I did not know that...Thanks:good2:
Need a bench grinder for sharpening mower blades
The last time I had my mower blades sharpened, it was $8 each. That's about half the cost of a new blade, and up considerably from $3 a decade ago. So it's time for me to get a bench grinder so I can sharpen my own blades. These are the blades on my mid mount mower, not the big MX6 rotary cutter.
I got a flyer from Northern Tool with some discount coupons it in. They have a 6" grinder on sale and you can also apply the coupons. Now I don't want the one they show because I'd like one with a light on it.
Now keep in mind this is for weekend warrior use. I don't even have a welder (there was one for sale in the catalog, but I'm not going there....). I've got a 4.5" hand held grinder, but it sure seems like using that on mower blades that are off the mower is going to cause more trouble than it solves (although they are tempting to use to touch up the MX6 blades). So what should I get?
Size of the grinding disk?
Work light?
Stand or Table top mount?
HP of motor if it matters?
RPM?
And all the other stuff I just don't know enough to ask?
TIA and when the mowin' is over I can't wait to get to the seasonal grind :laugh:.
Pete
I got a flyer from Northern Tool with some discount coupons it in. They have a 6" grinder on sale and you can also apply the coupons. Now I don't want the one they show because I'd like one with a light on it.
Now keep in mind this is for weekend warrior use. I don't even have a welder (there was one for sale in the catalog, but I'm not going there....). I've got a 4.5" hand held grinder, but it sure seems like using that on mower blades that are off the mower is going to cause more trouble than it solves (although they are tempting to use to touch up the MX6 blades). So what should I get?
Size of the grinding disk?
Work light?
Stand or Table top mount?
HP of motor if it matters?
RPM?
And all the other stuff I just don't know enough to ask?
TIA and when the mowin' is over I can't wait to get to the seasonal grind :laugh:.
Pete
21 - 29 of 29 Posts
Dumba**:lol:I did not know that...Thanks:good2:
From you, that can only be a compliment:cheers:Dumba**:lol:
Of course!From you, that can only be a compliment:cheers:
Just a reminder Pete, make sure you get a balancer. The are very inexpensive and highly advised.Between being overly frugal and the fact that a "good" grinder is looking like $250 to 500 vs. $100, I might try a hand sharpen (file first, then hand held grinder if that doesn't go). Then maybee new blades every 2-3 years depending on how much gravel I "mow". I have seen the effects of hanging on the blades too long.
I also like the idea of being able to sharpen up any blade that I ding up just so I know that when I make a mistake I can fix it and keep going that day.
And I'll keep my eye out for a "good" grinder, who knows... A good grinder is about as much as a good multi-meter. Why is it so easy to buy the multi-meter and so hard to buy the grinder :unknown:?
Pete
Uuuhhmmm, Randy my balancer was going to be a nail in the wall or the vice. While it doesn't bust the budget, is there something I'm missing here? Should I use a bolt instead of a nail?
Oh and when I do balance the blades I'll be sure to post a picture for you!
Pete :morning2:
Oh and when I do balance the blades I'll be sure to post a picture for you!
Pete :morning2:
Nail will work fine. :good2:Uuuhhmmm, Randy my balancer was going to be a nail in the wall or the vice. While it doesn't bust the budget, is there something I'm missing here? Should I use a bolt instead of a nail?
Oh and when I do balance the blades I'll be sure to post a picture for you!
Pete :morning2:
mower blades
Since I am a knifemaker, I just sharpen blades by hand on my 2x72 belt sander. But a $10 file does as well as a $1500 belt sander. I use a $5 balancer, but a nail in the vise works just as well when I can't find it. Be careful with the grinders because they can overheat the blade quickly and take the temper out of it. If your blade turns blue or straw color at the cutting edge it is now soft and will not hold an edge. You can use a torch or heat treating oven to save it but using a simple file would have prevented problems.
Roger
Since I am a knifemaker, I just sharpen blades by hand on my 2x72 belt sander. But a $10 file does as well as a $1500 belt sander. I use a $5 balancer, but a nail in the vise works just as well when I can't find it. Be careful with the grinders because they can overheat the blade quickly and take the temper out of it. If your blade turns blue or straw color at the cutting edge it is now soft and will not hold an edge. You can use a torch or heat treating oven to save it but using a simple file would have prevented problems.
Roger
It would take me forever and a day with a file...unless I stopped to sharpen every hour or so. After mowing these three sandy acres,my blade edge has got to be an 1/8" to 3/16 wide. Hopefully by next year I will have a good stand of grass going.We completed our home a year ago this month. Having to haul in over 110 loads of dirt into this cow pasture meant the only grass we had was annual rye ...and weeds for the most part. Between being swamped at work and the record drought here in Texas,the "yard" never had a chance this last year. I am determined to get it going this coming year as I'm so tired of dealing with dust.
21 - 29 of 29 Posts
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