Need sharpening suggestions.....

[mrnewman3]

So, I have a Honda mulching mower. It has two blades and costs me 12 bucks each time I have the blades sharpened. I would like to do this myself.

Anyone here do it? What should I use? I have a hand held grinder. How about a bench grinder? Something from HF?

Thanks...

[Russianwolf]

I actually use a belt sander. It takes alittle more time and effort than a grinder but it's more precise in my experience. Just clamp the blade in a vise and have at it. Check and adjust the balance once you get close to finishing. I stay with 60-80 grit belts since you don't really need a mirror finish to cut grass.

If you haven't already done so, buy a second set of blades, that way you can sharpen at your own pace and not worry about not being able to mow.

[Tom Slick]

The blade material is soft enough that I get the best results with a regular double cut hand file. with power tools its really easy to burn off the sharp edge you are trying to create. it is also easier to create the proper edge profile with a hand file. it should be slightly convex instead of concave (hollow grind) or flat. it will stay sharper longer and chip out less with a convex edge.

[LCHIEN]

The blade material is soft enough that I get the best results with a regular double cut hand file. with power tools its really easy to burn off the sharp edge you are trying to create. it is also easier to create the proper edge profile with a hand file. it should be slightly convex instead of concave (hollow grind) or flat. it will stay sharper longer and chip out less with a convex edge.

I did mine with a flat file for many years.
Get a balancing cone at your local garden center.

[messmaker]

All the suggestions will work. A bench grinder is probably the most common. I think getting the blades off is more than 1/2 the job. You don't need the blade to be razor sharp. An edge that is not as keen is more durable.

[mrnewman3]

The blade material is soft enough that I get the best results with a regular double cut hand file. with power tools its really easy to burn off the sharp edge you are trying to create. it is also easier to create the proper edge profile with a hand file. it should be slightly convex instead of concave (hollow grind) or flat. it will stay sharper longer and chip out less with a convex edge.

Beauty.... Thanks for the tips.....

[crokett]

I use a flat file as was suggested. And get yourself a 2nd blade. That way you are not in a hurry to sharpen when it needs it, just change the blade and sharpen whenever.

[cabinetman]

I also use the file method. Try not to get a minimum bevel. Somewhere 30 - 40 degrees works for my mulching blade. As for balance, I just hang the center hole (if you have one) on a nail. The edge should not be razor sharp.