Where do you buy your blades?

[jimbob200521]

Originally Posted by leeave96

I must be doing something wrong! I rarely go through a set of blades.

Not mowing rocks or roots and when I sharpen, if I grind, I go lightly. I prefer to use a hand file.

I also quit sharpening blades on a frequent basis. Once a year and have gone two years. Sharp vs dull - don't see a lot of difference. I guess if had something other than clover and crabgrass - maybe I'd notice.

But when I do - it ain't going to be the high dollar blades. I have just as good luck with what I get from Oregon, Stens, etc as genuine OEM blades. What's different - is the steel harder/softer and how would one know? Just asking - don't tear my head off....

I have been sharpening my blades with an angle grinder (most of the blades I've had on machines when I get them have needed more than a hand file ) for the past couple years, but I think the next tool I buy will be a bench grinder. That way, I can go fairly light but still make sure I get the correct angle.

The big thing with sharp vs dull blades is HOW it cuts the grass. Sharp blades cut the grass clean and encourage re-growth. Dull blades "rip" the grass (think blunt trauma), and that's harder for the grass to deal with, to "heal" from. Which would you rather heal from; a paper cut or a gash from dull butter knife? At least that's what I've always heard and been taught by my pa, his pa before him, and farmers I've worked for

[jimbob200521]

This brings up another question; what KIND of blades does everyone use? Regular (flat blade) or mulching (angled serrated back edge)? I've had both but have never really been able to tell a difference.



vs

[drglinski]

Flat blades. No fancy mulchy ones, etc. Sharpening on the deck, with an angle grinder, until they are so shot I need to take them off to replace them.

Which would you rather heal from; a paper cut or a gash from dull butter knife? At least that's what I've always heard and been taught by my pa, his pa before him, and farmers I've worked for?

-I've been told what do you get cut from, a dull knife or a sharp one? A dull one because you are trying harder.

[Sam Mac]

This is who I get my blades from

http://www.cubcadetpartsnmore.com/

[dbuck]

I use Rotary blades. These are nice heavy blades.

[darkminion_17]

You should sharpen your blades on a bench grinder, then balance them, balanced blades are easy on the spindle bearings.BTDT

[jimbob200521]

Originally Posted by darkminion_17

You should sharpen your blades on a bench grinder, then balance them, balanced blades are easy on the spindle bearings.BTDT

I've always balanced them after I sharpen them utilizing the advanced nail-in-the-wall method I've gotten pretty good at it but still want to use a bench grinder. I may be pretty good at sharpening blades, but my angles will never be as dead on as with a tool specifically built for what needs done so I agree; bench grinder is the optimum tool.

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by jimbob200521

I've always balanced them after I sharpen them utilizing the advanced nail-in-the-wall method I've gotten pretty good at it but still want to use a bench grinder. I may be pretty good at sharpening blades, but my angles will never be as dead on as with a tool specifically built for what needs done so I agree; bench grinder is the optimum tool.

I have better luck with a hand held. You have to have a pretty good bench grinder to sharpen blades on. Most of the standard/average bench grinders take too long. A nice big one works well, but they are way more expensive than a hand held. Really nothing wrong with the way you are doing it.

[cc_bob]

I sharpen mine with a flap disc on a 4 1/2" angle grinder. It removes less material than a grinding stone and it's really quick. I always check for balance too. I never worry about removing all of the nicks, just put an edge on it.

I want to make one of these.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uSJCTGiVLw

A friend of mine has an old grinder made for sharpening blades but it removes a lot of material.

[sawdustdad]

Originally Posted by jimbob200521

Hey, it's my thread and I'll whine if I want to, whine if I want to, whine if I want to! You would whine too if it happened to you!!

LOL! Good one!