Blade sharpener??

[GOFlick]

I'm looking to purchase a blade sharpener and was looking for some help. I don't really want to spend more than $600. Then only real requirement that I have is I need to be able to sharpen Gator mulching blades. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Flick

[TLS]

Wow,

Those requirements open you up to just about ANY blade sharpener. Actually some pretty nice powerful ones. They will ALL sharpen Gator blades!

Check out Brandlien Machines Fireball 300-C. Blows the doors off just about any other grinder!

[GOFlick]

Any suggetions as to where to purchase one? I played around on the internet but couldn't find much.

[TLS]

http://www.gpweb.net/fireball/prod04.htm

I feel that these are the best sharpeners out there. Others will do the same thing, but the build quality, and Design are second to none. Give them (Don Brandlein) a call. If he's not there, leave a message, and you WILL get a prompt reply call back.

[karl klein]

i prefer a 4 1/2 angle grinder and it only cost 90.00 bucks works fine

[TLS]

But, there is no comparison to a Professional Blade Grinder, and a hand grinder sharpening job. I don't care HOW steady or how good your hand is, the angle grinder will not perform with the consistancy of a Professional Blade Grinder.

A hand grinder will sharpen the blade, sometimes even quicker, but in no way is it a "repeatable" finish that cuts grass the best.

I use my angle grinder to lengthen the cutting edge prior to finishing it off on the Fireball.

The only other tool that may come close to a Professional Blade Grinder would be a "BIG" belt sander with some sort of "blade holder" to ensure repeated angle consistancy.

[karl klein]

you might be right but i cant justify the cost i feel that if you take your time it works just fine

[Russo]

Don't know the website, but we got a killer one from GRAINGER. They have a giant catolog so I'm gonna assume that you can find what you need in your neck of the woods. Around $400.

[2 man crew]

I bought a Rbg 3410-C from Mow More. It's all you will need $499.

[GOFlick]

TLS,
What should I expect to pay for the Fireball, it looks exactly like what I'm looking for? Do you have the 300 or the 300C?

[TLS]

I now have the Fireball 300-C. I paid $774 delivered to my door. That price included the Diamond tipped stone dresser (not cheap, but VERY necessary) attachment. It is a beast, and WILL not even sneeze at Bush Hog blades that are 1/2" thick! The Fireball series motor speed is what seperates them from others. I had the Fireball Jr. (good grinder) but wanted to go with a 10" grinder with more power (1hp). I found another local LCO that wanted to buy it. Good deal for him, good deal for me!

Just remember....This IS an investment! It WILL be around forever, dont skimp on lesser models or brands just to save a hundred bucks or so!

[Pacific Nursery]

This site has a sponsor which sells blade grinders:rolleyes:
Magna Matic.

[Holloway Lawns]

I just use a reguler grinder cost like $45 has a wire brush use it for cleaning the blade works fine for me.

[wxmn6]

TLS,

How often do you have to resharpen the grinder stone with the diamond tipped stone dresser?

I am looking at the new Fireball JR X, which has 1 HP motor with 10" grinder stone. It costs less than the Fireball 300C which is also 1 HP with 10" wheel. It still is expensive but it should be worth it in the long run.

[Toroguy]

A while back a guy was talking up how he used a hand file to do his blades, he was laughed at.

I am officially using a hand file now, an experiment, so easy with the criticism.

My DELTA bench grinder just doesn't do a good job. So I have started experimenting with the hand file. I will let y'all know if I go insane.

This season to keep things interesting I am gearing the operation to superfrugality. I am at the public library to keep internet access fees down.

[LawnLad]

We've been debating a blade sharpener for a while... these are good suggestions. If not this year, than next. TLS - I believe what you're saying... it's an investment. And since I intend on being in business for umpteen years - it will get good use.

We're trimming back so much this year that I've decided to for go electricity in the office - my computer is run by a small generator hooked to my bicycle. Typing while biking is not easy!

[Mid Rivers]

I have RBG in the used equipment section for sale

[Toroguy]

Lawnlad,

Good idea, I'll send you a smoke signal at sun-up:)

P.S. If you hide in the library bathroom at closing time you can surf on their computers all night, I may sell my house...

[Jerrys Lawn Service]

GOFiick, we bought a Fireball Jr. last year great machine, you can sharpen and balance a blade in about a minute. Don the owner of the company has been in that business since the mid 60's, he will reply to all of your questions personaly. The stand and grinder was about 700 dollars.

Jerrys lawn Service