It's been a while since I've sharpened blades (out of the mowing end of the business), but I believe 120 grit is too coarse. I used a ruby wheel, but i forget what grit it was. Hopefully, someone else can help shed light on this.

Mike

 

OK. If the 120 is too coarse, then the other 2 are definitely out (lower number=coarser stone). Anybody else know for sure?

 

Buy a 4 1/2" hand held angle grinder.

Put blade in vise, clamp down.

And grind away.

Only thing a bench grinder is good for is to put a wire wheel on to clean the blade prior to sharpening and balancing. On the other end I have a fine grit stone to dress the back side of the blade if needed.

If you plan to be in this business, invest in a dedicated blade sharpener. Go out and get a 0% intrest credit card and put it on there!? But you don't want to hear this, right!?


Bottom line, if all you can afford is a $ 75 grinder, get a hand held angle grinder.

 

Have you priced blade sharpening in your area?A local hardware store here charges 2.00 each.they do a better job than I can,I have a benchgrinder,4"angle grinder,a dremel tool,a vise and a half dozen files and still can't do a good job. The Lesco dealer does them 3 fo 7.00 and they are fantastic,twice as good as hardware store, 10x better than me.

Did I mention I'm saving for a good sharpener??

 

But for $2/blade, Id have them do it too!

Most are $5 to 7 and don't do nearly as good a job as I can.

 

I use an angle grinder and a big file...... the grinder is only used when the file can't restore the edge...... oh yeah, keep a wire brush handy to clean the file.... makes a big difference.
I have used a blade grinder, and they do work exactly as they're designed to.............. I just can't swing the expense right now.......maybe after some fall clean-up ca$h!.......... ready for next year.

 

Use the coarse stone 60 grit.
Steve Snider

 

I have a magnamatic. LOVE IT!.
I can get a perfect edge in less than 1 minute per blade.
Only way to go. Even a not-so-bright employee can't screw it up.

 

I am not exactly sure, but i think one of the dealers around here charges homeowners $15 per blade for sharpening.

Again not sure, but can't they buy a new blade for $20?

 

Sorry bout bein a smart a.. but I can't resist...
this one is gonna go over a lot of the new peoples heads but the old dawgs know what I mean.

If you want grit then you need the Lawrence Stone. or the Larry Flynt..

Thats enuf. Its late and I am leaving now.

 

try a 36 grit. Less time to sharpen and keep the blade at a 40 degree angle.

 

I don't know what to tell you about the grit. I'm not worth a **** at using grinders. But I grew up in the sticks. So I've sharpened a lot of stuff over the years with a file. After a few minutes and some good old fashioned elbow grease, I can lay a heck of an edge on a blade with a ******* file. I don't know wht grit that would be equal too, but it works well for me. I have one set that has a flatter angle than the others. When I'm finished with those, I have to be careful handleing them. I've cut myself with them twice already.

 

Originally posted by CoachLinz
I only have money for a cheap bench grinder for now. I was out looking and there were 2 I saw at a low enough price. 1 has a single 120 grit stone that is approx. 1 1/2" wide. The other has 2 stones - 36 grit and 60 grit - that are each about 3/4" wide. I can buy other stones (coarser or finer) for either one. So ,my question is - what grit is correct for sharpening mower blades? What grit stones are you guys using.

Well, I can see why some guy's don't sharpen their own blades or complain about how long it takes, most of them are stupid. There is only "ONE" grit size......24, got that, 24, not the coarse 36, but 24. OK? That's 24. Gees, just look in the catolog and it will tell you 24 is the best grit. This is a no brainer. Everything else is too fine and too slow. Also, a "Dresser tool" is a must, otherwise the wheels will load up, plus a fresh dressed wheel will cut faster.
Also, with 24 grit there's less chance of heating and burning the blade, and you can sharpen blades in about 2 minutes, with balancing.

 

Originally posted by Switchless@aol.com
There is only "ONE" grit size......24, got that, 24, not the coarse 36, but 24. OK? That's 24. Gees, just look in the catolog and it will tell you 24 is the best grit.

Not much differnece between 36 and 24 grit. And 24 is a lot courser than 36. Been using 36 and no problem and that on a 6" grinder. Avaerage blade on takes appox 2-3min and thier done. We all have our own ways right or wrong. Just knows what works for me. That's a big NO brainer. It WORKS.

 

Originally posted by hunter
Not much differnece between 36 and 24 grit. And 24 is a lot courser than 36. Been using 36 and no problem and that on a 6" grinder. Avaerage blade on takes appox 2-3min and thier done. We all have our own ways right or wrong. Just knows what works for me. That's a big NO brainer. It WORKS.

As you say 24 "is" a lot coarser than 36. So, I wonder why your #24 stone doesn't cut better than your #36???? For me, the 24 allows a lot more pressure to be applied, taking off more material while also decreasing the possibility of burning.
Pete

 

good post Pete.
You're correct more metal less heat the coarser the stone.
Now where can I get a 24 grit stone ?

 

To begin, just for the record **** = cr@p and ******* = b@stard as in b@stard file. I didn't know that cr@p and the actual name of a file was considered offensive or whatever

Anyways, I bought myself a 4 1/2" angle grinder today. I figured I'd try to learn to use one. Is the 24 grit the best to use on it too?

 

Originally posted by Envy Lawn Service
To begin, just for the record **** = cr@p and ******* = b@stard as in b@stard file. I didn't know that cr@p and the actual name of a file was considered offensive or whatever

Anyways, I bought myself a 4 1/2" angle grinder today. I figured I'd try to learn to use one. Is the 24 grit the best to use on it too?

Don't use a grinding wheel on the angle grinder. You need to get yourself a flap sanding disc. Will not heat the blade up as much and will not remove as much metal.

 

Originally posted by DLCS
Don't use a grinding wheel on the angle grinder. You need to get yourself a flap sanding disc. Will not heat the blade up as much and will not remove as much metal.

I have several of those, what grit?

 

Originally posted by DLCS
Don't use a grinding wheel on the angle grinder. You need to get yourself a flap sanding disc. Will not heat the blade up as much and will not remove as much metal.

I'll be glad to eat my words, but I can't believe a flap disc will work at all: You can't put enough pressure to cut the steel, or get a sharp edge.............. Please enlighten me..............
Pete

 

Well, all I can say is give it a try. I'm not sure but I think the discs I use are 60 grit. I'll check tonight. You don't need a whole lot of down pressure while sharpening blades.

 

I have been using Norton's 32A46-KVBE wheels, but I since have tried a 32A60-IVBE and found it to be much superior. It cuts faster and seems to last longer.

Here is a hint: call Norton and ask them to send you a sample to try out before ordering. They have sent me some in the past and should do the same for anyone else.

 

switchless,

I'm not sure if you know what kind of disc that I'm talking about. Here is a link to where you can order them online and they also have a picture. They are on page 2517 of their online catalog. They have many differnet kinds some for steel and some even for stainless.

 

Since my Dad owns a Tool Grind shop and thats what they do is sharpen tools (cutting) and make them I have a little know how on the mower blades. First the bench grinder is fine if thats all you have just be sure to dress the wheels down alittle so they are not to agressive or you will be going through blades like crazy. I use a roller dresser. (Norton wheels) Look up KBC Tools (catalog) they will have all the wheels and supplies you need.
What I use to do my blades is a commercial belt sander with a Baldor motor and different grit belts. It mounts to a bench just like the bench grinder.(Runs vertically) Depending how bad the blades are determines the belt you will want to use. Also with a belt sander you can flex the belt around to get the off-sets of the blades, will make them razor sharp. Just takes some pratice just like the bench grinder. I sharpen my blades once a week and I'm good to go. (exmark excalibur)I will post a picture of the sander in some weeks to come.

 

i also use a sander like the guy above, i think you get a better edge than you can with a wheeled grinder.
besides you dont get a hollow grind from a belt sander, so the edge can last longer.

was also in the business of sharpening carbide blades, router bits, etc.