Does anyone own an Oregon 88-025 Standard Duty Blade Grinder?

[bwanderson79]

If so, what are your thoughts on it? I'm a recent startup in this business, but quality of cut still extremely important to me. I should also add that this is part time for me and will remain that way until I graduate. I've been comparison shopping online and the two grinders whose expense I can justify is the Oregon mentioned above and the Bradley.

The Bradley seems like a solid unit, but I don't like not being able to sharpen the entire length of blade, so I'm really leaning toward the 88-025 because its designed to sharpen any length of blade, but I'd like to read a review from someone whose used one. Any input on this grinder, will be helpful and appreciated. Input on other grinders that are that cost $400 or more will not help.

[nolatoolguy]

I hand sharpened for a while till I had enough moeny saved up to buy a qaulity new one.

Doing it by hand aint hard an does just as good a job if you dont screw up. You can do it whenever you get time at home or the shop so its not a big deal.

Starting out I think you would be better getting more tools that can help better expand your services such as gas hedge trimmer or small chainsaw or whatever else. Then after you have all the basics worry about the fancy equitent then.

[TNGrassCutter]

I got my Bradley off eBay for 190. Its done a perfect job. It leaves about 1.5" unsharpened on the blades of my 60" super z. But with blades spinning over 18000 fpm the grass never gets that far up the blade and it never gets dull.
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[Magna-Matic]

Hello bwanderson79,

I would make a similar recomendation as nolatoolguy, and if you are trying to stay under $400 for a budget, purchase a quality set of machinist files, and do your blades by hand, until you can afford a commercial professional sharpener that will do the full edge and provide a consistantly ground angle.

The files will take a bit more time, but you'll have far less chance to alter your angle, damage the blade, or overheat the blade.

Feel free to check out our site, we have educational info available about blade geometry and abrasives.

[TheChiefsLawnCare]

magna-matic is hinting that you need to save up and buy theirs for like 900 lol.

[bwanderson79]

I'm bumping this up to see if there are any recommendations for a quality blade grinder that's won't cost half as much as my mower.

[Ridin' Green]

Just do a search in this forum on Oregon blade grinders. I know there were several reviews and a ton of posts earlier this year on them here. I know one member that doesn't come here anymore posted a lot about his when he bought it, and included some pics and stuff. Search for Jasonslawncare. Also search for his stuff in the picture forum.

[Greg78]

Got the Bradley does an excellent job. No problems with the angle, heating up the blade and I somehow haven't damaged a blade yet. Like TNGrassCutter said you don't need to sharpen the whole blade.