The Truth About Lawnmower Blade Sharpening: Test Results Exposed!

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In this video we are testing dull vs new unsharpened vs new sharpened lawnmower blades to see if the manufacturer was wrong in saying that you do not have to sharpen a new lawnmower blade. Learn step-by-step instructions how to remove, sharpen, balance and reinstall a lawnmower blade. Whether you are a homeowner or DIYer or professional lawn care company, you can learn some tips and tricks to help keep your lawn greener, longer and less susceptible to disease and fungus by using a sharp lawnmower blade.
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10 сен 2024

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@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

In this video we are testing dull vs new unsharpened vs new sharpened lawnmower blades to see if the manufacturer was wrong in saying that you do not have to sharpen a new lawnmower blade.

@RuSomeKindaIdiot Месяц назад

The reason for the brown tips on the grass cut with a dull blade is because of the amount of cell damage caused by the cut. Anyone with good basic culinary skills knows this fact. Want proof? On a light colored cutting board finely chop some high chlorophyll content herbs like cilantro or parsley both with a properly sharpened knife and a dull knife in two different spots on the board. Remove the herbs and look at the residual content left on the board. There is a direct relationship between the sharpness of the cut', to minimize cell damage, and the amount of the cut' herbs flavor that's left behind on the board. And the reason for regularly maintaining the edge with a steel between sharpenings. When the blades of grass are bludgeoned instead of finely cut with a sharp blade, significantly more cells are damaged leaving the grass with brown areas at the top. If this creator is suggesting his whole blade turns yellow or brown then I would suggest it's more to do with cutting more than 1/3 of his lawn’s height and want to increase his mowing cycles. My take away for this video is that the sharper the blade the better the cut, and that's best for your lawn & stress on your mower. But to benefit from this you must commit to a constant edge maintenance routine that may vary for each individual. As humans can tend towards laziness the manufacturer may be correct in their findings that the edge they provide is most suitable over the long haul as many run their blades far beyond reason or never look at them till they break. If you fall somewhere in this category just run the blades out of the box. If cut quality & minimizing stress on your mower is important, then by all means sharpen & maintain the edge & balance of your blades. A simple quick edge honing with a file or sharpening stone will do the trick in between needing to removals to sharpen &rebalance.

@owenpeattie5562 29 дней назад

Do you have any advise for sharpening disc blades i.e. 4 small blades on a disc❓️ Cheers

@johnsbonczek7601 3 дня назад

@@owenpeattie5562

@whitegrizzleySR Месяц назад

I use to work at a lawn care shop and we sold a ton of new blades. I would say well over 3/4 of the customers requested us to "touch" the new blades up so the majority wins, sharpen the new blades.

@davidspearie6921 Месяц назад

Time is money. No way sharpening every new one.

@dbtest117 Месяц назад

That’s why you make sure you do a proper job so you don’t cause more time spent for the same money down the road.

@xcalibre222 Месяц назад

I think the new blades come dull because the lawyers tell them to do that to prevent lawsuits from people who get cut opening the packages. Yes, some people would definitely sue companies over this if they get cut while opening or installing sharp blades.

@harryharry3193 Месяц назад

of course

@ZZZHarpy101 Месяц назад

Like the old Winnebago's story. An old timer bought his very first Winnebago. Took the highway, press the "cruise" switch then proceed to the kitchenette to prepare his coffee. Why this story? Because his widow's lawyer won!

@randybeard6040 Месяц назад

I believe that you are correct...

@acreguy3156 Месяц назад

Does that mean carving knives and chisels should be dull on delivery as well? Lawyers need to stop pretending to be engineers, doctors, airline pilots...etc....🙄.

@Conservator. Месяц назад

Only in the US you could sue a manufacturer for something like that. Here in Europe, when you buy a new blade, you should just assume that it’s sharp. (Like any normal person would imo).

@eloimumford5247 Месяц назад

We survey 2000 grass fields , 99% said they appreciate sharp blade . Many good tips , thank You.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for commenting!

@johnmckee7937 Месяц назад

You won't notice any more gas usage on a gas mower, but on a battery mower, a sharp blade gives a better battery life.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the feedback!😁

@user-tz3yl7qo2e Месяц назад

You should do a study.

@johnmckee7937 Месяц назад

@user-tz3yl7qo2e i have electric and gas mowers. I like both kinds. I tell you for sure on the electric it makes a difference. Blade came dull on mower. Most do come dull. I waited past 30 days' return period, then sharpened the blade. I noticed mowing about 1 bar difference on my mower. It has 4 bars, so 1 bar is quite a difference.

@jarlnieminen4307 Месяц назад

Not if you always chose the same amount of throttle. But if you use less throttle you will use less fuel and a sharper blade will allow you to cut with less throttle.

@williamcreech2672 Месяц назад

If it's less load on an electric mower it's also less load on a gas mower resulting in less fuel consumption.

@philliphall5198 Месяц назад

My grandson has one customer who pays him to sharpen the blades before mowing his yard 😮 That’s neat 😊😊😊

@richardbrookins5406 Месяц назад

I am retired and I picked up some tricks from this video. Thanks for doing it. Subscribed.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks!

@TheRamblingMan69 Месяц назад

That grinder wheel is called a flap wheel. I use one to sharpen my blades. I put mine in a vise for safety, and use two hands on the grinder making steady passes from center out. Also a new blade is covered in powder coat which gives the impression of a more dull blade. Thanks for the video!

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for sharing!

@mercym5891 Месяц назад

My grass is better now with a sharp blade! This works! Thanks!

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Excellent!

@xuser48 Месяц назад

Nice to see that I'm not the only one sharpening a blade that way. :-)

@karlschwab6437 Месяц назад

A sharpened/ balanced blade is easier on the engine , drive belts, burning less gasoline too. I cut a lot of grass on my farm and my son's farm. Caring for our blades is a must.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the comment!

@jimbailey490 Месяц назад

I’ve often wanted to do the same test but never found the time. Thank you for taking your time to do this.

@randybeard6040 Месяц назад

I use a Air Wrench or Impact Wrench to get Blade Bolts off and on, it is fast and you do not have to hold the blade at all...

@KING-FU Месяц назад

Yeah… when I sharpen my pocket, hunting and chef’s knives, I leave them with a blunt edge, otherwise… they dull faster. I even special order blunt edge utility knife blades from Lennox and blunt edge razor blades from Gillette, BC they don’t dull as fast as a finely honed edge. I also enjoy using a partially dull knife on drywall, carpet / pad, flooring, visqueen, wallpaper, etc. Seems legit… NOT! 🤣

@Conservator. Месяц назад

And you won’t cut yourself as fast as with those dangerous sharp knives! 🤣

@nicholasittzes7224 Месяц назад

Besides, it’s more exercise! 🤪

@LoudandclearRC 14 дней назад

I buy used tires because I don't have to wait as long for them to be worn out and food close to the expiry date so I can throw it out faster.

@davidunwin7868 Месяц назад

You should use a vice to hold the blade that way you keep your wrist away from the grinder. Safety first. You do it with the spark plug, so do it with the grinder.

@jeffgriffith7003 Месяц назад

Thank you, this confirmed my long-standing theory that I argued with people about. Lol I’ve always done the same as you do. It’s funny when people say that a very fine edge will get ruined quicker, yeah it’s true but at the end of the day, it’s still sharper than a new blade is. Lol

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the comment!

@robinwendt5527 15 дней назад

Yea well if my grass looks better anyway from sharp blades I probably don't have sticks laying around for my blades to get ruined faster. I love having them razor sharp

@Jeff-jg7jh Месяц назад

I knew a guy that lost the tip of his fingure because he spun the blade with the spark plug connected. It's the way they used to start cars and even planes in the old days. It is a good idea to make notice of how the thing goes back on. I've scratched my head. The blade is such a kooky looking thing.

@grassroot011 Месяц назад

Always put it on with the mindset of it turning clock wise. As the engines run that way. Sharp edge in that direction.

@kevn33 Месяц назад

Good to know, about how not to lose a finger. It must have been an older mower though, unless someone bypassed the engine safety features. Modern mowers should not run just by rotating the engine by the blade. I'm no expert, but normally you need to hold down that bar for it to start & stay running.

@bluecar5556 Месяц назад

Everyone needs a paint pen, they are so useful. Make marks which side up, front or whatever. Without any added markings to see how something goes together, usually where the parts touch will leave a pattern as a clue on how to reassemble everything.

@jvmiller1995 Месяц назад

Cars had a crank but it is a lot different than a mower blade. But it takes very little motion on a proper tunened warm engine if that is your point. This day and age most mowers have a safety handle that applies a brake and shorts the coil to ground. Old mowers from the 70's and before 100% had nothing to prevent.

@IceBergGeo Месяц назад

@@kevn33sometimes things break. Safety features can also be defeated accidentally, especially if you put something on the handle when you tip it the way it was shown in this video.

@NickFrom1228 Месяц назад

One thing that many people forget about sharpening a used blade is to clean it thoroughly first. You want to see the blade so you can identify any issues as well as being able to sharpen it well but more importantly, the weight of grass stuck to the blade can totally whack your balance test. Use a wire brush on your grinder and gently clean all the grass off. Now you are ready to start sharpening etc.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the feedback!

@randalljernigan889 Месяц назад

I use a C clamp to hold blade flat and get good access to edge.

@Airon79 Месяц назад

Me too !

@homeforachange7994 Месяц назад

I was curious as to how sharpening a lawn mower blade might benefit my son in his budding lawn mowing business. I’m convinced this is the way to go. Great way to add to his knowledge of the technical side of lawn maintenance. Thanks!

@philliphall5198 Месяц назад

It just looks much better if the blade is sharp, a dull blade just leaves a nasty look 😊😊😊 I sharpen them often 😊

@Vince-m2m Месяц назад

This makes perfect sense, I always wondered why new blades always appeared to be so dull

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for commenting!

@acreguy3156 Месяц назад

10:26 Excellent video *BUT* you should never hold the blade the way you did. One slip and you open up the radial or ulnar arteries. In your case, the ulnar artery is right in the line of fire. Users should invest in a vice. Thanks for the great demo though! Very helpful 👍.

@illiniwood Месяц назад

If anyone is interested, All American Sharpener has the best cone balancer I've ever owned. Even the star hole blades fit properly on their cone. Also, a 60 grit flap disk is great to do quick touchups on a blade between dedicated sharpening.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the tips!

@illiniwood Месяц назад

@@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq My mistake. I meant to say 60 grit flap disk, not 30 grit.

@lestergarnier6209 Месяц назад

They also have a great sharpener jig to safely use your angle grinder while it sweeps the blade for a nice edge while holding the proper angle. Used one for years.

@cjack121 Месяц назад

I’ve been in this field many years and done some testing myself. The razor sharp edge may cut slightly better, but after a couple hundred feet there’s not much difference. A super fine edge has no real world durability, that’s why when we sharpen blades we do one side then flip it and do a 45 degree pass on the other. Also when sharpening “mulching” blades you really only need to sharpen the two inch cutting edge on the end, that’s all that’s actually cutting.

@dannybryant8296 Месяц назад

You sir are absolutely correct about this. I have a "country" yard that eats blades for breakfast. No way am I going to sharpen this much cuz like you said after a few passes that edge has already started to deteriorate. Nice try but I gotta call bs on this idea.

@jvmiller1995 Месяц назад

I do not think the majority are going for a blade they can shave with. But some of the so called factory edges stop with a good 16th of inch or more being blunt. I always take my bevel to a point but I do not need to fillet a fish with them. Thow I have made many of knives from lawn mower blades and Oregon uses some damn fine steel.

@sirgregoir Месяц назад

You people are a bit weird, who cares...seriously

@tyscam Месяц назад

@@sirgregoirSharpening blades is good weird. Get lost bub.

@integr8er66 Месяц назад

The biggest reason not to put a sharp edge on a lawn mower blade is because they are made out of mild steel and are as soft as butter. They will not hold an edge. If you could get high speed steel tool steel or carbide cutting edges then maybe, but sharpening soft as butter steel doesn't make sense.

@tinkerberns5216 Месяц назад

I agree with you. I like a sharp blade. It doesn't have to be razor sharp, but sharper than a new blade

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the feedback!

@stew6338 Месяц назад

Yeah, well done. I will be sharpening my blades from now on.

@JACK-ez5me Месяц назад

Dull blades will also leave some stragglers behind and you'll have to go back over the lawn twice. Your also putting more wear and tear on your mower with dull blades. Just doing some minor maintenance like sharpening your blade and cleaning your mower deck will help prolong the life of your equipment.

@geebee1858 Месяц назад

I keep my lawnmower blade as sharp as a good pair of scissors. I do a quick check of the blade sharpness every other time I mow and sharpen the blade about once per month during the cutting season.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the feedback!

@walterbordett2023 Месяц назад

I have two blades for my mower. The spare on the shelf is always sharp and ready to change into service. I have a small lawn and a short grass season so I usually change blades once a season. It is important to clean under the deck and be sure the engine fins and the flywheel fan are clear of grass and rodent debris so the engine does not overheat.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Great point!

@violakaye62 Месяц назад

I tell my husband till I'm blue in the dace to clean the undercarriage. He never does; so I end up doing ut precisely because I know the engine has to run harder with all that buildup. I also end up having to sharpen the blades

@Peter-up9yw Месяц назад

@@violakaye62 Had to smile with your comment, Viola. Reckon your husband worked out, years ago, how to get the undercarriage clean and the blades sharpened.😀😀 Maybe he is aware that you do derive some satisfaction, though, in seeing the job done properly.

@randyhanson837 Месяц назад

Where you goin' with that lawn mower blade Carl? I just take equal passes on the grinder at a 45° angle. Check balance with a dowel pin or a bolt. It isn't that hard. But I am a retired toolmaker/machinist, I may have a gooder feel for it.

@BigDawg771 6 дней назад

Most (if not all) mower blades have a 30° angle/bevel on the blade from the factory so I wouldn't recommend grinding at 45°. As was stated in the video, it's important to maintain that "factory" grind to maintain balance. I owned/operated a lawn maintenance business for 35+ years. I've always used a 16" bastard file because I can control the angle and hone the edge of the blade. I'd put a very sharp edge on the blade because it does affect the grass's health and makes the grass look better even though the blade might dull a little faster. (I always run the file across the sharp edge just to reduce the sharpness a very miniscule amount.)

@wsteele5864 Месяц назад

I own a Walker C19i (we have a lot of grass :)). I sharpen the blades every 10 hours (I keep two sets, so the swap is quick). I use the same style abrasive wheel on an air die grinder. I bought one of those Oregon Precision blade balancers and it works great, but suspect your nail in the wall approach probably works as well.

@ben-me9jy Месяц назад

I agree with video. I also Purchase the clamp. so much easier. and the flap disk on the grinder doesn’t overheat the blade as quick and simple!

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for sharing!

@charleschapman2428 Месяц назад

Thanks for the video, one word of caution using those Flap wheels. The very outer edge is like a chain saw blade and if it just touches you it will rip right to the bone in an instant. Always secure the material in a vice or clamps and do not remove the safety shield.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the tip!

@slalomking Месяц назад

I agree, the blade should be held in a device not his other hand. If that wheel walks, it’s all over but the crying

@slalomking Месяц назад

@@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq that’s good but, I think you should re-edit the video or make a new one because there are too many people that don’t have power tool experience, such as with a rotary disc grinder that could get seriously hurt. Just my 2 cents.

@Thumper68 Месяц назад

I just pull mine off with an Impact and sharpen on my bench grinder The whole process takes 10 minutes and sharpened blades obviously work much better then dull ones.

@rongaul8169 Месяц назад

Sharpening the blade has more benefits than well cut grass. Your lawnmower won’t struggle with long grass, and mulching will be effective for all materials (I don’t rake leaves.)

@robertmceuen3630 Месяц назад

I see you are sharpening the blade on a "Troy Bilt" lawnmower. Bought one about 4 years ago with a gas powered Honda engine. Been an excellent mower. I sharpen my blade twice eack mowing season. Thanks.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the comment! We have had ours for 9 years now and it will start on the 2nd pull even after sitting all winter. Take care!

@cj9072 Месяц назад

Good video and analysis. Well done. I am an overly picky yard nerd and I sharpen my blades about every second or third mowing. I cover about 2 acres of dense bluegrass and fescue. A 4½" angle grinder followed up with a few strokes with a sharp file and I have a very sharp cutting edge.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for sharing!

@G5Hohn Месяц назад

Sharp is definitely better. I like the flap disc on the angle grinder but I find I get more control on the bench grinder. The key to make the bench grinder work is to not use hard grinding stones. A scotch brite wheel on the angle grinder is a game changer for mower blade sharpening. It works best if you have a variable speed grinder (to slow it down a bit) and use the coarser grits. They cut faster, run cooler, and save time while giving excellent results. If you have one, a slack belt grinder works even better. That little harbor freight 1”x30” stand belt sander is awesome for this kind of thing.

@bryancunningham1095 Месяц назад

Great video, would like for you sometime to test your sharpened blade longevity vs mow time to check that grass to see in hours when there is a falloff of the sharp cut quality when you look at the grass. I am curious how long it will remain sharp enough to get that nice cut on the grass blades.

@user-ly7xr4ge8f Месяц назад

The fine grinder marks left on the blade can help it stay sharp longer take the burr off the backside

@general5104 Месяц назад

Take the burr off the back-side, WITH A FLAT BASTARD FILE, STROKING TOWARD the edge. Never grind on the backside, unless you have welded up the edges and re-shaped them and then sharpened them.

@nicholasittzes7224 Месяц назад

@@general5104Have you welded the edge of a blade? If so, how well did it seem to work? Was it hardfacing, or some specialty rod?

@richardmartinez4145 Месяц назад

My last mower had three blades. I would place my belt sander on its back and get a very quick and sharp edge. To insure my grass was green, even with little rain, I'd raise the deck height to accommodate the precipitation levels.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the feedback!

@Evanx373 Месяц назад

The only ones I've bought that were actually sharp were my John deer blades. Those were every bit as sharp as my pocket knife and they cut beautifully. I actually bought a really fine grinder stone so I can re create that super sharp edge. Sharp is definitely the way to go for me. It doesn't get too hot on a bench grinder unless you are really pushing on it and trying to remove metal fast. Take your time and it does just fine and I touch my blades every pass and if it gets too hot to touch I sit them in front of a fan for a min or switch to the other side or both

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the comment!

@lamarc2634 Месяц назад

Thanks for all your tips, I always tilted it in its side now I'm going to put an I bolt on my barn & tilt it back.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Glad to help

@thangknowa3288 Месяц назад

I sharpen all my blades the first of each month, I prefer a 120 flap disc, removes less metal and leaves a smooth shine. I recently bought a bearing type blade balancer, that thing is extra nice. These make a big difference in the cut, as well as makes the mower run smoother.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

The bearing balancers are really nice and accurate. The finer grit will make a smoother shine. How is it for taking out deep rock dings? Thanks for sharing!

@thangknowa3288 Месяц назад

I have a nice centipede lawn, I dont mow in a rock quarry. I have not hit a rock.

@guypehaim1080 Месяц назад

A reel type mower cuts grass the best because it uses scissor action to cut the grass without flailing it.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

That was the first type of mower my dad bought when I was a young kid in the 1960s. We did not let the grass get too high, or it was torture.😂 Thanks for sharing!

@biggetl1319 Месяц назад

I mow 2 acres. I put sharp blades on every 5 mows. I always sharpen and balance new blades.

@donaldshimkus539 Месяц назад

Shorten that up to 3 mows. I bet you'll be surprised at the difference. Keep 2 or 3 sets of blades and sharpen the ones not in use to have them ready as needed. Happy mowing.

@biggetl1319 Месяц назад

@@donaldshimkus539 I have two sets! I always have a sharp set ready to go.

@biggetl1319 Месяц назад

@@donaldshimkus539 I have two sets. I always have a sharp set ready to go.

@prow6586 Месяц назад

OK- Made a believer out of me! Never thought of that. Thanks. And thanks for the other tips too!

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Glad to help!

@hanscuda Месяц назад

You are right about new blades not being sharp. The biggest difference that I found is that I can cut my mower rpm's in half by sharpening a new blade.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the feedback!

@cjack121 Месяц назад

😊If you’re talking about lowering your engine speed ,that’s not advisable. These engines are designed to run at full governed speed, 3200-3600 RPM. The cooling and efficiency is best in that range.

@jeffmiller2549 25 дней назад

Good tips. We have multiple mowers so I use a paint pencil to put the size of nut for blade on the deck of mower. No more extra getting up and down at my age :) I do the tire pressures too as different size tires want different pressures.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq 25 дней назад

Great point! Thanks for commenting!

@dennisoneal8505 21 день назад

Good tip about the washer, However they now make adapters to fit the different blades to be used with that type of balancer.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq 21 день назад

Thanks for sharing!

@keiths8151 Месяц назад

I found this to be very informative. Thanks for going thru the process with results.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Glad it helped!

@johnfranklin685 Месяц назад

I have an electric mower. There is a noticeable difference in the reduced effort in pushing the mower through the grass. A sharp blade minimizes resistance.

@garypillischafske1425 Месяц назад

You settled that question! Thanks!

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the comment!

@michaelsalice9952 Месяц назад

Sharp blade=cleaner cut, its that simple...not only in grass but everything else!!!

@frankmartin8471 Месяц назад

I keep my lawnmower blades sharp enough that I can remove the blade and hone a fine edge with just a medium grit hand held stone in about 10 minutes. And yes, it makes a big difference in how it cuts and how the lawn looks. I made my own balancer with roller bearings and a centering insert that's a tight fit in the blade hole. I also don't ever mow rocks and dirt.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the comment!

@kinasc1575 Месяц назад

I remember saying this to my gardener friends 30 years ago, thanks for showing me proof I was right. I used to just skate a file across the edge of the blade, saves taking the blade off, assuming there's no chunks out of it, same amount of file Strokes on each Edge you don't need to balance it.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for sharing!

@earljtharp Месяц назад

This confirms what I’ve always thought.

@sallydenton118 Месяц назад

Your tips are super helpful!! Too cool.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Glad you think so!

@robinwendt5527 15 дней назад

I just sharpen my blades every 2-4 weeks and yes the grass is always nicer than everyone else in the neighborhood. Always walk the yard and pick-up all the sticks and anything else that possibly would dull blades if hit

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq 15 дней назад

Thanks for sharing!

@Rayinn-lw3ej Месяц назад

I have a couple of the blades identical to one you used in your test and found the blades are painted. The last one I installed I sharpened using Dremel guide and stone to remove the paint and leave a sharp edge. I suspect that the factory believes the paint will rapidly degrade and expose the sharp edge. I agree with you, the paint doesn't help and needs to be removed before the blade is used. The easiest way to remove the paint is sharpen the blade. I'm still working to find out how frequently to sharpen. Annually for my small yard doesn't seem to be enough.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for sharing with us. I appreciate it!

@OKHotrodder4u 22 дня назад

Most people aren't going to re-sharpen their blades after each mowing, which you'd have to do to keep them sharp. I agree though, sharp blades make grass look much better. Good video.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq 22 дня назад

Thanks for taking the time to comment!

@davidwillmore Месяц назад

I not only take the plug cable off, I take out the plug. It needs checked/gapped every year anyway. To hold the blade in place, I jam in a 2x4 from the rear bag cover to the side ejection port. For grinding, I use a little kit that attaches to a Dremel. It has a guide whick keeps you at the correct angle. It's very easy to use and does a hreat job.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for sharing!

@jhgvlbvd8531 13 дней назад

Awesome tip with using the washer on cone balancer tool. Also, I recently bought a new push mower and guess what? The factory installed blade on that bad boy was definitely sharp to my satisfaction unlike the new blades sold separately.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq 13 дней назад

That is awesome! Thanks for taking the time to comment!

@modquad18 Месяц назад

I mow 4 acres of thick, heavy farm grass and my blades stay extremely sharp for at least 3 cuttings. I’d have to mow 6-7 times before they’d match a new unsharpened blade. Now I use high-quality Oregon G6 blades and sharpen with a proper jig using Pferd ablative diamond wheels so maybe that’s why your experience was considerably worse.

@jozefbubez6116 28 дней назад

I bought a hover-mower some years ago and thought about 'improving' it by home-brewing some metal blades but desisted in case one flew off and imbedded itself in my leg! The mower has three plastic blades, each a little over 2" long but the mowing is perfectly good. Think also about 'weed-whackers' which use a nylon cord of some kind. There is a case for sharpening blades with reel-mowers but they, theoretically, are self-sharpening and do not need further attention unless damaged or allowed to go rusty.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq 28 дней назад

Thanks for sharing!

@joeshmoe7967 28 дней назад

Weed whackers make terrible cuts though. They are very convenient for said purpose.

@jozefbubez6116 27 дней назад

@@joeshmoe7967 I see where you're coming from but then we use these to trim the edges and not mow the whole lawn.

@GARDENER42 Месяц назад

I use the 8" bench grinder I use for profiling old plane & chisel blades prior to sharpening. I use the fine stone unless I've clipped stones. The argument regarding a sharp blade dulling faster: It's twaddle - like saying don't bother sharpening kitchen knives, as they'll only lose their edge...

@bobmeyer4389 Месяц назад

Now I know that a sharp blade is best.😄

@jacobmckee5862 Месяц назад

Awesome content. Keep at it! These are the questions I need answered!

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks! Will do!

@garykendall1376 Месяц назад

The blade will turn blue before it turns red if it is getting too hot. I like 36 grit flap wheel for sharpening my blades. Use 60 grit if touching up a blade.

@Melcy-xi8zi Месяц назад

I often wondered about this. Thanks!

@luber905 Месяц назад

Great tips! Always keep my blade sharp. However, for the love of all that’s good, clamp your work! Holding the blade in your hand gives you far less control on how you contact the grinder to the piece you’re working on. More importantly if the grinder slips or catches, you have a razor edge blade and a spinning grinder out of control near your body parts.

@kevintwiest9593 Месяц назад

Worked at a golf course. I learned that if you sharpen a blade, then file the front edge perpendicular to the bottom of the blade about a 64th of an inch, you still have a sharp but 90 degree edge and another edge just above it. Still cuts clean, but dulls a lot slower. Try that in your next test.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the advice and feedback!

@matthijsverweijmeren6114 Месяц назад

The sharper the blade the cleaner the cut. Also reduces drag when cutting tall grass and saves thus on gas.

@redrover9988 Месяц назад

Thanks for the flapper tip. I have always use my angle grinder and a grinding wheel but will use a flapper this go around. After sharpening I can hear the difference when cutting.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for sharing! Glad it helped!

@OldBearHair Месяц назад

Exceptional teacher

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate it!

@itsturbinetime Месяц назад

Ever since I mowed my lawn with a sharpened blade, it acts like its better than everyone now.

@marksteele45 Месяц назад

I sharpen the ends of the blade as well. I think it helps, especially if you run over a stick. It's less likely to lodge between the blade, and mower frame, because the blade is sharp, and cuts right through it.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for sharing!

@ggem8125 Месяц назад

Great job simple analytical and too the point. Reinforced my hunch about blades,

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks!

@bseant420 Месяц назад

it would be interesting to see how long that sharpened blade stays sharp? for most people i would say no need to sharpen, simply the fact we are watching this video means we are different lol. the average person may sharpen their blades once a season (giving avg person benefit of doubt, more likely once in a blue moon). i sharpen my blades once a month because i also use my lawnmower for mulching material to add to compost pile.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the feedback! Unfortunately, our yard has a lot of small rocks and tree roots. We try to rake them out, but it only digs up more replacements. I found that in our situation, the grass mulches up finer with the sharp blade. Thanks again!

@tomytable1753 Месяц назад

Thank you for sharing this blade-sharpening.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

You bet!

@Opiemus 6 дней назад

I agree with pretty much everything except for there is no need to put a blade lock on if you're using a good cordless impact. 😁👍

@dbmail545 Месяц назад

I've done commercial landscaping. We sharpened the blades on our mowers weekly.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for sharing!

@Arfonfree Месяц назад

I just got some aftermarket blades. They are quite sharp. However, they were powder coated after sharpening and you couldn't tell they were sharp until the powder coating on the edge was eroded.

@DizConnected Месяц назад

I'm still looking for that spark plug wire on my EGO mower, but this is great information, and I appreciate your hard work and effort to educate me. I need to sharpen my mower blade, as soon as I find that darn spark plug.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

😂😂

@IceBergGeo Месяц назад

The spark plug is that big, green (and black, depending on the size) thing that goes in the top under the spark plug cover. Don't trust me? Try putting a wire between the little metal bits. You'll surely see a big spark. (Seriously though, don't do the wire thing... You'll have bigger problems.)

@DizConnected Месяц назад

@@IceBergGeo Maybe you didn't get the joke. The EGO mower I own is an all-electric mower, no gas, no sparkplug.

@IceBergGeo Месяц назад

@@DizConnected maybe you didn't get the joke. I have one too.

@DizConnected Месяц назад

@@IceBergGeo You are right! Now that I re-read it knowing you have an EGO mower it makes perfect sense! I guess our spark plug is the EGO 56v arc battery.

@bobbylibertini Месяц назад

Putting that washer on the balancer is actually counterproductive. Just let the blade settle on one of the appropriate-sized "steps" on the balancer. That way, there's no room for movement and you can be sure it's perfectly centered, and won't slide when the blade tilts if it's out of balance. That's why those balancers are shaped the way they are and have those little steps- so no matter what size the hole on your blade is, it'll find a spot where it fits perfectly, and thus is centered.

@danielkennedy1524 Месяц назад

Super Video! Have a 48 Exmark Zero turn and sharpen every other cut! Will sharpen and costs less!

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for sharing!

@johnbutera5805 Месяц назад

The type of sanding pad is typically called a "Tiger Paw" in the construction business.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the feedback!

@kevn33 Месяц назад

WARNING! Never rotate the sharpening wheel into the sharp edge of the blade! I can tell you what might happen someday, because it did to me. I will admit, I probably should not have been using a sandpaper disc (80 grit? 4" green disc) and a rubber backing disc (or whatever they call it) in a DeWalt grinder. Because the blade cut into the sandpaper AND the rubber discs, making my DeWalt grinder fly out of my hands and the blade fly out from between my foot and a cinder block. Lesson learned. Always rotate the disc away from the sharp edge of the blade. I suppose one could argue having the blade mounted in a vise might be safer as well. Personal protective equipment is definitely recommended.

@mrbmp09 Месяц назад

If you have 2-3 hours to waste, use a file on a dull blade. I use 40 grit flap wheels and done in 6-8 min on a really dull blade..

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the feedback!

@guitarsid Месяц назад

Your testing is interesting and I thank you for doing it, however, it is a quick and dirty test that is incomplete. Another test would be for durability over time. Look at a new blade edge, it is coated and when you sharpen that new blade you do two detrimental things to it. You remove that initial protective coating, plus sharpening it will also remove the tempering from the edge. Now what will happen is that it will dull faster, dent easier, and reduce the durability of the new blade. What you have done is to make a brand new blade that will behave more like an already used blade, except it may cut cleaner for at the beginning stage. You have two choices that are best, either just put on a new blade, or sharpen the old one and continue sharpening it often. Large companies that manufacture products like this do those comprehensive tests that reveal these kind of more complete performance characteristics. I keep two blades, when the old one needs replacing or sharpening, I put on a new one as is with no sharpening. then I sharpen the old blade, and rotate them as needed. I don't ever sharpen to razorness, just to where it feels nice. It is very easy to do. Also, you didn't test if the grass itself grows any better between a new blade and a razor sharp blade.

@FlashbackEdits721 Месяц назад

Very helpful

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Glad it helped

@teropiispala2576 Месяц назад

I had a problem with my lawnmower blades getting dull fast. That's because I have sharp sand on my soil. I have used tig and dull hss endmills to hard-face some blades I have made and it works really well. I did it to my lawnmower blade, and it stays sharp 10x longer than before. I can also get it razor sharp with my tormek wet grinder. Lawnmover blades are made to be tough but not sharp. Material makes big difference. I haven't tested commercial tool steel rods. They could work too, but this hss seems to be particularly good. It just needs endmills. Normal hss drils are nowadays crap, and usually only the cutting edge is hss

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for sharing!

@acreguy3156 Месяц назад

Manufacturers won't fine sharpen blades because of the extra cost. So, they make the excuse that it doesn't make any difference. Your demo proves them wrong!! Well done sir.

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for sharing!

@acreguy3156 Месяц назад

@@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq 👍.

@bobbg9041 Месяц назад

12:44 I just use a grinding wheel on tgec4" hand held grinder one pass same pressure boom I'm done But i have 12 hours a day for 7 years worth of exp grinding with one. When I'm done it looks like the blade was sharpened at the factory only sharper. Also ill start with the 30 dgr angle and put a 45 drg edge on that just a thin strip it will make the edge last longer you can flat grind the back side to break the burr.

@bobbg9041 Месяц назад

Just like a wood chisel i see your push blocks on the wall so you know what i mean. Its not a card scraper why would you cut with a card scraper? .

@IsItWorthIt-wr4nq Месяц назад

Thanks for the comment!

@RSole9999 Месяц назад

Nice looking mower...from the top. However, that grass buildup (unless washed out after each mow) will quickly rot the deck. My olde Lawn-Boys with aluminum decks don't have that problem but I rinse them anyway.

@RSole9999 Месяц назад

Do a test: Buy two new blades, sharpen one, mow for an hour or two, then compare the edge to the new, unsharpened one. I know from experience that that razor sharp edge dulls quickly.

@customcutter100 Месяц назад

Just a safety tip for those not aware of it. ALWAYS use a grinder, buffer, etc, so that the direction of the wheel is going off of the edge, rather than turning into the edge. If it is turning into the edge, it can and will grab the edge and jerk the blade or the grinder out of your hand. I used to make custom knives and had a $500 custom folder jerked out of my hand and thrown across my shop, when the back edge of the knife contacted the buffing wheel. It could have just as easily gone into my leg or foot.