Blade Sharpener

[cmcfalls]

Where is the best place to get a blade sharpener for the best price? Thanks for your help.

[Eric ELM]

I got my RBG at A M Leonards last spring for $402 with free shipping and no tax. It has been almost a pleasure sharpening blades. I used to hate it, but now it is tolerable. :)

https://www.amleo.com/help-desk/item.php?bg218

[jrodgers]

Yo dude! Try to find someone who sells Neary or try a lawn suppy place. Lesco sells one and you might be able to order it from them. I also know a guy who uses a hand grinder from Sears and swears buy it. It is actually that guy who I get my parts from, he puts it in a vise edge facing up and just grinds it sharp. I think he said the hand grinder is like a hundred bucks.....

[oneEXMARKfan]

Hey Eric, how about I send 3 sets (9 blades) to you, send enough $ for your time and trouble (and return shipping)
and you show me how good a RBG can do on these things ....lol

[guntruck]

Yeah i was kinda wondering that myself for 400$$$$$!!!!!!!!!! It seems i could just buy a grinder and fabricate an aluminum platform at the proper pitch for the blades and sharpen. Seems hard to justify that kind of money but i guess i havent been sharpening blades as often as you guys too.

[Eric ELM]

jrogers: The one Lescos sells is a POS compared to the RBG Rotary Blade Grinder. At my Lesco, they won't even use the one they sell, they have a RBG and the one Lesco sells is almost as much money.

You can buy a $50 hand grinder and put the blade in a vise and sharpen them, you can use a file, or you can use a Pro Grinder. If you have a bunch of blades, make it easy on yourself.

Guntruck: sure you can make something, but it won't have the power or the right speed to keep the blades cool and more than likely, it will turn the wrong way. If you guys plan to do this for any length of time, get a good grinder, you will not be sorry. You have to use one of these to appreciate the quality of it. It's not just a bench grinder with a big price tag. It is a dedicated blade grinder that you can adjust the angle of the blade by raising or lowering the motor. It will sharpen left or right hand blades even. A friend of mine and member of Lawnsite stopped by this weekend to try out mine. He uses a bench grinder like you are talking about. He wants a RBG now and will be getting one soon.

oneEXMARKfan: this grinder will sharpen them to a razor finish. I found an old set of blades I sharpened last spring that we decided to try. They were still so sharp that my helper cut through a leather glove and into his knuckle after just bumping a blade while changing them.

[jeffyr]

I took a suggestion from Grateful1 and bought a benchtop belt sander (5" x 36"). It removes less material than a grinder unless you really lean into the blade and I have found it easy to control conpared to the angle grinder or benchtop. If I have a large knick I will still reach for the angle grinder, but for daily sharpening it's great. Does a great job, the blades don't get too hot to hold, and I can use it for projects other than blade sharpening. (plus it was only around $100 !)

jeffyr

[TJLC]

I also use a bench grinder with a fixture to hold my blade at 30 degs, but I found an old used RBG grinder at a garage sale that needs a little repair. I can't wait to try it once I get it fixed. Eric is a smart guy so if he says a dedicated grinder is the only way to go, then I believe him. He's been doing this alot longer than I have. I don't think he would steer anyone wrong. (I know, I know, quit sucking up.) LOL

[TLS]

If you get a dedicated blade sharpener, make sure that it is at least a 3/4 hp 8". I used to have a 1/2 hp Neary 1725 rpm. It was useless for all but pushmower blades. Plus it wouldn't take enough of the blade in to sharpen the whole edge. I sold it and bought a Brandelien Machine Fireball Jr. 3/4 hp 3450 rpm 8". WOW what a machine! It gets busy under there with double the rpm's and the extra HP is great for those thick blades. I can sharpen an unlimited amount of cutting edge, as the motor support is in the center. Make sure you get the diamond blade dresser, it makes the stone "sharper" and speeds things up.

Now if they would make blades that are true tip to tip, not frowning with the tips lower than the center.

[Mark]

I was just looking at the RBG-121 at Preco,it sells for 314.00 and includes the grit collecter,but dixie you say 1/2hp won't get the job done. And this unit takes up to 6-1/2" blades,seems like that would work on gators and regular blades to me. Any Opinions Marks Mowing Service

[Eric ELM]

Mark: This is the one I use: BG218 -- Longer frame is capable of sharpening up to 9 1/2in. blades and handles the longer bevels being used on newer style blades. Also sharpens extra long mulching blades with optional Mulching Plate. Features include: 1/2 h.p. Bell-Front Industrail Duty Motor, reversing switch, quick guard removal, premium ceramic wheel mounted directly to shaft. Weight 66lbs. UPS shippable.

It is a little over $400 and it only has the 1/2 hp motor, but I have never been able to slow it down.

I agree with Dixie, get a diamond wheel dresser. It makes a big dif.

[grassyfras]

at homedepot thera bout $80 are these anygood

[TLS]

My blades have a 9" edge, a 72" deck maybe even longer, go with the more expensive one and have a bigger capacity.

Eric,

I used to sharpen the JD F-935 blades that were about 5/16" thick. The 1/2 HP Neary always bogged down, and I could at any time push real hard and completely stop the wheel. With the Fireballs 3/4hp, its never even bogged slightly.

[CLARKE]

I was over to see Eric this pass weekend and tryed
his RBG out,it took a little bit to get use to but
after 2 blades i got the hang of it. I will get one
in about a month, have to recover from buying my 2nd
DIXIE CHOPPER.FIRST THINGS FIRST thanks Eric...CLARKE.

[Double D]

Clarke's reply brings up a good question. How much skill is needed to get this razor sharp edge with an RBG grinder? Just because Eric can do it with ease, does'nt mean that a clutz like me will be as good :).

[dhicks]

I just ordered the BG218 with the Diamond Dresser. Can't wait to try it. I have never sharpend blades before with a grinder and as I told Eric I hope I don't cut off my arm or grind my blades down to the size of a Buck knife. Once I get the grinder and try it a few times I'll give you all my two cent opinion. If I don't like it Hello Ebay.

[AB Lawn Care]

RBG grinders are well worth the money!You think $400 is bad!I spent well over $1000 CAN to buy and ship it here!

As far as HP goes,the 1/2 hp has alot of power!HP is not really important...its how much toruqe you have.That engine has more than enough torque!Same as a truck...you can have loads of HP,but if you have no torque,you are going no where pulling a load.

[Grateful11]

Jeffyr if you can find somone who carries the blue 3M brand belts that are made specifically for metal they cut much better and last longer than the brown belts. I use 80 grit belts and grind at about 30 degrees. Angle not temperaturel LOL.

I'm getting the bighead someone took my suggestion!

[Lawn DOG]

I bought a 3/4hp RBG last year. Went ahead and got the diamond dresser and dust collecter. The best grinder wheel avaible and a $150 blade balancer. All and all I spent around $800. The time we save when we are using blades sharpend with the new stuff is awesome. It paid for itself. We are twice as fast when cutting and it looks twice as nice. It sounds like alot of money but in order to be the best you must reinvest. I used to have a regular grinder but it was hard to keep the correct angle. If this is a business and not a hobby buy the RBG.

[CLARKE]

I guess its late but Eric ehat does R>B>G> stand for
again i the G stands for grinder and the R & B
stand for???THANKS I'LL CHECK IN THE MORNING.

[TJLC]

Originally posted by CLARKE
I guess its late but Eric ehat does R>B>G> stand for
again i the G stands for grinder and the R & B
stand for???THANKS I'LL CHECK IN THE MORNING.

Sorry to butt in Eric, I know this was aimed at you.. I think RBG stands for rotory blade grinder. I could be wrong.

[TGCummings]

I got my RBG218 on Monday, and had a little time Wednesday evening to run some blades through. Took a little bit to get used to it, but I can see how this thing is going to make a world of difference. I ordered it to do three things: get a razor finish, always sharpen the correct angle, and save time sharpening blades. At $420, it's a piece of machinery that does everything for me I intended, and that's always an investment worthwhile.

I like to run the wavy mulch blades on my Exmark, so I got the mulch plate but didn't have time to put it on Wednesday. I'll do that for my regular Maintenance Monday next week.

One more thing, on Thursday I cut with the blades I sharpened Wednesday night, and the difference in time and quality was evident.

Thanks again, Eric, for being you! :)

-TGC

[Ricky]

Rotory Blade Grinder

I had to ask also :)