she uses.
As soon as she gets through mowing.
LOL
I have to let my wife cool down after mowing. I hate makin' love to a sweaty woman.
@@scottp5331 😅😅
Hah yeah!
They look great but I have a half hp bench grinder and have sharpened my blades since 1988 with a medium grit wheel with satisfactory results and I balance each one as well. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Mike 👍
Good video. Keep in mind that it's just a lawn mower blade and not a surgical instrument. All the fancy methods, techniques and specialty tools that guys have for doing something that is actually very simple.
Thanks , a plain old file did the job for years . Cheers Martin
As a turf equipment mechanic of 42 years I can say that you don't want them razor sharp. If you look at any new blade, it has been sharpened but not to a keen edge. With a keen edge it is easier for a hard object, stick or rock to create a notch because the metal is thinner. I have sharpened thousands of blades and use a grinder made for the job. Most importantly when grinding you need the stone to rotate into the edge. If you happen to bring to a very sharp edge, very lightly knock it off a bit. Notched blades require you to grind the entire edge down flat, then sharpen. one other point is to maintain the same bevel it had when it was new.
Just my 2 cents.
Great 2 cents buddy 👍
gtpro 700 I like a real sharp blade but I'm cutting real good grass , not sticks and stumps and such. This subject sure has its opinions but overall the correct answer is whatever works for you. 👍
@@gtpro700 Not a theory.
I agree completely. Another thing I often do is to put a little "back grind" on the bottom side. That actually has the effect of moving the cutting edge upward just a smidge - a little further away from rocks 'n such.
Steve, I tried your method and it is by far, the easiest, fastest way to get your blades really sharp. While bench and angle grinders may eventually get the job done, your method offers the most control and IMHO, the best results. So easy!! Thanks!
Terrific Lorin 👍
I use a piece of plastic to sharpen my blade but only when it is in terrible shape . 1. Go to store 2. Pick up new blade 3. Swipe plastic debit card 4. Go home ! Works Great !!! 😃
I am an old dog and you taught me something new. This looks easy, quick and efficient. Thankyou.
Thanks , much appreciated 👍
I learned for a machinist that you always sharpen a tool going into the edge or blade, not away from it. If its with a disc , stone, wheel or what ever, go into the blade.
I have seen instructions the same but on a mower blade I'm sure either way is hard to see any difference. Cheers 👍
As a rule I sharpen going into a blade but at the same time if you have ever watched a barber sharpen his straight razor on a leather strap he starts at the backside of the blade😮
I use those disc at work all the time, but never thought of doing my lawnmower blade, that's a good idea, but I balance my blades too .
The cut was too wavey for my liking.
@@TEBOZ Using a strop doesn't sharpen a blade it only removes the folded over super thin edge.
I worked in a stainless steel fab/OEM shop for 11 years and most guys that have used air power don't want to go back to electric. Air tools run at higher rpm and work faster, air tools are much lighter and less fatiguing, smaller so you you can see around them. I have many air tools including die grinder with Roloc discs (fantastic and VERY versatile ). You don't need a large compressor as these are small air motors, and you could use them in short bursts if you have a small compressor. Go air and you'll never go back !!! Also for just sharpening you don't need expensive top of the line, get Harbor Freight or Grizzly, they'll do fine as long as you OIL them each use (in the air line fitting, 2 or 3 drops).
I’ve been using a 4-1/2 angle grinder with a sanding flap disc instead of a metal grinding wheel. I run a flat finish file over the edge sometimes at the end. And I check the blade balance with a cone-shaped balancer device. But Steve Rob, you have just tempted me to try your method.
I used to do just as you did but this has much more control and the speed is about three times a electric grinder but does not take material off as much :)
Great idea I haven't seen ... clamping the blades in the lower part of the vise jaws so the blade sharpening area is flat. Thanks for the video!!!
Thanks Walt 👍
I tried everything to sharpen blades but at end of day a file works best, I only use the air grinder on badly damaged blades then finish off with file. File keeps balance close and like you I make my blades real sharp, been working great for me over the years.
How much grass do you cut though ?
My yard alone is over 5 acres and then I have many other peoples lawns to do too.
If all I had to mow was a 50' x 100' lot in the city, ya, sharpening with a file once a summer and that blade would last for 20 years.
At the end of the day, you're going to be filing a lot of blades at my shop :)
Cheers sir :)
@@mebcool I have one lawn to cut, I’m a home owner not a landscaper. Because I sharpen so often it takes me no time and leaves a nice sharp edge and as I stated doesn’t take tons of material off so don’t need waste much time balancing it like I had to when I used an air grinder.
I discovered same recently. Angle grinder if real bad, then bastid file
Hard to beat a good Nicholson bastard file...
Zero turn with three heavy duty blades. 10 acres that is not manicured. Have to use grinder once every three weeks. After three sharpening they are ready to replace. (In summer). $45 for a new set is worth it.
4inch grinder no problem. My dad used a bench grinder. Did very well
Whatever works is sure better than not doing anything. Cheers Ronald
I agree. I've successfully used my 4" angle-grinder for years now. It's only grass! 🙄
@@jessemiller6146 You mean I'm not supposed to cut broken branches and rocks? I've been doing it wrong all my life then.
A Grinder can take alot more surface of then needed then they must be Balanced
Are you Related to Fred Flintstone is Barny Ruble your Neighbor
I saw your video on the die grinder to sharpen mower blades and I was really enlightened.. so I decided to go out an purchase an angle die grinder with three inch sanding disks and it worked absolutely fantastic.. so easy and you have so much control on the angle that you want to apply to sharpen.. it was so fast and easy and the blades came out super sharp, i balanced them also after sharpening, it’s a breeze to take off a little metal if it needs to be balanced properly.. I used a bench grinder before and the results were just okay, but with the die grinder it is just so much easier and faster than use the bench.. my blades are now all super sharp and I’m ready and looking forward to the mowing season.. thanks for your video.. I really appreciate it when someone posts a video that actually helps others with their own projects.. thanks again
Noel. 👍
Thanks Noel , very nice of you to go out of your way in being so kind 👍
When I worked in a sharpening shop years ago, we used a belt sander. Worked really well, especially with the large riding mower blades.
Yes that works great too 👍
Wow, I just saw this. I've been sharpening my mower blades the exact same way for 7 years. It is quick and easy. 👍🏼
Smart minds think alike eh 👍
Bench grinder works just fine. Can see what you're doing and can control it very well with both hands. Simple and fast. No need for compressor, hoses, and little discs you can lose. But hey, to each his own.
Bench grinder or hand file if it gets it done then go with it. Cheers John
Absolutely superior of 4 or 5” side-grinder, this is so much easier I can’t thank you enough, real eye opening for me.
Thanks for the video
👍👍
Good to see Tom Hanks broadening his camera genre's. 😎 great video sir. Thanks for posting.
Go to your local welding store and get 4-5 of 1/8" inconel welding rods.. Knock the flux off them,using a brazing flame apply the inconel rod to the blades cutting edges...allow to cool naturally.sharpen blades and fuhgettabout em for the entire season...
I've done that to plow cutting edges and it's super hard and lasts much longer but I haven't tried it on a mower blade . Ok you got me thinking now Thanks 👍
This is true, my dad was a Mill Wright all his career @ paper Mill, he did this, I’ve done it since also.it absolutely holds its edge.
Thanks for this tip - what spec inonel rod? 600? 625? 718? (I'm not a welder sorry if it's obvious)
When I sharpen a blade I always check the balance of the blade so it doesn't shake the lawnmower if I don't have the balancing tool I take a nail drive it in the wall straight and leave an inch hanging out put the center of the hole in the middle of the blade on the nail center it up and let loose slow if the blade remain strait across ur good but if one of the ends drop down then I take a little off the other side with a grinder untill It remain to stay strait when I put it back on the nail
👍
Thank-you for this video! I've been sharpening my blades using the file, bench grinder, and hand grinder with pretty sorry results for 50 some odd years. I saw this video and purchased the mini die grinder and WOW it made a HUGE difference in how easy it was to sharpen my blades and boy they look really nice and sharp. I found the air grinder with everything I needed on Amazon for $45. Well worth every cent!!
Awesome Patrick 👍
This is what I use, and it does an amazing job. It is very controllable, quick, and it produces and polished and sharp edge that lasts. In fact, I was able to shave the skin off of my finger after multiple mows, but of course, it was an accident...LOL! Thanks for the confirmation on this one. By the way, as the Lawn Care Nut says, using your die grinder to do this sounds really cool and makes your neighbors think you know what you are doing...LOL!
👍👍
Had a lawn mower shop for 20 years. Always used a 4" grinder. Hold it tight against my body and just rock sideways. When I'm done , you can shave the hair off my arm.. too many people came in with blades that you couldn't hardly tell where the cutting edge was.
HAHAHA love it !!! I was shipped these blades off amazon for my lawn tractor , couldn't cut butter :) czcams.com/video/_nWinD3nHJI/video.html
Same for me...except I use a sanding disk. 👍
I was always told not to sharpen the blades too well.
@@tigergreg8 I have heard that for a long time too but if your not cutting anything but the grass I sharpen them real well and haven't experienced anything but nicely cut grass. Try it 👍
@@SteveRobReviews 👍 Alright, I have enough blades that I can see how it works. Thanks.
I've been using a pad sander or (die grinder) which ever you choose to call it for sharpening my blades for the lawnmower for about 10 years or better. And you sir are the only other person I've seen do it lol. And I've been a machinest in tool and die for 13 years and everyone else I've worked with uses a belt sander or bench grinder also. But for people who aren't familiar with the die grinders, if you have a really dull blade when you start grinding it go across in one direction then come across in the opposite direction making sure to cross out your previous grind marks like a X almost that will help keep you edge straight and not dip into the blade real bad. Sorry for the long comment!
Great comment thanks Bradley.
I was hoping it might save someone from ruining there blade by accident lol they remove alot of steel if people aren't careful and have never used them before. So hopefully a first timer will practice on a scrap piece of steel or something for a minute or two and get the feel for it first.
@@mcarnell1889 It's a sanding pad but a disk or pad with at least 80 grit works well.
@@mcarnell1889 That's CZcams:)
Yeah like Steve said, I'm not sure what stores you can go into and purchase them though. We always went through Gesswein or Fastenal or somewhere and ordered them. If you do though just watch out cause there are 3 different brands and they all three take different arbors for the disc so just make sure whatever ones you get you have the right arbor for it. They usually say in the description.
A while back I had the very same light with the magnifying lens. Loved that light. Great video and very timely that I'm seeing it now as I need to sharpen my mower blades.
Thanks Leon much appreciated 👍
Steve I’ve been sharpening my blades with a 4.5 inch flap wheel 40 grit I clamp the blade vertical and stand in front of the blade when I have the grinder oriented correctly to maintain the grind angle I go from top to bottom of the cutting edge this works well and keeps the correct blade cutting angle. Before sharpening I scrape off compacted grass and rust with a putty knife and finish off with the 40grit flap grinder wheel . Finally with both edges sharp I balance with a store bought cone balancer. After cutting my grass is sharply cut no jagged edges this system works great for me . I’m in the Northeast actually south Jersey.
Hi Michael
Flap disks work great 👍 I will show how to balance a 6 point mounting blade in the future , its much different than a single round hole mount . Cheers
A 4-5" die grinder with a finer layered disc on it works just fine. I always follow up by putting on a balance cone to make sure it's level and doesn't fibrate when running.
Hi Dave
Yes even a file does the job . Absolutely checking balance is a must , the 6 star hole , I show how in the pinned link in comments. Cheers
Dremel Tool With A Porcelain Tile Cutting Bit That's A Tapered Egg Shape Does Great Also
That is great to go from dull to sharp. In my case, it's not a matter of being dull, but being beat by rocks... Thanks for sharing Steve!
Yes my bushhog is like that so I get out the angle grinder then finish it off with this.
I' ve tried all the methods you described. I truly agree , the best way is the one you showed. It truly fast and you have more control of the grinder. 👍 Good video, nice shop.
Thanks 👍
I have sharpened my blades on bench grinder for 40 + years ,it can be done if you have steady hand but I always blunt edge after sharpening to about a 16th of inch grass cut is beautiful
If you have an old set try it if your in doubt
I've tried various methods over the years and none of them produced a good result. I went out and spent $75 on this (no name) tool. When I looked at the blades on my zero turn I found I wasn't cutting grass, I was beating it into submission. 20 minutes later, I had the sharpest blades ever! Great video! Thanks for the tip!
Awesome Jeff 👍
Great video! In my experience with blade sharpening this is what I have learned. The right tool for the job is the best. Considering safe on the operator, safe for the tool your using. Wrong tool or incorrect usage can cause damage to you or the tool or the part your working on. How much attention must be given to sharpening lawn mower blades and is there a set stopping point. Well this field of operation is wide open and can be accomplished using many different types of tools and techniques. Many people have come up with their own way of sharpening. And usually most that do sharpen blades themselves started out with what tools they have had on hand. So I do agree that there is many different techniques that do work great. I had a tree care/landscape buisness for 25 years. When I began cutting trees which was the beginning of my career I learned to sharpen the chainsaw blades by hand. Was told it was faster then going to the hardware store to sharpen on the job. But I was told that even many of the chainsaw shops would send you back with a damaged over heated blade. Yes I learned to have more chains on hand to prevent down time. And today I think many professional chainsaw shops or other sharpening businesses are doing better but can't promise that. What happens with chainsaw sharpening and this will tie directly into lawn mower blades is that they more than not get the cutting tooth way too hot and it looses it's temper. Always can tell when the cutting edge of either saw blades or mower blades is the navy blue shiny cutting edge when you get it back. May be sharp enough to cut your finger but when put into action dulled very quickly. Another thing is all these rotary tools being used a person wants to be careful and know how to hold the tool or the blade to prevent major problems. What I am getting at is if you use a hand grinder for example that spins approximately 33,000 rpm and it rotates clockwise as you hold it normally. You go to sharpening your mower blades with the rotating disc coming towards the cutting edge you could wind up in trouble fast. For me it just usually had the mower blade cut into the sharpening disc and the disc got cut in half flying across the shop. But at high rpms it could catch the disc holder and rip the tool out of your hands or pull you right into the blade. I like this guys method of a much smaller, lighter tool. You can observe more what your doing and the lighter weight prevents major metal loss unlike a 6" hand grinder that can remove lots of material quickly. One last thing is it is obvious many have come up with their own way of sharpening and it works for them.Sharpening with a hand file takes another couple minutes but no worry about heat damage. On the other hand if your experienced using hand grinders you could take a 6" hand grinder and make a blade shine like it was polished with 220 grit disc just by lightly smoothing over a blade.
Thanks Eric , it's all about experiences over time and learning what works best. Cheers 👍
Thank u Sir! Just bot my 1st die grinder today b/c of your video. Love how much easier it will be to use over my traditional bulky grinders! Ordering discs t'moro, Can't wait to sharpen my blades!
Awesome 👍
Been using a bench grinder for years. No issues. Tried the angle grinder once but couldnt keep the angle as consistent as I could with bench grinder. Having said that, this method would be the best for those mulching blades that are hard to manuever thru the bench grinder, because of the weird blade angles.
Best method is the one that works best for you as so many applications may differ and in the end all we need is a sharp edge . Cheers
@@SteveRobReviews True.
Well done! The smaller tool definitely gives you much more control than an angle grinder, and you can avoid removing the temper from the blade.
Thanks , yes its cool to the touch after sharpening and stays sharp a long time. Cheers 👍
I've been sharpening with a 5" grinder with a 1/4" disk. Lay the disk flat to the blade angle and pull outwards. Finish off any roll over with a file. Removes little material, hardly any heating, easy to balance and ends up razor sharp. I'm also a tradesmen with tons of hours on a grinder. I've been reading thru the comments and have never thought about hardfacing. I may give that a try.
I've done the hard facing on plow blades and it's real hard to bevel a sharp edge but it sure lasts so much longer . On a mower blade I'm sticking to sharpening a soft steel blade 😅
How's she goin'? Lots of ways to sharpen a blade but it's how easy it is to do and how comfortable you are at doing it that makes the difference. This sure looks like a quick and easy and comfortable way to sharpen the blades. This is one chore I don't often do. Maybe I should be sharpening my blades but generally I don't. Thanks for posting!!!!
Sure is easy and fast so a couple of minutes a year sure make a difference. Cheers Mike
Hand filing has worked great for me for many years.
Joe I did the same too in the past . Works for you then stick with it. 👍
One of the main reasons why blades dull so fast is because people put too much of an acute angle. Mower blades should be around a 45 degree angle so there's some meat behind the edge. That's the angle we used on our rotary rough mowers at the golf course I worked at and that's what Toro recommended.
Everything I've ever read said 30°, and that's always worked best for me.
I have seen many styles of blades and angles so I just like to resharpen to the original angle.
Hi Steve. I've been using the same method for years now. I do it a little differently. I keep the blade level in the vise. I attach a magnetic bevel with the correct angle and use that as a guide for my old eyes. Cheers from Australia.
Great tip on 3M Roloc method and on mounting the cutting edge level by how you place it in your vise. The real secret I want to know is - How do you keep your eye glasses perfectly clean while working in your shop? My glasses get smudged by my fingers and scratched when I take them off or or put them in a case. I've rarely seen eye glasses as noticeably clean and clear as yours. Thanks for the great video.
Hand soap - I rinse my lenses with water first then with clean fingers apply hand soap then rinse with hot water. There ya go its that easy 👍
I have used my belt sander, it has a little learning curve to know how not to ruin your belts. Nice clean job
I like the way u sharping those blades with that angel grinder that does make a lot of sense at least u can see what ur doin a lot easier thanks
Thanks Doug much appreciated 👍
The right tool for the job usually makes it more easy and more effective. Great vid Steve cheers
Jamie
Thanks bud , yes they both go hand in hand.
Thanks for the video Steve, really good information. I do mine this way also about 2 or 3 times a year.
Every once in a while I'll throw them on the balancing cone just to make sure they aren't crazy out of whack.
Thanks again
Thanks John 👍
Best way I found is with a vertical belt sander. If you’ve ever watched the TV show, forged in fire, where they make knives they all use vertical belt grinders they don’t sharpen their knives with bench grinders, or angle grinders.
My vertical belt sander is 2 inches wide which means I’m sharpening 2 inches of the blade at a time. This means that you have a better chance of getting it even all the way across.
Hi Brad
Yes absolutely that's an awesome way too. I watch FIF all the time.
Rob I have not tried that method for my blades.
But I run a 60" commercial with 3 blades
I typically use a 4-1/2 or 8" grinder, But I am seasoned with these tools and I like to get everything trued up and square is not the right word, but true I guess says it best.
I know for my blades I would be in the 24, 36, 40 grit realm.
I use that 2" for fiberglass and wood in my boat restoration.
I'm afraid my blades are a little far gone for your method, but I'll give it a try.
I keep OVER a dozen blades on hand and I zip them off put replacements on and sharpen later... AND I Balance them too. and hit with some paint any spraying color works to stop rust till they go back on.
Keep out of the rocks... is best solution. blades are for grass only.
Sorry no such thing as too sharp, Thats a myth from those that "think they know"
If the edge rolls,.. you did it wrong, used it wrong, or it's wrong for application or it's junk.
cardboard, paper and wood is the worst for knife blades, they're really best for flesh.
A blade unsharpened 1/4" thick WILL cut grass... not good but it will twist and beat its way through it.. Done It.. I know...
But the sharper, the better, its easier on the belts, spindles. clutch. engine and "Everything"
It just feels better with fresh SHARP ! blades.
Cheers
Well said bud 👍
I have always used a binch grinder now I use what your using for about a year now it does work better. Thanks for the tip, Steve.
Lots of ways to sharpen but I just like to take as little material off as possible and the balance seems fine after.
I just got that setup recently. My blades are due for a sharpening. Thanks for the tip.
Awesome 👌
I appreciate the tip I will try it next time I need to sharpen my blades, Thank you
Glad to help
Nice job , thanks for passing your talent on .
Much appreciated Victor 👍
I love those. I discovered that about ten years ago. And they work great.
👍
I got hooked up with Roloc about 2 years ago. I use them for multiple of tasks. Sharpening mower blades, machette's, hatchets cleaning metal etc etc. Their awesome.
Wyatt their so easy to work with and do a great job.
My 4" grinder works just fine. Quick, easy, and I CAN see just fine. It takes longer to remove the blade than to grind it.
Man!
That is THE way to do it!
Thanks for a great video!
My grass and I thank you!
Thanks bud it's easy to do and your lawn will love ya :)
Thats the way I sharpen my blades for years. Great show!😂
Thanks Laura, good stuff 👍
Good video, Steve! Mine were so bad I had to use my angle grinder to get the blade edge close enough to an edge again and then my die grinder to finish them off. Great tip on tilting the blade in the vise to get the blade edge horizontal. I also finish off the bottom side of the blade surface as well to put a nice little counter edge on it. Peace!
Thanks bud much appreciated 👍
That's the same way I do it. I do however, stay with the finer grits just to make sure I'm not removing to much material. If it takes a couple passes more so be it. If your blades is only hitting dry grass it'll last a very long time. If you're hitting rocks and dirt and stirring up a bunch of dust it will dull MUCH FASTER regardless of how sharpen it.
Thank you, never thought of securing the blade in the vise that manner.
I worked as a machinist for 40 years and I have used this method for many years.
Fantastic bud 👍
Couple of swipes with a Bahco Sharp - X carbide sharpener works for me. Don’t even have to take the blade off!
After sharpening, install the mower blades backwards. This handy little trick will keep your newly sharpened blades sharp for a much longer period of time.
That's some trick 🤣
Someone will read this and really do what you just wrote. 😂😂. Wondering why their grass looks the same. Lol
You need a "reverse bolt" to fasten them, though."
Very nice Steve,I can’t wait to try your style of sharpening and loved your video,thanks Lester
Thanks Lester much appreciated 👍
got it looking and working brand new again! nicely done Steve
Not bad eh , thanks buddy. 👍
What I did not see you do is ->balance the blade
Tom , look at "Title" -" Description Box" or First comment pined that refers to the balancing of this blade.
Great video and well explained 😊
Thanks 👍
Good tip on using small grinder to sharpen the blade! Have a good one Steve!
Thanks Terry
Thank Steve, already put away my land mower but next year will try your way. Was using the grinder. Cheers
Victor this way removes very little material and stays sharp a long time . I have to use my mower one more time .
I've used a 4 1/2" grinder for years. Just because a grinding wheel can grind off a lot of metal doesn't mean you have to. Sanding discs are just great if you don't have stone damage but if you need to remove more metal sanding is too slow. I hold the blade in a bench vice so I can look down at the edge and grind so the sparks go down. This way you can see when the edge is sharp and you don't feather the edge making it necessary to shave that feather by also grinding the bottom blade surface. I sure see a lot of methods on you tube. Some people use files or flap sanders or bench grinders or belt sanders and everyone thinks their way is the best. I've had fifty three years of metal working and have tried all of those "best" methods. The 4 1/2" grinder wins. Sorry, not an opinion.
Use whatever works best for you .
I use a 5 inch disk on a small angle grinder. Not a stone, but a sandpaper type disk. You can get down to 40 grit, but 60 seems about right for what I use it for ( I sharpen about every other day; I'm a commercial lawn care guy!) Haven't had an issue with not seeing well, and it's easy to keep your angle.
Everett that combination does great too and does not take off too much material like a stone will. Good stuff 👍
I thought it over after awhile and went and purchased off Amazon a better air tool from ingersol rand di grinder, and I like the setup you have and it inspired me, I have used my dremmel tool but was too small for lawnmower blades.anyhow,, thanks for your demonstration and video, sharpening my blades will be a lot easier. Thanks! Friend
Cheers Daniel
Good job. I going to Lowe’s and get myself a setup like you have. Very impressed if I say so myself. Thanks, God Bless,Jim
Cheers Jim
While not as fast, I use a Dremel tool which has a guide for the proper angle of cut and small bits which do not seem to heat the blade too much.
Hi Keith
That's another great way 👍
I’ve tried that, it works good until you have to change the little drum. Don’t know if it’s just my set or what but you can hardly get the drum on the rubber mandrel band. They do have a new SpeedClic mandrel they have came out with since I first got into using the Dremel 25 years ago. I just got SpeedClic mandrel for the one for the cutting discs and that thing is awesome. I expect the mandrel for the drums works just as good.
I found it most blades dull quick because when grinding people get them too hot and the sharp edge will dull quickly from removing the temper
That's a good point as I have seen some pretty blue from getting too hot 🔥
Exactly nice explanation!👍
Good job,I have been using a 4" grinder with a wire cup to clean then another 4" grinder with a flopy disc to sharpen, thanks for the great idea, I have always used the die grinder for cleaning up the face where brake rotors go on cars, now I have more uses,thanks...
Hi John
Thanks much appreciated 👍
Thanks for this video Steve. I just found a new way to sharpen my blades
Hi Gary , shapen away bud 👍
I am one of the 90% of people who just put it through the bench grinder but that is a really clean way To make a nice clean edge on there but you got a wait for What seems like a half a day for the Air pressure to build up in your compressor
Anyway you find the best is the best for you , as for me I'm a 1%er :)
Harbor freight belt sander. Good sanding belts from a place like Loews. Balance using a hack saw blade in my vice. Clean the blade first. Can’t balance with grass lumps stuck on it.
Well made and easy to work with. Sharpens knives in a very easy way.
Thanks 👍
Good sharpening method, Thanks! One Tip: test the balance after grinding before reinstalling the blade.
Horizontal screw/nail held by the vise, blade stays level after starting balanced, good to go. One side moves down, take another grinding pass, stops vibrations
I did attach a link how to ballance a six star blade , much different than a smooth bore blade hole. Cheers
I use a simple flap disc on my 4 1/2" grinder, then a balance.
Flap disk does great too 👍
Don't forget to check the balance of the blade if you remove a lot of metal,if you don't have a balance tool try a pencil in the hole held level, blade should be at 3 and 9 o'clock, if it doesn't ,remove metal from the back edge of the blade from the heavier side
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czcams.com/video/jIWnLR3C7Ho/video.html
Thank, you for you're video. every time I sharpen the blades on the lawn tractor I, sharpen the blades on the bench grinder and I only run both blades across the grinder on both sides of each sides of the blade. then they are sharp. the best part about it all I never have to balance the blades ever because I'm sharpening the blade at a even run on both sides of the blade instead of grinding on the blades. I, only run the blade across the grinder lightly not grinding on them. I, only sharpen the blades one time a year only once a year or cuting season. 🙏
Great tips thanks! My dad was an absolute sharpening pro on a bench grinder. I’m absolutely not....so I’m hoping your tips will help me.
I find this so much more stable and easier to sharpen so yes give it a try.
Nice tip. Thank you 😊
The reason sharp blades dull faster than rounded off blades: A sharp edge beds a lot more when hitting an object, so you end up with a much "thicker" blade at the impact points due to the edge bending up or downwards.
I never sharpened my blades in 7 years. The last year I had to cut over the same area 3 times. But I changed to a new mower, and now I'm going to be reformed and sharpen at least twice a year, or more if necessary.
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Really great advice. I’m out to look for those 3M disc now!
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I use my 18 volt bosch angle grinder with a flap wheel sanding disk, snd my vice. Works well.
Good choice Jim , it works great too. 👍
Ditto, die grinder and sanding/scotch-brite pads 30 yrs., works every time. Still need to balance.
Yes the ballance is in the link below on a 6 star , not so easy for many . Cheers
Hay Steve you want your blades to stay sharp for a very long time here's what I do. First I make my own blades because the ones you buy are mild steel. I just use a harder grade of steel making my blades. As long as your cutting doesn't involve hitting any stones and all you cut is grass, weed, and maybe a stick or two then this will work. I bend my blades just like the commercial blades but then I cut 1/4 inch away from the cutting portion and then build up a weld there with 7018 welding rods. Square it off and then grind in the edge. I used to go through a set of blades on my deck mower every 3 months but now these go all year long cutting 12 acres each week. We only have about 8 to 10 weeks where we don't have to cut - our winter haha. It was 95 today and we will be cutting grass until sometime in November. Oh yea the blades can be rewelded and brought back for another season by using better quality metal and in the long run it saves a lot of money. My blades cost around $30 each and there are 3 of them on my deck.
Now go have a PBR,
John
Thanks great tip . Thanks John
Good video. I have been using the small angle grinder for years. thank you
Thanks Bobby much appreciated 👍