I have heard that you only cut with the tip of the blade or about 1" of the end. If so does this mean that when you sharpen you should only be concerned with this area or with the whole blade? Like I said this is only what I heard. It didn't sound right to me so I thought I would come to the best place for answers. Thanks.
The first inch of a blade does most of the cutting. The rest may do some chopping, but if you notice when you sharpen a blade, the first inch or 2 is the dullest part of it. The closer to the center you feel, the sharper it gets. I sharpen what the blade originally had sharpened from the factory, but the first 2 inches is the most important.
Alot depends on the mower and deck combo you are using. Look at a new set of blades after a days use. The ends will be worn more than near the spindle. When you sharpen, sharpen the whole balde then balance.
I brought a bucket of blades to a new (local) shop this spring to be sharpened, when I picked em up only the tips were sharpened, @6.50 x 15. I dont think so Chumley. The tip's the only part that cuts was the excuse I was given, along with, ..."and we're real busy." Well I saved em from having to worry about another customer, took my bucket, no way was I payin a nickel, you think you can get the money out of me, give it a try fat boy. Take em back to the old shop 30 min away, at least they charge @5.00 and sharpen the whole blade, looks like factory new too. [Edited by Eric ELM on 09-08-2000 at 01:29 AM]
Good question. I couldn't tell from watching the blade, it moves a little too fast. BUT, the blade came with an edge on almost half of each face. When I take it off to sharpen, the whole edge is a little dull. If it isn't going to cut something, why did they make so much of it sharp? How did it get dull not cutting something? Way too deep a concept this late at night.
The tip is the only part doing any cutting on the blade,if the tip misses it,you will get the twirled grass we all have had on occasion,as we move in on the blade the speed of its cutting edge decreases dramatically,that is why it doesnt cut anything,along with the tip hiting new uncut grass first.
Well lets think this one through shall we. lol when you run your mower forward and the blade turns what is goin to touch the uncut grass first? hmmmmmm The end of the blade. correct. A little tip. dont buy an expensive blade sharpener. Get your self an old bench grinder, maybe at a garage sale or flea market (keep your eyes open). Take the gaurd off and then put a block of wood (2x4, or 2x3, etc.) next to grinding wheel and then you have a cheap blade sharpener. Make sure that wood is level with bottom of wheel.(test and retest). Hope this saves you money. Best Wishes. PS dont mean to be a smart allic.
Sometimes the best way to save money is to spend a little. A good blade sharpener will save your TIME and increase the life of your blades.
Sorry get mow. My friend has a blade sharpener. It cost him a ton and what I have is just about the same and cost me $15.00. It does the same thing, slide the end of the blade under the grinder wheel. Sorry but I have to disagree.
