Best Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener? Oregon vs All American, Work Sharp, Smith's
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- čas přidán 31. 07. 2021
- Sharpeners tested: All American Sharpener, Oregon, Work Sharp, Smith’s, Funvolution, and Bench Grinder. Blade sharpeners tested for metal removal speed, quality of sharpened blade edge, durability and overall performance. I always buy all of the products tested to ensure unbiased test results. Thanks for supporting the channel.
➡ Thank you very much for supporting the channel: / projectfarm
➡ An easy way to find past videos along with products tested: bit.ly/2FCrBpk A big thanks to Jim for putting this together.
➡ Merch: www.Project-Farm.com
➡ Click here if you'd like to subscribe: / @projectfarm
➡ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
➡ Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order):
All American Sharpener: amzn.to/3lfsxmz
Oregon 88-025: amzn.to/3idqSMn
Work Sharp: amzn.to/2VnTSI8
Smith’s: amzn.to/3lidfNW
Funvolution: amzn.to/3A1680v
Blade balancer: amzn.to/2VdC3fb
Videography Equipment:
Sony DSC-RX10 III Cyber-shot Digital Still Camera: amzn.to/2YdXvPw
Canon 70D Camera: amzn.to/31b5Gy0
Azden Microphone: amzn.to/34d3DLE
Go Pro Bundle: amzn.to/3Ca0ZVN
This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC - Jak na to + styl
Have used a 8” bench grinder with the tool rest set at 30 degrees for 50 years, blades last a long time. Watching all those gadgets for sharpening lawn mower blades convinced me to keep doing it my way. Thanks PF for all your work and saving me money.
You are welcome!
My Grandfather always used a bench grinder, I have found an angle grinder with flap disc seems easier with funky shape mulch kits and just as fast as the bench grinder
No garage should be without a bench grinder and a vise.
Try serrating the edges. Doubles the surface area and grabs thick stems. Hard surface one side and now its self sharpening.
Are you 100 years old?
Here's an idea: Garbage bags. See which ones hold the best against tearing. I've had some trash bags tear at about 2lbs of trash before, there's gotta be better than that.
Thank you for the video idea!
What a great idea
Agreed. There’s the cheap see through bags that can’t hold anything and then theirs the solid bags that can take 50lbs of broken tile.
Good idea, and hope some "flex" textured bags are part of the testing!
Yes, and make sure to test them falling off the farmabago. So often they fall out garbage trucks and tear open on the highway.
Nothing better than a bench grinder. I've been sharpening my own blades for years and always get a good result.
I enjoy your explanations and your focus on fair, consistent testing. One thing that would help me as a viewer is a summary chart at the end where you recap the prices and the ranking from each test along with your recommendations.
I’ve always put the blade in a vice, and used a file. It always seemed fast enough to me, but I wonder how that would stack up against these methods.
This man's patience knows no bounds.
File plus a Norton stone and your can get a great edge with a mirror polish….. seems over kill but I like to sharpen things also you can get away with sandpaper and a a flat piece of wood or metal or stone
its the best way, fast and not burning or annealing the metal
I use a file and bench grinder. I seem to get a better angle with the file and I use the grinder to get me in a better place with a really nicked blade.
@@SnifferSock doesn't take that long unless your blade is so damaged it should just be replaced
The way he says “We’re gonna test that.” gets me so excited knowing he’s got a super cool test planned.
Thank you!
I've been in the business almost 10 years. Mower blades don't need to be razor sharp or have the exact angle. An angle grinder works great with a little bit of experience, especially when you have a blade that spent half a season chopping up walnuts. I grind heavily until I get a decent edge, then I run one light pass down each side to remove the burrs and the result is a sharp edge. If you took off a lot of metal, check the balance.
Thanks for the feedback.
I’ve been using my All American Sharpener for years now and it really does speed up the process. I sharpen anywhere from 11 to 30+ blades a week and usually only takes a few hours. I use mulching blades which can be more time consuming but I bought the sharpener with the adjustable cutting angle and it’s a cinch. Excellent review sir. Getting my sub.
Thanks! Thanks for watching and subscribing!
Why do u sharpen so many blades a week. Do you have a blade sharpening business of some sort? Just wondering
What grit is used?
@@floofsale Likely owns a Lawn Care Business - We sharpen weekly, and depending on the size of the business and number of mowers this would be very realistic.
It's amazing how some content providers can take 15 to 20 minutes to provide you with a minute or two of useful info. This guy really packs it in. The between editing and and direct no nonsense, direct to the point narration this is some really top notch content.
Thanks!
@@ProjectFarm Your channel gets a lot of shares by me, so I don't have to explain it myself lol.
that's why we love it.
Agree
THIS! The value per minute in your videos is MUCH higher than the average CZcamsr.
I Had no idea Lawn Mower sharpeners even exist! That's awesome
I had the same thought. I usually used a file. Might have to look into these.
Hey there, Nice to see you here!👍🏻
I used to just use a bench grinder. The good sharpening systems do a terrific job at forming a precise angle and the cut quality is so much better than before.
@@ProjectFarm make a removable surface at the proper angle for the bench grinder.
Because I'm lazy, I just leave the blades on the deck and use a regular grinding stone on a drill. Might have to try one of these angled stones.
A couple of observations … I was taught by my dad to sharpen mower and edger blades with good quality flat file that allows you to better control angle while minimizing metal removal. Even with bad gouges and pitting, you should be able to sharpen both edges of the blade in less than 10 minutes.
If you are going to use a bench grinder, insure that the tool rests are installed so that the grind angle is consistent and even.
Cheers
Thanks for the feedback.
Yeo, I hand file back then front angle, then balance the blade.
The big advantage to hand filing is that you don't heat the edge and take the temper out of it. But if it's easy enough to hand-file, is the mower blade really hard enough to begin with? 🤔
With cheap CCP made steel now I wouldn't dare take a bench grinder to a blade. I have switched to a good flat file and can knock out three 20" blades in about 15 minutes. Easier to balance them that way too!
Always flat filed my blades. Too much heat with grinders
An awesome video using parts from all those lawn mowers you've accumulated!
I've been following you for years and lawnmower videos give me nostalgia. Keep up the good work, Todd!
Thanks, will do!
Looks like my old 15 dollar garage sale bench grinder it is!
When was it ever not??
@@ObservationofLimits LOL same here. I have been validated too. HAHA!
@@ObservationofLimits you right
Same here; I clamp a guide to the toolrest to maintain the angle. D
Vise and an angle grinder for me
First he destroys lawn mowers now he’s fixing them. I love this channel. Very entertaining very informative.
Thank you!
Excellent review! Thanks! I use a 72 inch x 2 inch belt knife grinder for mine. I always sharpen my blades to a convex edge. The convex grind is the strongest grind at a given angle without a secondary bevel and is better at resisting chipping.
1 To check balance (which is a MUST) especially after removing alot of material. You can hang the blade on a nail set into the wall. Then see if if stays level. Flip it over and check again.
2 When using the Oregon sharpener. You REALLY should be wearing cut safe gloves in case the blade "torques" in your hands. Remember you are holding a two sided knife essentially.
Thanks for the feedback.
Except that a blade should not be sharpened to a knife edge. The leading edge should be about .025 thick, squared with the bottom (90 degrees) and, of course, the 30 on the top edge. (exploded view of bottom of edge where vertical line should be .025 in length: l__ Couldn't find a way to type to show the top of cutting edge.) This type of cutting edge will last far longer and not be as easily damaged. Razor sharp won't last long at all.
@@big800wildcat I bought some new blades for my field & brush mower supposedly already sharpened and ready to be installed. I notice the blades were sharpened as you mentioned. Not to a sharp knife point at all! Which really seemed wrong that it wouldn’t have a sharp knife point? But I guess it does make sense that a blunt edge would hold up longer. Just not cut as well though like a knife sharp blade would. Least till the knife sharpness gets damaged!
I have a feeling most people would sharpen their blades to a knife point sharpness too, not knowing any better! I certainly didn’t!
But it makes sense to have the blunt edge to keep from getting as much damage on the edge of the blade. Just goes against every fiber in my body not the sharpen the blade to a point sharp enough to split a hair in half! 😂
@@ghostridergale Technically, that 90 degree corner from the bottom of the blade to the leading edge isn't necessarily blunt. When I used to work for a printer and we trimmed books, the bottom knife was a 90 degree corner yet sharp enough to cut you easily. I have to admit to also mistakenly sharpening blades to a sharp knife edge for about 54 years. Heard about this at the end of last season from Oregon and tried it. The blade cuts as well as a knife edge and lasts far longer before that front edge gets rounded and doesn't chip as easily. It also takes less time to sharpen as one only needs to cut it down enough to narrow the width back to .025. I use a fine file to dress the edges of that front face so the 90 degree and 60 degree corners are sharp.
Mike thanks for the nail balancing idea. Seems easier to get it right than that tabletop thingy.
I cut a lot of grass and sharpen blades on at least a bi-weekly basis. The All-American blade sharpener is the best sharpening tool I’ve ever used. I’ve tried them all.
It looked the best, and quickest tbh. Very consistent
Definitely a specialty tool, does one thing and does it well.
Adam... just curious... have you ever tried an RBG 712? They're way expensive, but appear to do a good job and fast. Hard to argue the price point on the All American, though.
We will test that claim :-)
What's the best blade. The blade that came on my craftsman is crap. I thought I was getting a good product because it had a Honda motor.
I cut high when its green and low when its brown.
I've always used a bench grinder or angle grinder, they both do very well if you're able to keep the blade at the proper angle. Thanks for another fantastic video! A+
...me too😅🤙
Agreed or at the very least, a file for mild to moderately dull blades
Angle grinder with 80 grit flap disc here too.
I have a small (dozen customer) lawn mowing biz - I have 4 blades total for my Toro 22" Pace mower.
Three always on stand by and rotate about every two weeks or as needed.
I can freshen up all 4 faster than set up for some of these rigs ;)
If a chip or gouge is deeper than quarter (coin) thickness the blade is toast.
A little over kill maybe but I've always been paranoid about unbalanced/off weigh blades.
Replacements are only 20 -40 bucks.
Was gonna say. Angle grinder and a vise are all you need. And not too sharp, either, because it'll peen. -a former landscaper
agreed always have used a bench grinder and a fine tooth file to finish off the blade about every 15 lawn cuts or after hitting a rock or stump. Doesn't cost anything because i already have the tools from other uses Takes about 5 mins from removal to reattachment
God-tier presentation, no bs no filler no ads, just pure information.
Thanks!
Just FYI: I always appreciate the time and expense you put into your very informative videos.
Thanks so much!
Anyone else find yourself rooting for whatever product you’ve already bought? I have the adjustable all American, so I was happy to see it did so well.
Thanks for sharing.
I have the work sharp but I got it for my pocket knives. I own about 60 pocket knives and carry a different one every day of the month then sharpen them all once a month. Yes I am very rough on blade edges at work. Lawn mower is just a bench grinder for me, just eye ball it with no guide.
Why not just use an angle grinder without a guide like us plebs?
@@jameslmorehead I found I wasn't very good at maintaining a consistent angle. All in all, I prefer to have the right tool / best tool for the job, so long as I can afford it. I personally find that it makes the task more enjoyable and therefore more likely to be done, instead of put off for another day.
I used a vise/file for over 25 years. 2 years ago I ordered the All-American- it works so well I feel like I wasted those 25 years trying to file blades sharp.
Almost expected him to say, "The All American is made in China"
Or made in America with global components!
same
LOL, same here
@@p71collector the new way to hide garbage from china
the all American is made in USA "were gonna test that"!
I really enjoy this Channel, You put in a LOT of time to make these videos, I appreciate how THOROUGH you are with everything. Keep up the AWESOME Work my Friend 👍
Thanks, will do!
Great comparison of blades sharpening equipment. In 1975 I was a young lawn mower mechanic. We just used a bench grinder and guessed at the angle. I still sharpen my blades the same way for personal use. I replace the blade before removing up to 3/16 in from the width. I also use the same, plastic blade balancer you showed in your video for over 30 years-it still works!
Thanks! Thanks for sharing.
Who else would love to see a video where Todd shows us everything he's bought over the years to test? I'd love to see how he stores it all.
I'd love to see that video :-)
I thought he said something about he donates a lot of it.
You would need to call mustie and Derek over to sort through it all.
@@Mostviews111 i think he does
Highly doubt he keeps it all.
I use an angle grinder with my foot for a vice. It's a lawnmower blade, not the space shuttle.
Me too, but please be careful.
Ikr
That’s right Taryl !!!
Do you even remove it?
I wouldn't be able to stand back up if I held a blade with my foot and bent over or squatted long enough to sharpen it. Old Arthur has been hard on me. I use a vice and an angle grinder or a pneumatic die grinder with a course sanding disc. I think I prefer the pneumatic die grinder over the angle grinder.
I bought the All American 5005 about a year ago after watching this test. It is very easy to use and really sharpens my mower blades without any problems.
Thanks for sharing.
Man I still love mine after about 2 years.
Thanks for taking the time to scientifically evaluate these sharpening tools. Your time, work & logical approach will save me much time. I'm 72 now but I used to work for a machine shop & used a vertical 4" belt grinder for my blades. I dragged the blade edge across the top pulley, perpendicular to the axle of the pulley, which gave me a flat grind.
You are welcome!
Been using the Harbor Freight angle grinder and "fine" flap disc set for 8 years now. They were less than $20 and it takes 30 ish seconds per side.
Thanks for sharing.
That's exactly what I use! Cheap and effective.... :)
Nice thing about HF grinders is they are cheap enough to keep one with a flap disk, one with a grinding disk and another with a wire wheel. Saves hours of work. The flap disk works great on mower blades (using sharpie helps keep the angle consistent.)
yup $12 HF angle grinder and i use a diablo side grinding wheel rather than a flap disk.
@@acros6653 yup got that idea from another tuber. everytime he gets a new grinder attachment....he buys another HF angle grinder. had 6 ot 8 grinders in his tool box.
I just sharpened my lawn mower blades. for the first time in 15 years. And then this video pops up. I am being watched.
lol. Nice!
Nice living room!
@@kevindowd31021 😆🤣😂
Yes you are and now I am for talking to you 😳
Love your videos you go the extra mile, thanks.
Glad you like them!
Never had a problem eyeballing the angle pretty accurately by hand with my angle grinder with sanding flap discs. Super sharp blades everytime. Follow the stock angle on the blades, not too difficult
Thanks for sharing.
Could you test over ear hearing protection (ear muffs)? Decibel reduction, how much they squeeze your head, durability of ear cups, size of 'ear box' (not sure of proper term, basically if your ears will be cramped or not), subjective comfort assessment (for several hours of continuous use), etc.
Great idea and if there is a difference with wearing eye protection. Mine make a slight gap with over ears pro when I wear eye pro.
@@billythekid8201 Good point!
Great idea I hope he does this
Best hearing protection is what shooters call “double bagging”. Basically some foam hearing protectors under a headset. You won’t get hearing leaks wearing eye glasses if you do this.
YESSSSSSS
I’m always shocked about how overlooked sharpening mower blades are. Many people don’t realize how much difference a sharp, true 30 degree angle cut makes. If you want your grass to look it best and to make your mower the most efficient, this is what you need to do. Also, this helps prevents lawn fungus. Dull and incorrect angle cutting can and will cause you lots of problems with all kinds of lawn fungus and diseases.
$200+ for the All American was a lot for me to spend just for my own lawn, but quickly paid for itself, as I begin to sharpen neighbors and locals blades for a cheap price as a side hobby.
Great feedback. Thank you
-FUNGUS- among us
True, but as this video shows, who is going to be willing to buy something that costs as much as the average push mower?
I didn't know but could you explain how having the wrong angle causes lawn problems?
@@alfredoprime5495 The guy who services mowers for other people, or the guy who sharpens blades for others to help pay for his equipment.
I just love your testing of products!
Thanks!
Love these videos of tools, set ups & results!
I mostly use a good black diamond flat file. Unless badly damaged. Like hit a big rock
Noticed the T-shirt - "We're going to test that . . ." Awesome! Looks like I'll be stickig w/ my trusty bench grinder for all of my tool sharpening needs.
How about High Temperature spray paint, either color, clear or both. Some claim 2000 degrees or more. Thank you for the great content!
You are welcome! Great suggestion! Thank you.
@@ProjectFarm
I too would like to know about high temp paints. I have tried a bunch and none I have tried hold up.
Soak blade in a bath of MotorKote for 2 days...
Wipe off and it'll stay clean and sharp for 3 seasons 😳
The paint would be just scraped off by the grass
Greetings from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I bought the All American Sharpener for my small lawnmower repair/refurbishing business. Without question, it has enabled me to sharpen blades better and faster than using my bench grinder. Even though at first glance it may seem a bit pricey, especially by the time the exchange rate is calculated in, I am glad I decided to go with it. Highly recommended.
Thanks for the feedback.
I think you've solved more minor mysteries in my life than any other CZcams channel. You've done it again. Thanks.
You are welcome! Glad to hear!
Have you ever considered testing out "Fire Safes" just to see if they actually protect the valuables inside of them to the temperatures they claim?
Thanks for the video idea.
That's a great idea
Would be very interesting.
I think a trip to the mortuary with a truck full of fire safes would be a hoot..
None of them will.
I was just thinking "Where's the Project Farm" video for this week, and here we are. And something I needed to know too? Can always count on PF
Thank you! I never want to let anyone down. My goal is to always post at the same time every Sunday. Thanks again!
@@ProjectFarm you never do let us down!! Been watching for at least 2 years and I’ll never stop!
Another great video. Very comprehensive, thank you!
Thanks and you are welcome! Thanks for the suggestion.
You Sir, did one hell of a job with your presentation, editing and spoke very clearly! Thanks for all the work you do! I’ve learned a few things today! Thanks again!
Thank you very much!
I dont know if anyone has askedfor this before, but id love it if you would do aviation snips. theres so many brands and so many big promises on the packaging lol. thanks for your videos!
klenks red handled offset for strait and tight circles cut hard stainless sheet metal never gets dull
I work at a sheet metal sign company, Midwest snips are the best we have ever found.
Now that ive given it some thought, im not sure how the heck you'd even build a rig to test these. a durability test yes, but testing performance? you would need a rig that could both hold and squeeze them open and closed consistently, and then, somehow, build another rig to feed the sheet metal into them?!?
I tend to use old snips I find at antique malls they cut better than anything made now just take up more space
So far I've found Malco Aviation/Andy snips for larger ones, and Wiss for small work the best.
I do want to try the new Milwaukee ones, and curious if there are any that are currently better.
I’ve been using a Dremmel with a attachment made specifically for mower blades. Only takes about 10 minutes per blade. I also use a blade balance tool to make sure that the blades are in balance which will reduce vibration on the mower. I’ve been using this method for the past 20 years. My lawn looks great and the mower cuts through heavy grass with ease.
Thanks for sharing.
always enjoy your projects thanks stay safe .
Thanks!
Always, always balance those blades. I like to blunt the leading edge with a hand file after sharpening. Keeps the knife edge from folding over and getting dull too soon.
Agreed. That razor-sharp edge doesn't hold up very long, as it is weaker.
I bought an All American 2 years ago and this is one of the best purchases I have made in years! Makes sharpening so much easier.
Thanks for all the informative videos you provide.
Amazing. You spent $200 on a lawnmower blade sharpener???
@@Joseph-eh4rs Yes I did. I have 7 acres to mow and sharpening blades is a regular part of monthly maintenance.
I am right there with you. It is a great tool!!
I would have left a comment about balancing your blades, but you covered it! Great stuff as always!
Thanks!
You are my favorite CZcamsr. Quality honest content
Thanks!
One thing I never see mentioned is that the very tip of the blade does almost all the cutting. Since blades have two cutting edges, at 3,600 RPM, that is 7,200 cutting edge passes per minute. To mow fast enough to advance the blade that 4 inches forward with every half revolution, you would have to "walk" at 27 MPH! This is why you always find the most wear at the outside corner of the cutting edges. I bet most people don't pay that much attention to getting that corner really sharp, but that's where the action is. You would have to grind off a lot of steel to get right down to the corners. I generally grind a radius at the those corners. Plus, I grind a small amount off both ends of the blade so the radiused cutting edge meets the end of the blade at a sharp corner.
best remark ever 👍
Given that most of the work is done at the outermost edges of the blade, as you mentioned, I'm surprised that the end of the blade is at 90 degrees to the body. I'd expect that it'd have a curved profile, or at least a 45 degree angle at the end, to present more sharpened blade in the area where most of the cutting is done. Something like \| instead of |_|. I suppose though that the end would be structurally weaker and tend to break off when encountering our nemesis: the hidden stone.
@@matambale if you encounter rocks big enough to break your blade, you should quit Stonehenge with your mower...
@william Davis
You can take a little off the ends of the blade if it is a single blade mower, but if doing that on a rider with 3 blades you could possibly not have enough overlap with each blade by making it shorter at each sharpening. That’s what they told us at the Belsaw sharpening school. My .02
Scag dealer says blades run at 19200 rpm
You know what I was doing yesterday? Mowing my lawn. You know what I was thinking? My blades need sharpened.
Here we are.
Great timing!
‘My blades need sharpened’ … where did ‘we’ go to school?
Awesome video! I went with the All American (5005 model). I figure I'm not a knife sharpener expert and I want to keep my push and riding mower blades sharp.
I feel that spending the money and only having to spend a couple minutes sharpening my blades will also encourage me to actually use it more frequently.
If something is a pain in the butt to use, I've found that I don't use it much, if at all.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks, will do!
@@ProjectFarm Definitely a category you could add to your reviews is "ease of use" for the various tools. Its obviously more subjective but he's totally right, if a tool is a pain to setup or use than its going to collect dust in the shop.
I love your test. I have one like the All American that does several different angles which was not mention. The mulching blades get 15 degrees and the cutting blade is 25 degrees. Simple and easy to adjust. Your test are AWESOME and I have bought several items because of your test. The best is the Audew battery jumper and the travel air compressor for vehicles. We have bought 3 of each.
Thanks! Thanks for sharing.
I’ll keep doing it the way Carl did in Slingblade. Solid bench vise and a Nicholson file. Sharp enough to split Doyle’s gourd👌
🤯
Unh hunh
After I sharpen my blade, I eat some French Fried Potaters. Uhh-Huuh.
@@jwagnermail do they look like lil waffles....but still taste like taters?🤔
For some reason, I just love your content. I love how you approach all your tests. You are very technical about it all and it is very refreshing. No yelling - No over-dramatization - Just facts! I love facts!
Thanks so much!
I love your channel man every time I'm subscribed to all the videos but I don't watch them all I ain't going to lie but the details technique and presentation you should teach I would definitely take class also you have the best collection of tools and accessories of anybody in the world I guarantee it thanks Project Farm
Thanks!
We have been using the All-American this last mowing season & it has done great sharpening 2 zero turn mowers w/ 3 blades each & a couple push mowers, the follow it up with a flat file on the grass side to take care of the burr.
Thanks for sharing.
I free hand a 4-1/2” flap disc on an angle grinder and it works perfectly.
Yep I do almost same thing, made a jig to set blade on and it keeps right at 30 deg.
Yup, that's exactly what I do. I take the bur off with a fine tooth file afterwards too, since I think a heavy burr is more prone to damage
this is what I do - then de-burr the back side with a light flat grinding with the same disc. i don't care about my lawn anywhere near enough to invest more than that into blade sharpening.
Congratulations Sir on one of the best tool and equipment test channels on the internet. Your unbiased and truthful tests and results are a refreshing experience . I thank you for your time, ingenuity, and patience to come up with the ideas and put the tests together. 1000 thumbs up.
Thanks so much!
Thank you! I didnt know what to get. After watching this video I decided on a bench top belt ginder sander combo
You are welcome! Thanks for sharing.
Your content is awesome! I can only imagine the time put into these videos.
I appreciate that!
Have the All American with all the bells and whistles. Love everything about it and worth all the money.
Thanks for the feedback.
I find an angle grinder and a steady hand does a fine job.
Thanks for the feedback.
I've always used an angle grinder,
@@ProjectFarm keep the videos coming, I love them.
A battery powered angle grinder and the all American sharpener and you can sharpen anywhere anytime and be perfect no matter who uses it!
I seem to be the person that friends/family members/neighbors go to for sharpened blades, and although I used to use a bench grinder (with an adjustable ledge somewhat similar to the Oregon in this video), I found that simply putting the blade into a vice and free-handing an angle grinder does the best job quickly without overheating the blade too easily. If you see dark spots on the blade or blue-ing, that's a sign that you overheated the blade. These spots will crumble to look like rock chips and then you have to remove much more material to get rid of those spots. Bench grinders often cause this problem, but somehow, it's more avoidable with a handheld angle grinder. Many light passes are better than fewer harder passes. Steady speed and consistent angle will make excellent blades. I'm glad Project farm mentioned the overheating issue, as this is a real problem. I'm also glad that he demonstrated the age-old problem with the worthless drill attachment. They failed 50 years ago and they continue to fail today. Thanks for the video, Project Farm.
my grandfather sharpened blades on the weekends as a side job. he used a vertical sanding wheel. that's what he taught me to use.
Thanks for sharing.
I use the Smiths and it works fine for me. I paid a lot for my mowers so I don't abuse mine plus the Smiths is reasonably priced. Your video was very interesting, Thanks.
4" angle grinder and a vise is all you need with a little practice.
Thanks for the feedback.
I've been doing that for years. It's how the city's parks departments sharpens the blades of their 100 or so lawnmowers, from small push mowers to tractor pulled tri-deck mowers.
I just use my bench grinder, tried and true
Angle grinder with a flap wheel. Will never use a grinding disc again.
I just use a hand file
I’d like to see a video of blooper outtakes. I’ve never seen someone who can speak so fast and so clearly while describing the tests. You have a great channel!
The All American bravo!! it's the one I use and I love it
I've been using my Oregon sharpener for 10 years. No complaints.
Thanks for the feedback.
I feel the All American would be a great choice for someone starting out a landscaping company. $200 is a little pricey but it saves lots of time, and you can keep it on a trailer for sharpening on site. I think it would be best for landscaping businesses
Bingo, exactly what I was thinking
We have lots of extras blades.
Always buy American.
@@seriouslyslinky1420
Unless it is crap. A cheap angle grinder from Harbour Freight.
Is all you need.
@@assassinlexx1993 I mean buying japanese also ar great as they know how to build things. Great cars that last forever.
An idea that will help everyone is "what degreaser is best for removing oil stains"
Purple power for sure
Was just thinking about this today! Hoping he covers multiple uses not just one or two types of grease. I regularly use them as a heavy duty all purpose cleaner when soap won't cut it. Noticed "Easy Off" brand didn't do any better of a job than rinsing in water for rattle can primer on my finger, while Zep brand spray bottle had my finger spotless with one simple spray & rub. For removing adhesives Zep foaming aresol can seems to be superior to Zep spray bottle.
Would be interesting to see what works best for internals on a heavily used grill & maybe something like a few types of automotive fluids on a couple different types of common workbench materials.
No question brake or carb cleaner would top degreasers in most apples to apples comparisons. Both brake & carb cleaner are generally high pressure cans which are often wasteful and can be costly to regularly use as a heavy duty all purpose cleaner.
Thanks for the video idea.
Formula 88, and it doesn't remove the adhesive from electrical tape used to wrap wires in the engine compartment
Awesome from the dollar store.
Very helpful thank you good demonstration
Thanks and you are welcome!
Thank you for this video. I had not considered the weight reduction and balance until I saw it at the end of this video.
You're welcome!
What in the world do you do with all the equipment after your tests are completed?!?!
Keep the good shit. Sell the other shit. Either he gets these products for free, or writes them off as a business expense for tax purposes since they're used as a demonstration in this youtube video. Pretty solid business model.
He can donate some to me
He donates things to various local charities
@@DedaLGaming I'm not sure what he does with them after the videos but I do know he says he buys everything with his own money. That way he's not biased by any generosity from companies.
If this CZcams thing doesn’t work out, he can always go into the lawn mower blade sharpening business!
I’ve been wanting an All American for a while now. This wasn’t even a close contest.
Thanks for the feedback.
I'm a fan
Purchased 3 yrs ago. Great investment.
Always a spare set ready to install.
Go for it!
I have one bought it this spring and love it
You don't need a all American tool. Just put your bench grinder at 30 degrees and send it. You'll be wasting your money
@@FromThe3PointLine I got to bench grinders I like the all American sharpener way better
Thanks for all you do, Todd.
I'll stick with my grinder, file and knife stone.
Keep it up. I've learned a lot from you.
Thanks, will do!
I have one of the all American and I have a vice mounted on my trailer and I love it. I can keep my blades very sharp fast.
Thanks for sharing.
I’m happy to see you mentioned balancing the blade at the end. That’s super important. You will never evenly remove material from a blade (especially if there are rock chips) and an unbalanced blade will rip your mower apart.
Thanks for the feedback.
I just put string or wire or nail through the hole and see if the blade has a HEAVY END. COST of string or wire or nail=free.
Blade balancer. Could this be a project farm test?
I've always had good results with holding the blade in a vice and using a grinder with a flap disk. Always follow up with a file. Might just get me one of those All American tools.
Thanks for sharing.
@SMOBY44, I bought a 5005 All American after this, and I had sharpened a set of Gator Blades with a flap wheel in a vice, and this was 1000% better.
@@littled6698 Thanks for the input.
Same. Quick, easy & effective.
Oh, yes, I finish with a file as well. Thanks
This guy is awesome. This test tells me don’t hit Anything with your lawn more blade but if you do ultimately throw it away and spend 30 bucks to give another one
Thanks! Thanks for the feedback.
Silly me. Been using a45 year old bench grinder. I did just put a new grind wheel on it! Found the new wheel in an old box in a shed I was cleaning out.
I been using the bench grinder for like 8 years without worry about the “30 angle” and I don’t see any damage to my grass! Still growing green, healthy and nicely!
Thanks for sharing.
I'm a side grinder kind of guy, works good and quick and I already own a couple of them. So the blade is supposed to be a 30 degree angle?... I have a bench top tri-hone for Ideal knife sharpening but lawn mower blade sharpening isn't something I'm 'into' enough to buy a bunch of toys for.
My grass keeps growing, as well, and doesn't seem to mind how I sharpen my blades. I know you spent time and money to make the video so I gave a like and comment to help the algorithms.
Yall Take Care and be safe, John
When he said "30 degree angle" I thought Oops!! When he said "without overheating the blade" I thought Shit!!! I grind the hell outta my blades lol
I use a bench grinder...when I can't get it any sharper, I flip the blade and hit the grass side 'till I'm scared to run my thumb down it.
Yeah we usually just use a angel grinder and it works just fine without any guiding arms
Oh man, I do this once a week with an angle grinder. This video is probably going to save me time and money...
Thank you and hope the video helps!
How long does a blade typically last before you have to get a new one? Are there more durable blades that can hold up to being used and sharpened routinely? If so which do you prefer?
Are you Hank Hill? Do you measure your cut with a micrometer? Once a week seems way overkill unless you're mowing sand and dirt a lot
@@Tb0n3 Or if you have a landscaping business lol
@@jonbar140 that was my first thought, you’re gonna sharpen a lot if you mow a lot. Keep that garden hose handy!! People don’t realize how nice your mower will stay if you spray it out after each use
Great info to have on blades with lawnmower season revving up. Videos are well done, tests are spot on and inspire confidence in products I purchase as a result in watching. As an avid longboarder I'd like to see a review on wheel bearings whether a particular brand stands out over another and if there's a difference between brands and steel vs ceramic.
Thanks and you are welcome! Thanks for the suggestion.
GREAT JOB PROFESSOR !!
I love this channel. One of three that I have push notifications turned on.
Thank you very much!
This is the best informative you tube channel I've found enjoy it
Glad to hear it!
I bought the All American for my landscape business after watching this. I've used the Oregon and the vice & file method before with good results but this was a night and day difference in performance. The blades looked amazing and cut WAY better than I've ever experienced. I think the convex edge actually reduces drag/turbulence of the blade.
I was thinking that with a landscape business that tool might pay for itself with several machines to work on. Joe Shmoe here cutting his own lawn would be better off buying new blades when it gets to that point.
@@Rhuidian Idk man, the blades for mine are almost $60 a set. If I bought new blades every time they got dull, I could by the All American on about the third set. I normally sharpen my blades every 20 hrs, and I can get 6-10 sharpens on them before I replace them.
@Jesus is coming. Read the Gospel. Absolutely!
May God bless you.
@Jesus is coming. Read the Gospel. Would he cut my grass if I called on His name? Or maybe just do a miracle and have it looking like a golg course?
@@Rhuidian Joe Schmoe here, I've always just used a bench grinder. It's quick and you can use the bench grinder for a lot of other things, too.
Bench grinder and blade balancer. I worked on lawn equipment for extra money when i was younger. I sharpened blades for a friend of my brother when he was in a pinch. After using them he wanted me to sharpen the blades for all his commercial mowers. A secret I learned from an old ww2 vet that was into knife making.
I have no use for these devices but this guy does really great testing.
Thanks!
I just use a cordless Dremmel with a sanding drum attached. Don't even have to take the blade off of the mower
Dremel handy grinder works well for me also. I do take the blade off, and it takes me about 30 minutes from start to finish once per year.
Exactly
I have to do mine every 3 or 4 times mowing, so off with a grinder and i have several set of blades that all need to be sharpened right now. Ugh.
If you don't remove the blade then you can't ensure it's balanced.
@@allanwind295 that's true. I did try to remove the blade once, but the manufacturer put the nut on so tight that I couldn't get it off with an impact wrench. It's electric, so I would definitely feel vibrations if it got out of balance and so far it's good.
Living on a boat I don't have a garden or a mower BUT I still have to watch the Man who Can.
Living on a boat sounds pretty sweet. Propeller tests should be next.
@@RadDadisRad brilliant idea 🤣🤣🤣
@@RadDadisRad oh and yes best move we ever made.
My son also lives on his boat near by
Another great video. Thanks this was great information. So my bench grinder is not as bad as I thought.
Thanks! Glad it was great information.
I have an 11 year old craftman and it still kicks butt.
All American on Monday morning, "hey our voice mailbox is full I wonder why? We also have 300 emails, who is this project farm guy?" 8-)
😄
I've suggested it before, but how about a test of different riding mower blade brands? Is a 60 dollar set three times better than a 20 dollar set made from the finest Chinesium?
I’ve also suggested that. I’ve noticed the blade on the discharge side always wears faster because more grass passes through it. If he did test on the actual mower he’d have to swap sides every so many hours to keep it a equal playing field. Probably be easier to just test for hardness because it would save more time than actually mowing.
@@jamesbarron1202 I try to rotate my blades every month or so to even out the wear. There's more to it than just hardness though.... If it was that easy blade makers would just temper the blade to be super hard.
I've ran a variety commercially and I can't tell enough of a difference to justify spending double the amount. The only difference is john deeres 60$ set isn't as wide as the 35$ Oregon sets I get and they don't allow for as many sharpening. I find the widest, cheapest, high lift blade I can find. Ymmv.
@@corycampbell189 Same here.
If you can find them for your mower, a hard surfaced blade works very well. No sharpening needed. Just run till wore out.
a hand file from the 70S my dad had. free. and does the job... good vids..
Very good information to know!
Thanks!
Thanks and you are welcome!