Ideal lawn mower grinder. How To Sharpen Reel Mower Blades With A File Or Sharpening Compound

US2943423A. Sharpener for rotary lawn mower blade. Google Patents

Publication number US2943423A US2943423A US713995A US71399558A US2943423A US 2943423 A US2943423 A US 2943423A US 713995 A US713995 A US 713995A US 71399558 A US71399558 A US 71399558A US 2943423 A US2943423 A US 2943423A Authority US United States Prior art keywords blade engageable lawn mower seat locating element Prior art date 1958-02-07 Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.) Expired. Lifetime Application number US713995A Inventor Fred J Machovec Original Assignee Fred J Machovec Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.) 1958-02-07 Filing date 1958-02-07 Publication date 1960-07-05 1958-02-07 Application filed by Fred J Machovec filed Critical Fred J Machovec 1958-02-07 Priority to US713995A priority Critical patent/US2943423A/en 1960-07-05 Application granted granted Critical 1960-07-05 Publication of US2943423A publication Critical patent/US2943423A/en 1977-07-05 Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical Status Expired. Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

• 241000539716 Mea Species 0.000 description 4
• BYACHAOCSIPLCM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-[2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethyl-(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethanol Chemical compound OCCN(CCO)CCN(CCO)CCO BYACHAOCSIPLCM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
• 240000003670 Sesamum indicum Species 0.000 description 2
• 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 2
• 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
• 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 2
• 238000009313 farming Methods 0.000 description 2
• 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
• 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
• 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
• 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 2

Images

Classifications

• B — PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
• B24 — GRINDING; POLISHING
• B24B — MACHINES, DEVICES, OR PROCESSES FOR GRINDING OR POLISHING; DRESSING OR CONDITIONING OF ABRADING SURFACES; FEEDING OF GRINDING, POLISHING, OR LAPPING AGENTS
• B24B3/00 — Sharpening cutting edges, e.g. of tools; Accessories therefor, e.g. for holding the tools
• B24B3/36 — Sharpening cutting edges, e.g. of tools; Accessories therefor, e.g. for holding the tools of cutting blades
• B24B3/365 — Sharpening cutting edges, e.g. of tools; Accessories therefor, e.g. for holding the tools of cutting blades of rotary mower blades

Description

July 5, 1960 F. J. MAcHovEc SHARPENER FOR ROTARY LAWN MOWER BLADE.Filed Feb. 7, 1958 Hie/21.5; 16/5571, 17/2516? (EH/31221:.

Filed Feb. 7, 195a, Ser. No. 713,995 sclaims. (Cl. 51-44 The present invention relates in general to lawn mower sharpeners and, more particularly, to an apparatus for sharpening the blade or cutter of a rotary or propeller type lawn mower, the blade of such a lawn mower being rotatable about a vertical axis in a plane parallel to and close to ground level.

Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a sharpening apparatus having means for positioning a rotary lawn mower blade adjacent and parallel to the path of movement of means for grinding or otherwise sharpening the edges of the blade.

The blade positioning means is especially adapted for use with a lawn mower sharpener of the type disclosed in my Patent No. 2,466,905, issued April 12, 1949, although not limited thereto. The lawn mower sharpener of the patent mentioned includes a suitable supporting structure, generally horizontal track means carried by and extending longitudinally across-the supporting structure, a carriage movable longitudinally of the supporting structure along the track means, and a grinding wheel mountedon the carriage and rotatable about an axis parallel to thetrack means. The blade positioning means of the rotary lawn mower sharpening apparatus of the present invention is adapted to be mounted on the supporting structure of the lawn mower sharpener of my prior patent to position the rotary lawn mower blade to be sharpened adjacent and parallel to the track means in a location such that the grinding wheel is engageable with an edge of the blade to sharpen same as the carriage moves along h ac ean A primary object of the invention is to provide a rotary lawn mower sharpener which includes means for quickly and easily positioning rotary lawn mower blades of various shapes and sizes adjacent and parallel to the track means in a location for engagement by the grinding wheel on the carriage.

specifically, an important object of the invention is to provide a blade positioning means which includes a plurality of seats and locating elements engageable with the rotary lawn mower blade at spaced points such that they automatically orient the blade properly with respect to the path of movement of the grinding wheel, such seats and locating elements preferably being carried by a supporting means mountable on the supporting structure of the lawn mower sharpener of my prior patent.

Still more specifically, an object of the invention is to provide a blade positioning means which includes two seats engageable by one side of the rotary lawn mower blade and spaced apart longitudinally of the supporting means.i.e., in the direction of the path of movement of the grinding wheel, which includes two locating elements respectively engageable with opposite edges of the rotary lawn mower blade and spaced apart longitudinally and laterally of the supporting means, which includes a third locating element engageable with one end of the rotary lawn mower blade, and which includes means for holding the rotarylawn mower blade against one of the seats.

.;Another important object of the invention is to provide such a blade positioning means wherein various ones of the seats, locating elements and holding means are adjustable laterally, longitudinally and/ or vertically relative to the supporting means to accommodate rotary lawn mower blades of various shapes and sizes.

Another object is to provide a blade positioning means of the foregoing nature wherein the seats, locating elements and holding means permit positioning of the rotary lawn mower blade in engagement therewith with either of the cutting edges of the blade presented to the grinding wheel. Thus, once the various elements of the blade positioning means have been adjusted to render one blade edge parallel to and engageable by the grinding wheel to sharpen same, the other edge may be presented to the grinding wheel in a position to be sharpened merely by disengaging the blade from the seats, locating elements and holding means, rotating it through about its axis of rotation, and reengaging the blade with the seats, locating elements and holding means. i

Another object is to provide a blade positioning means wherein one of the blade seats is carried by one of the locating elements and is adjustable vertically relative thereto.

A further object is to provide a blade positioning means wherein the holding means is carried by another of the locating elements and is engageable with the upper side of the blade to clamp the lower side thereof against the other blade seat.

The foregoing objects, advantages, features and results of the present invention, together with various other objects, advantages, features and results thereof which will be evident to those skilled in the lawn mower sharpening art in the light of the present disclosure, may be attained with the exemplary embodiment of the invention described in detail hereinafter and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. l is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating a rotary lawn mower sharpener of the invention which in-‘ cludes a rotary-blade positioning means of the invention mounted on a lawn mower sharpener of the type illustrated in my aforementioned prior patent;

Inthe drawing and in the description which follows, only those portions of the structure of the lawn mower sharpener of my prior patent are disclosed which are necessary to an understanding of the present invention. Consequently, reference is hereby made to my prior patent for a complete disclosure of any portions of the lawn mower sharpener of the patent which are not specifically disclosed herein.

Referring particularly to Fig. l of the drawing, the lawn mower sharpener is designated generally by the numeral 10 and includes a supporting structure 12 carrying a track means 14 which extends horizontally and longitudinally across the supporting structure and which preferably comprises two substantially parallel tracks 16 in the form of cylindrical rods the axes of which are disposed in substantially the same horizontal plane. Movable along the tracks 14 of the lawn mower sharpener 10 is a carriage Mounted adjacent the track means 14 on a square bar Patented July 5, 1960 30,which.forrns part ofthe supporting structure.12. is? a means 32 for positioninga rotary lawn mower blade 34 adjacent and parallel to the track means in a location such; that the grinding ‘wheel; is engageable with one 101: theother of end portions 36 of longitudinal edges 38015 the blade whereby to ‘sh ar’perioneor theother of the edge portions. 36: As’is conventional in the-sharpening of rotary lawn mowenbladeslikeithe blade 34, only rela tively. short; diagonally opposite j edge portions, corresponding to, the edge. portions 36, adjacent the ends 1 of theqblade are; sharpened, the. remaining portions vof the longitudinal edgesbeing’unsharpenedi :t’j 4 The blade positioning means 32 includes a supporting means 40 ‘mounted. ‘onzxth’eibar 30 and comprising two clamps42 amt-44, similar to ordinary ceclarnpsyembr’acing and: grippingthe bar3(l.-fi:’ lo accommodate rotary: lawn moweriblades ‘of diflierent lengths, the clamps 42. and 44imaybe.set-in differentpositions longitudinally of. the’ bar’30, and-thus in different positions longitudinally ofthe tr ack’ means 14; the bar being parallel to, the track means Ihe’clamp 42 is provided with’an arm or tongue 46 which lies flat againstthebar 30 and which is adapted tobe’clampe’d thereto by the ‘clamp’44, Which’serves to rigidly secure the. clamp 42 to the ibar30ina; manner preventing,tilting’thereof.f1 I Carried by the clamp 42 and extending laterally ‘to ward: the track means 14 isa channel 48 provided at the end thereof nearest the track mea’nswith a first ‘seat ’50 engageablefby the lower side’of theblade’34 adjacent one end T thereof; In theeon’struction illustrated,the first? seat 50 is simply an angle section welded to thechannel or other-‘supporting member 48; f

The blade ’34 is clamped against The locating element 54 extends downwardly thr’ough1 and is vertically slidable relative to theifir stseat stland is pivotally connected at its lower end to a horseshoeshaped lever 56 by means of a’pivot ’58, the lower end of the’ locating element 54 xte ding downwardly th ough and being verticallyslida’ble relative’to a-lugf60 ‘onfthe’ channel 48 so that the seat 50′ and ‘thelu’g ’60guid the locating element 54 along a vertical path. The lower. end of the locating element 54 is embraeed’by’the horseshoe- V thelirst seat 50 by e a holding means orholding element 52 engageable with channel 48 and extending into the slot in the guidemember 70 serve to limit movement of the guide member to movement in the fore-and-aft or lateral direction.

Slidable relative to the clamp 44 in the fore-and-aft or transverse direction is a guide member 76 having therein a slot which receives a guide pin 78 on the clamp 44 and a clamping screw 80 threaded into the clamp 44 T and adapted-toloek the guide memberinany desired lateral position. ‘Connect’ed’to the inner end of the guide member’76 is a veri earsec n-a locating element 82 spaced horizontally and longitudinally from and horizontally andlaterally from the locating elements 54 and i T 66, the locating element 82 being engageable’by the edge 38 of the blade 34opposite theed ge 38 thereof which is engageable with the first locating element 66. As will be apparent, the position of the second locating element 82 may be adjusted laterally by means of the clamping T screw 80 to varyth’e lateral spacing between the locaterg/lawn mower blade len’gths Alternatively; the clamp 42 and the elements carried thereby maybe moved longi tndinallyrelative to the’clamp 44;. m

‘Verticallyislidableon theisecond locating element 82 is a’second seat 84 engageableby the lower’side of the blade 34. In the construction’shown, the second seat 84 has the form of a collar which may be locked in’any desired vertical position’lby means’ of a set screw 86. As will be apparent, the vertical position of the second seat- 84 may be adjusted to insure that the blade 34 is perfectly parallel tame track ‘mea’ns 14 in the vertical direction.

Qonsidering the bver-all’operation of the invention, the blade’34 is plaoed on the Seats 50 and 84 between the first and second locating elements 66 and 82with one end of the bladein engagement with the third locating element 54 and nndenthe holding element 52, the latter being raised to admit the end’ of theblade w nning the free end of shaped lever 56, the latter also embracing a ‘pin 62 on thel’ug- 60 which is spaced from theloc’ating element 54 to hold the lever in placewhile permitting’mpward an downward’rocking thereof between the’positions shown in broken’and solid lines. A heavy compression spring 64 encircling the locatingelement and seated against the lowefsideofthe seat and against the upper side of the;

‘Ihe positioning means 32′ includes a locating element 66, hereinafter :referred’to as a first locating element, which is engageable withthe edge 38′ of th e blade 34 nearest the’traclg means 14 and which is sp aced longiagainst the upper side of the bladef34 with considerable tudinally from the first seated and the thirdlocating the lever 56; The seats ’50 and 84 may be regarded as farming a seat means from which the locating elements 5 4; 66 and 82.projectJ The positions of’the locating elements 66 and 82 are then adjusted in the transverse direction,’ i.e., transversely of the track means.14,’ to establish a parallel relationship between th’e’e’dge portion 36 to besharpened andj the trackmeans in.aliorizontal’ ‘direction.’ A parallel relation in the vertical direction is established g by adjusting the vertical position of the seat 84. If necessary to accommodate a blade of a particular’l’eng’th, the

spaeing’ between the clamps 42 and’44 in the longitudinal direction may be varied to increase or decrease thespacing between the seat 50 and the locating’elements 54 and 66 V on the one hand and the seat 84 and the locating element 82ontheother. r

element 54. The first locatingeler nent 66 takes theform o’f’afverticaljrod having an offset lower end ’68rigidly conneeted to a slotted guide i movable along the channel 48 in the fore-and-a’ft or lateral direction. A

clamping screw 72 extends throngh the slot in the gnide’i member70 and is threa ded into the channel 48′ to lock theignide memberrela tive to the channel with the first s’sati ment 6 any es si s-an f r an verse position. This structure provides a means foradjusting the lateral position’ of the fiISLl’. locating element 66 to insure a parallel relationship between the’edge 38 f th bla e 1 b sha p ned. n e. t de means14 Th’e’clamping screw 72 and aguide pin 74 carried-by’the Once the edge portion 36 to be sharpened has been rendered parallel to the track means’14 both horizontally and vertically in’the foregoing’manner, the carriage 18 is moved along the track ine-ans 14 between the stops 28 to such edge portion. If more than onepas’s-is necessary, the grinding wheel 20 may be moved toward the blade after the firstpass in the-manner disclosed in my arerem’emioned patent.

After, one edge portion 36 of the blade 34 has been sharpened in the foregoing mannerfthe free end of the lever56-is’ lifted to release the blade, whereupon the blade may ‘be’lifted upwardly clear of the positioning means 32, rotated through an angle of 180 about a vertical axis, and reinstalledin’engagement withthe seats 50 1 and s4 and the locating elements 54, 66and 82. This presents the other edgep’ortion 36 to ‘the grindingl’wheel, rinsing unneessaryto changeany of the adjustments of the positioning elements previously made as long as the blade 34 is symmetrical, which is the conventional situation;

Thus, the present invention provides means whereby both cutting edges of a rotary lawn mower blade may be sharpened quickly, easily and accurately. Although an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been disclosed herein for purposes of illustration, it will be understood that various changes, modifications and substitutions may be incorporated in such embodiment.without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims which follow.

In an apparatus for sharpening a rotary lawn mower blade, the combination of a supporting structure; track means carried by and extending longitudinally across said supporting structure; a carriage movable along said track means; a grinding wheel mounted on said carriage; a first seat engageable by said blade and carried by said supporting structure; a second seat engageable by said blade and carried by said supporting structure and spaced from said first seat longitudinally of said supporting structure; a first locating element carried by said supporting structure and engageable by one edge of said blade; a second locating element carried by said supporting structure and engageable by the other edge of said blade; and a third locating element carried by said supporting structure and engageable by one end of said blade.

, 2. In combination with a lawn mower sharpener which includes a supporting structure, horizontal track means carried by and extending longitudinally across said supporting structure, a carriage movable along said track means, and a grinding wheel mounted on said carriage and rotatable about an axis parallel to said track means, means for positioning a rotary lawn mower blade to be sharpened adjacent and parallel to said track means in a location such that said grinding Wheel is engageable with an edge of said blade to sharpen same as said carriage moves along said track means, including: a first seat engageable by said blade and carried by said supporting structure; a second seat engageable by said blade and carried by said supporting structure and spaced from said first seat longitudinally of said supporting structure; a first locating element carried by said supporting structure and engageable by one edge of said blade; a second locating element carried by said supporting structure and engageable by the other edge of said blade and spaced from said first locating element transversely of said supporting structure; and a third locating element engageable by one end of said blade and carried by said supporting structure.

In an apparatus for positioning a rotary lawn mower blade adjacent and parallel to the path of movement of a movable sharpening means, the combination of: supporting means; a first seat engageable by one side of said blade and carried by said supporting means; a second seat engageable by said side of said blade and carried by said supporting means and spaced from said first seat longitudinally of said supporting means; a first locating element carried by said supporting means and engageable by one edge of said blade; a second locating element carried by said supporting means and engageable by the other edge of said blade and spaced from said first locating element longitudinally and laterally of said supporting means; and a third locating element carried by said supporting means and engageable by an end of said blade.

In an apparatus for positioning a rotary lawn mower blade adjacent and parallel to the path of movement of a movable sharpening means, the combination of: supporting means; a first seat engageable by one side of said blade and carried by said supporting means; a second seat engageable by said side of said blade and carried by said supporting means and spaced from said first seat longitudinally of said supporting means; a first locating element carried by said supporting means and engageable by one edge of said blade; a second locating element carried by said; supporting means and engageable by the other edge of said blade and spaced from said first is: eating element longitudinally and laterally of said supporting means; a third locating element carried by said and longitudinally of said supporting means from said’ first seat; means for adjusting the position of said second seat vertically relative to said supporting means; a first locating element carried by said supporting means and engageable by one edge of said blade; a second locating element carried by said supporting means and engageable by the other edge of said blade, said second locating element being spaced horizontally and longitudinally and horizontally and laterally of said supporting means from said first locating element; means for adjusting the position of at least one of said first and second locating elements horizontally and laterally of said supporting means; a third locating element carried by said supporting means and engageable by an end of said blade; and means engageable with the other side of said blade for holding said one side thereof against said first seat.

In an apparatus for positioning a rotary lawn mower blade adjacent and parallel to the path of movement of a movable sharpening means, the combination of: supporting means; a first seat engageable by one side of said blade and carried by said supporting means; a first locating element carried by said supporting means and engageable by one edge of said blade; a second locating element carried by said supporting means and engageable by the other edge of said blade, said second locating element being spaced horizontally and longitudinally of said supporting means from said first seat and being spaced horizontally and laterally and horizontally and longitudinally of said supporting means from said first locating element; a second seat engageable by said one side of said blade and carried by and movable vertically relative to said second locating element; means for locking said second seat relative to said second locating element in any desired vertical position; a third locating element carried by said supporting means and spaced horizontally and longitudinally of said supporting means from said first and second locating elements and engageable by one end of said blade; and means engageable with the other side of said blade for holding said one side thereof against said first seat.

In an apparatus for positioning a rotary lawn mower blade adjacent and parallel to the path of movement of a movable sharpening means, the combination of: supporting means; a first seat engageable by one side of said blade and carried by said supporting means; a first locating element carried by said supporting means and engageable by one edge of said blade; a second locating element carried by said supporting means and engageable by the other edge of said blade, said second locating element being spaced horizontally and longitudinally of said supporting means from said first seat and being spaced horizontally and laterally and horizontally and longitudinally of said supporting means from said first locating element; a second seat engageable by said one side of said blade and carried by and movable vertically relative to said second locating element; means for locking said second seat relative to said second locating element in any desired vertical position; a third locating element carried by said supporting means and spaced horizontally and longitudinally of said supporting means from said first and second lo’cating elements and engageable by one end of said blade, said third locating element being lbcgiging eleme nti gr d gengzigejabiq with ih other side’ of oriadiust p til; nq i iqni r tka t pf saidifirst and seponq lopggin gglemeqts nelative; leisaid supporting means hQfiZOIIIEQHY ax cl lqtraiiy of said supporting means.

I A1; appal gtus as s qt f0; th 1’1 claim 8 including means q nadiustin ithq posit qn iof s rv o o a e16; n’ie n t and said seqqnd sea; relative to said supporting li eans jgbrizoqtglly and l dpgitu di1 a11y of said.supportin g mqans, yvh Fb 9 @QF e said second lpc’gti’ng, qlemept angi sa d is cgiid skgh ti hbii aiitaliy; am l’dngitiidinlly bf said silpporting means blbser to, or farther away from, said fits: eat, said first lpgating element and said third 10- Rf erenc gs Citd’in the filerof this patent i IJU TED STATES ENT ,9 V

,Rdot Jan. 26, 1937 2,142,105 7.i :Blankne’r Jan. 3, 1939 2,353,026 Weidnaugr ‘July 4, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS V v 7 Q 7 156,409 Australia, May 10, 1954

US713995A 1958-02-07 1958-02-07 Sharpener for rotary lawn mower blade Expired. Lifetime US2943423A ( en )

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

How To Sharpen Reel Mower Blades With A File Or Sharpening Compound

Reel lawn mowers are enjoying a resurgence in popularity. As a manual mower, they cut grass as you push it along.

Yet just like their rotary blade cousins, the blades on a real mower can dull, or need a basic adjustment.

Fortunately, there are a few different ways to sharpen reel mower blades. In this article, I’ll tell you how to sharpen reel mower blades with a file or use a sharpening compound for the best possible cut performance.

How Does a Reel Lawnmower Work?

The sharpness of the blades can affect a reel mower in a variety of ways. Since the wheels and the blades essentially work in tandem, when the blades start to dull it will make it more work to essentially push the mower along.

At the same time, dull blades are also more likely to push over blades of grass rather than cut them.

Significantly dull or rusty reel mower blades can also damage grass making your lawn more prone to turf disease, pests, and potential fungus issues.

Can I Sharpen Reel Mower Blades?

Reel mower blades are designed to last longer and stay sharper than rotary mower blades. Still, as time goes on they will inevitably start to dull, and perhaps develop pits of rust.

This is even more likely to be an issue if you frequently let your lawn grow longer than 4-inches or if you cut the grass when it’s still a little damp.

Some rotary lawnmower blades can be sharpened with a bench grinder or electric handheld power grinder. These are the wrong tools for the job when it comes to sharpening a reel mower blade.

how to sharpen a reel mower with a file?

In my opinion, a mill file is an ideal tool for sharpening reel mower blades. Some hardware stores will even carry special mill files that are specifically designed for sharpening reel mower blades.

But to be honest, a simple handheld mill file is all you need. If you’re looking for one, we recommend this grinding mill file.

Here are 5 steps you can follow to sharpen the blades on a reel mower using a file.

Secure the blades to prevent the reel from spinning

This calls for wedging a broom handle or a hardwood dowel into the blade assembly to keep it from accidentally turning while your fingers are in the “Danger Zone.”

Laying the mower on a large work surface and chocking the wheels with a doorstop or shims would also be a good idea.

Don’t think that just because the blades are too dull to cut grass that they can’t give you a nasty finger wound!

Clean Away Any Debris like grass and dirt

You can use a stiff wire brush or some coarse sandpaper to carefully remove any debris from the blades and surrounding surfaces. If you use sandpaper, make sure it is rated for metal.

scrape the file on the blade between

To do this you carefully press the toothed end of the metal mill file on the beveled edge of the first blade.

The goal is to angle the plane of the file to perfectly match the beveled edge of the blade. You aren’t trying to create a new angle.

You are just trying to remove a millimeter or two of dull metal to replicate the original sharp beveled edge.

This usually takes three to five passes, depending on how rusty or dull the blade edge has become.

Repeat previous steps 3 to 6 times

Once you have filed away as much as you can on the first blade, you will need to remove the broom handle and carefully rotate the cylinder to fully access the next blade. Then re-secure the blades and repeat the sharpening process.

Lubricate and Protect blades after sharpening

When you are done sharpening all the blades, you should light spray all moving parts with a penetrating lubricant like WD40.

You should also coat the blades with penetrating lubricant, or a little bit of linseed oil soaked into a clean paper towel.

Is It Worth Sharpening Lawn Mower Blades?

Do you find yourself unimpressed with your lawn’s appearance? Do you mow for hours yet still end up with ragged, uneven edges? If that’s the case, you should probably ask yourself Is it worth sharpening your lawn mower blades?

In this article, we’ll delve into the subject of lawn care and discuss the inarguable advantages of maintaining sharp blades.

The simple process of honing your mower blades can open a whole new level of mowing ability, from effortlessly gliding over grass to fostering a lush and bright lawn. Prepare to learn the ins and outs of creating the immaculate lawn of your dreams and learn whether is it worth sharpening lawn mower blades or not.

Why Do Mower Blades Need To Be Sharp?

Maintaining healthy turf and a beautiful lawn requires a sharp cutting blade.

A uniformly trimmed lawn is the result of sharp blades that cut at a consistent rate. When you’re trying to stay on top of your lawn maintenance. Grass may be cut more quickly and efficiently, and your lawn mower will last longer, if you keep the blade sharp.

Dull mower blades shatter grass instead of cutting it. Dull blades generate stiff cuts and inconsistent grass length, making mowing harder.

Rip-tipped grass turns brown a few days after mowing and is more susceptible to pests and diseases. If your mower blades are sharp, you can cut grass without damaging it or the mower.

Lawn Mower Blade: Sharpen or Replace?

At some point, you might ask yourself why you should sharpen the mower blade when you could just replace it.

Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need to sharpen or replace your lawn mowers blade.

How To Properly Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades

Using the proper equipment and some caution, sharpening your lawn mower blade is a simple task. The blade on your lawnmower may be sharpened by following these simple steps:

Step-1 Gather your Tools and Materials

Make sure you have all the tools and materials needed for sharping the blades.

Here is a list of things you must need-

Step-2 Safety First

Wearing goggles and safety gloves, unplug your lawn mower or remove the batteries. Gas lawn mowers need the spark plug wire disconnected. Avoid accidently turning it on.

Step-3 Tip the Mower on its Side

Carefully tip your lawnmower onto its side, maintaining the upright positions of the air filter and carburetor. That way, the air filter won’t get contaminated by oil and gas.

Note: Make sure you know which side of the blade is facing down before you go and remove it. Using spray paint or a long-lasting marker would work. The blade won’t cut if you later try to reinstall it the wrong way around.

Step-4 Remove the Blade

Put a piece of wood between the mower blade and the mower to stop its movement. Remove the blade’s bolt or nut with the wrench. If stiff, the wedge should hold the blade in place for a better grip.

Be sure to put away both the blade and the nut or bolt when they become dislodged.

Step-5 Clean the Blade before Sharpening

Check the blade to see if it can be sharpened or should be replaced before continuing. If needed, use a penetrating cleanser or a damp microfiber cloth or stiff-bristle brush to clean it. Remove caked-on grass, mud, leaves, and debris. This step will ensure a cleaner and more effective sharpening process.

Step-6 Clamp Securely

For safety and stability, clamp the blade in a vice or use a tool made just for this reason. Make sure it’s locked down well before moving on.

Step-7 Sharpen the Blade

Depending on the tools at your disposal, there are multiple methods for sharpening a mower blade. A metal file can be used for manual sharpening, but an electric angle grinder or a blade sharpener powered by a drill will get the job done much more quickly.

Wearing safety goggles and gloves prepare your file. The file should be at least 10 inches long and 45 degrees to the cutting edge. Push the blade from above to make it “butter-knife sharp.”

The file should sharpen in 50 strokes. After finishing, switch blade ends and repeat.

Bench grinders sharpen lawnmower blades fastest. Grind the blade edge against the spinning wheel with protective glasses, earplugs, and gloves. It’ll be loud and sparky, but you’ll sharpen the blade in minutes. A bench grinder can also restore a blade with deep gouges that are difficult to file smooth.

A blade sharpening drill bit is a more affordable alternative to a bench grinder. The stone on the bit is designed to adjust to the curve of the lawnmower blade, making it much simpler and more accurate to sharpen than by hand.

Step-8 Balance the Blade

Examine the blade’s balance after sharpening. A well-balanced blade will reduce vibration levels during use. If you have a blade balancer, use it to make sure the blade is sitting flat. If the blade is unbalanced, file away some more material from the heavier side.

Step-9 Re-assemble

Before reinstalling the mower’s blade, make sure the mounting area is clean. Return the blade to its sheath, making sure the correct side is up. Overtightening the bolt with the wrench could ruin the blade or the mower, so be careful.

Step-10 Test and Adjust

After putting the cutting blade back in place, you can reconnect the spark plug wire. To check if the mower blade is spinning freely and without vibrations, you should turn it on and let it run for a little while. Make any necessary alterations to achieve peak efficiency.

Is It Worth Sharpening Lawn Mower Blades with This Cost?

When it comes to lawn mower blade sharpening, the costs can vary depending on a few factors. These include the size of your blade, whether you choose to tackle the job yourself or hire a professional, and the specific professional you choose to work with.

A grinder, which can be purchased for around 20 to 50, is required to sharpen the blade by hand. On Amazon, for instance, the best-selling sharpener for lawnmower blades costs around 20.

It can cost you anything from 5 to 15 per blade to have a professional sharpen your lawn mower blades. You can save yourself up to 5 by taking the blade out and bringing it to them. It’s possible to spend 15–25 on a new set of blades.

How Often Should Lawnmower Blades Be Sharpened?

It is recommended that blades be sharpened at the beginning of each grass-mowing season.

Blades should be sharpened at least twice a season, or after 25 hours of use, at the very least.

When you hit rocks, you should sharpen your blades. It is possible to learn when you need to sharpen your mower blades from the lawn itself.

Greeting! I am Anthony Harry, a skilled scribe with a FOCUS on the art of lawn mowing and the beauty of all things green. My objective is to impart my knowledge and enthusiasm for lawn care to others, enabling them to attain their ideal lawns.

Keep Your Mower Running Better: Best Lawn Mower Blade Sharpeners

If you’re in charge of lawn maintenance, you’re probably already aware that a sharp cutting surface is the best way to achieve professional quality results with your lawn maintenance and landscaping. Sharpening the blades yourself helps save time and money while also ensuring top performance.

But, with so many styles and types of sharpeners on the market, it can be difficult to narrow down the best lawn mower blade sharpener options available.

Today, we’ll take a closer look at five of the best models, and learn a bit more about the best lawn mower blade sharpeners…

• 5 Best Lawn Mower Blade Sharpeners

• 1. Smith’s 5063 Mower Blade Sharpener
• 2. Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Knife Tool Sharpener
• 4. AccuSharp 006C Tool Sharpener
• 4. All American Sharpener 5000
• 5. Oregon 88-023 ½ HP Lawn Mower Blade Grinder

• Electric or Manual
• Material Quality
• Safety
• Ease of Use
• Size
• Speed
• FAQ

Best Lawn Mower Blade Sharpeners

Let’s jump right into our short list of the five best lawn mower blade sharpener tools you’ll find on the market. Our list is far-ranging and covers easy to use hand tools as well as professional quality grinders, as well.

Smith’s 5063 Mower Blade Sharpener

If you’re looking for a no-frills manual blade sharpener that’s perfectly suited for occasional use, Smith’s 5063 sharpener may be exactly what you need.

This tool is one of the safest and easiest to use on the market. It has a large molded handle which is comfortable to grip, even when you’re wearing gloves.

The 5063 works just like a standard kitchen knife sharpener. It’s something you’re probably already familiar with using. Inside the blade sharpener are two replaceable carbide tipped abrasives. These allow you to easily restore a perfect edge to your worn mower blade. Sharpening the blade takes just a few pulls per side.

A wire bristle brush is also included. This allows you to put the finishing touches on your newly sharpened blade. And clean out any metal shavings from inside the sharpener. When the brush isn’t in use, it stores away conveniently in the handle.

Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Knife Tool Sharpener

The Ken Onion edition knife and tool sharpener from Work Sharp is a favorite of machine shops and professional landscapers, and it’s easy to see why. It allows you to achieve professional quality and easily repeatable results without costing an arm and a leg.

This electric sharpener features a 1.5-amp variable speed motor that’s capable of speeds between 1,200-2,800 SFM, which makes this sharpener uniquely qualified to handle both grinding and precision honing tasks.

The sharpening module is adjustable from 15-30 degrees in five-degree increments, which is an improvement over many grinders which only work at either 15 or 30 degrees. That way, you’ll be able to get tons of extra use out of your tool sharpening knives and other edged tools.

Premium abrasive belts are also included, which allow you to hone a precision, razor-sharp edge. While this may not be as important when sharpening mower blades, it’s sure to come in handy when sharpening other knives and tools.

There are five belts altogether, including extra coarse, coarse, medium, fine and extra fine. The belts are 12” Norton NORaX belts, which is the industry standard when it comes to abrasive belts for sharpening.

There are also attachments available for this sharpener which allows you to use it with an even broader range of yard tools and blades.

Work Sharp makes this sharpener in the United States, and it’s backed by a one-year warranty on parts and workmanship.

What We Like

• Affordable
• Top quality construction
• Fully adjustable sharpening angles
• Replaceable belts allow for multi-stage sharpening

AccuSharp 006C Tool Sharpener

Another option in the manual category is the AccuSharp 006C, which can help restore a sharp edge to your lawn mower blades for less than you spend on coffee each week.

This sharpener is ideal for sharpening all single beveled blades, which covers most yard tools as well as lawnmower blades. It offers a full-length finger guard to help you safely restore the edge to your mower blade.

sharpening of a push reel lawn mower

This tool comes from America and it features a diamond-honed tungsten carbide sharpening blade, which is reversible, thereby doubling the life of the sharpening surface.

Cleanup is a breeze, and you can even pop your sharpener in the dishwasher to get it nice and clean.

Unfortunately, replacement sharpening surfaces aren’t available, so you’ll reach a point where the tool is no longer useful. Considering they only cost about 10, you’ll have gotten more than your money’s worth from it at that point.

What We Like

• Most affordable product on the market
• Safe and easy to use
• Restores a perfectly sharp edge to lawn mower blades and all garden tools

All American Sharpener 5000

Do you already own an angle grinder? If so, you’re probably already scheming on how you can use it to sharpen your mower blades.

But, unless you have the steadiest hands known to man, and years of experience sharpening blades, chances are you’ll end up butchering your lawn mower blade by using an angle grinder. That is unless you have a jig specifically designed for blade sharpening. That’s where the 5000 model from All American Sharpener comes in.

The All-American Sharpener 5000 is a universal jig that’s compatible with any 4 ½” angle grinder. It holds the blade at a perfect 15 or 30-degree angle, allowing you to precisely sharpen your lawnmower blade.

The jig securely mounts to any workbench or work surface, and a vise can hold it. The jig itself also has a vise, which secures the mower blade during sharpening.

An articulating arm attaches to your angle grinder and holds it in place at the precise angle needed for blade sharpening.

Once the tool is set up, you’ll be able to restore the edge to your lawn mower blade in a matter of seconds.

While this jig is on the pricey side, and it doesn’t include a grinder, anyone who has an angle grinder already may find that this is the best tool for the job to create a fast, precise edge.

What We Like

• Made in the USA
• Attaches to any angle grinder
• Quickly and accurately restores edges

Oregon 88-023 ½ HP Lawn Mower Blade Grinder

If only the best of the best will do, you may want to take a closer look at the Oregon 88-023, which is a lawn mower blade grinder that’s favored by many professional shops.

This grinder features a sealed ½ horsepower 1750 RPM motor that operates in both forward and reverse, allowing you to grind in both directions. An easy-to-turn adjustment handle and height adjustment knobs make it a breeze to adjust for different blades, and rubber feet reduce vibration, making for quieter operation. An adjustable work light helps illuminate your work.

The 88-023 includes a top of the line 88-047 8” Redstone grinding stone, which is exceptionally long-lasting and provides a professional quality edge every time.

If you don’t plan on using this tool regularly, it’s expensive enough to probably not be worth the investment. But, if you’re looking for professional quality, this machine is one of the most affordably priced models that can provide it.

What We Like

• Pro quality 8” grinding stone
• Left/right-handed operation
• Includes adjustable work light

What to Look for in a Blade Sharpener

Whether you choose one of the great options above, or you plan to stake out on your own in search of a blade sharpener that fits your needs better, you’ll want to consider the points below to help inform your decision.

How to Sharpen a Lawn Mower Blade | This Old House

Electric or Manual

All mower blade sharpeners fall into two categories: electric and manual.

As you’d imagine, an electric sharpener is powered by an electric motor which spins a grinding wheel that you use to sharpen the blade.

Electric sharpeners have a bit of a learning curve, and they can be intimidating to use at first. If you have experience working with a bench grinder or angle grinder, you’ll probably feel comfortable from the outset.

Electric sharpeners are the preferred tool of businesses that offer lawn mower blade sharpening as a service, as they’re much quicker and more efficient to use than a manual sharpener.

Many electric sharpeners even sharpen both sides of the blade at once, further accelerating the process.

Meanwhile, manual sharpeners are powered by hand to restore the edge to your lawn mower blades. These sharpeners are quite similar in design to a sharpener for the knives in your kitchen.

Manual sharpeners are easy to use, and they’re usually preferred by people with no experience working with electric sharpeners, which can be a bit intimidating, especially at first.

While manual sharpeners can do a great job of restoring the edge to your lawn mower, the work is a bit more tedious and time-consuming than using an electric sharpener would be.

Keep in mind that manual sharpeners are also considerably less expensive than electric varieties. So, if you sharpen your blades infrequently, or if you’re not interested in shelling out a few hundred bucks for a top of the line electric sharpener, a manual sharpener is going to be best for you.

Material Quality

The most critical thing to keep in mind when shopping for a sharpener is the quality of the materials used to make the tool. Obviously, we all want tools that are made tough and built to last, but it can often be tempting to cheap out in this department, especially on a tool you aren’t going to use very often.

Keep in mind that even cheap models can use premium carbide or diamond abrasives to sharpen blades. Premium abrasives are the key here since poor quality abrasives can end up damaging your blade instead of sharpening it.

Not to mention, carbide or diamond abrasives last much longer, so you’ll be able to get more use out of a sharpener with quality abrasives.

Safety

Another important factor to keep in mind is how safe the tool is to use. Tool safety is a major concern, especially when dealing with electric grinders and sharpeners. If you don’t feel comfortable with the tool you’re using, you’re probably at an even greater risk to make a mistake that could cause injury.

High-end electric sharpeners usually have multiple safety features integrated into the design, and they’re meant to keep you and anyone around the area safe and out of harm’s way. Be sure to take a closer look at the safety features available when shopping for an electric sharpener.

Ease of Use

While many lawn mower blade sharpeners are universal, there’s also plenty of models that are right-handed by design. There are even a few left-handed designs, although they’re usually much harder to find.

For the majority of us who are right-handed, this will never come into play. But, if you’re a lefty, the last thing you want to do is set your new tool up only to realize it’s going to be impossible for you to use comfortably.

Size

When it comes to electric grinders, they’re available in four, six, and eight-inch grinder sizes.

8” grinders are perfect for sharpening steel or brass blades, or when dealing with any large lawn mower blade in general. However, the larger the size, the more you should expect to pay. If you’re not interested in dropping several hundred dollars on a sharpener, you may want to compromise and opt for a four or six-inch model.

Speed

The speed of an electric sharpener is measured in RPM. When it comes to tools, we’ve been conditioned that the higher the RPM, the more powerful and capable the tool is. While this may be true, high speed isn’t always the recipe for success when it comes to sharpening lawn mower blades.

Resist the temptation to go with the highest RPM tool available. If possible, opt for a model that offers variable speed, which gives you much more control during the sharpening process.

FAQ

Q: How often do I need to sharpen my lawn mower blade?

This is a tough question to answer, and your mileage is sure to vary. As a rule of thumb, you should sharpen your blades every 20-25 hours of use. For most people, that’s going to work out to once or twice a season.

If your grass grows high, or your grass species is particularly robust and difficult to cut, you may find that you need to sharpen your blades more often.

Q: How do I tell when my blade needs sharpening?

If you pay attention, your lawn mower will let you know when it’s time to sharpen the blades. If your lawn doesn’t look as neat and uniform after you finish, or if you find it more difficult to cut your grass than usual, go ahead and sharpen the blade.

Meanwhile, if your mower is working in tip-top condition and your lawn looks great, that’s a good indicator that your blade is nice and sharp.

Q: I see there are lawn mower sharpener attachments for my drill or Dremel, should I get one?

These sharpeners are usually available for just a few bucks, and they seem like an economical way to get your hands on an electric sharpening device.

If you’re new to blade sharpening, these cheap bit sharpeners are usually best to avoid, because you can cause some serious damage to your blade if you don’t use the sharpener correctly. But, if you feel confident in your abilities, you may want to give one of these bits a shot.

Final Verdict

Taking the time to sharpen your lawn mower blades is an easy way to prolong the life of your lawn mower while improving the look of your lawn in the process. Lawn mower blade sharpeners are available in many styles and configurations, and they run the full gamut of price points. The five we covered above represent some of the best options currently on the market.

However, one product rises above the top as our personal favorite and has earned the honor of the best lawn mower blade sharpener. The Ken Onion Edition from Work Sharp is the winner.

This sharpener is easy to use and safe, it’s affordable, and it allows you to restore a pristine edge to your lawn mower blades quickly and with little effort. Perhaps best of all, this isn’t a tool specifically designed to only handle lawn mower blades. You’ll be able to use the Ken Onion sharpener to put a perfect edge on virtually any knife or tool you own.

Or, if you’re looking for a more economical option, we’d recommend going the manual route with either the Smith’s 50603 or AccuSharp 006C. Both these tools cost around 10, and they manage to get the job done quickly and easily.

About Brandon Potters

Hi, I’m Brandon and I can’t express how excited I am that you chose The Saw Guy as your resource for project ideas, tool reviews, and all-around guide to the world of DIY. I spent years in the construction industry refining my knowledge of various trades and even spent a few years working at a major hardware store. ​If there is anyone who can help you make a well-informed, unbiased, budget-conscious decision, it’s me and my team.

The Top 10 Best Lawnmowers

Best Lawn Roller for the Money – Comparisons Reviews

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Note: this article may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may be paid a referral fee at no expense to you.

MEET THE SAW GUY EXPERT REVIEW TEAM

The Saw Guy – Saw Reviews and DIY Projects Copyright © 2020. Copyright © 2019 by The Saw Guy – Saw Reviews and DIY Projects. TheSawGuy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Full affiliate disclaimer here