Have you ever noticed that your once-sharp reel mower struggles to cut through the grass, leaving behind an uneven and unkempt lawn? Or perhaps you’ve heard the telltale sign of dull blades – a grating sound as you push your mower across the yard. Dull blades can be a real frustration, but don’t despair! Sharpening your reel mower blades is a simple and rewarding task that will breathe new life into your mower and your lawn.
This guide will walk you through the process of sharpening your reel mower blades, from understanding the basics of blade geometry to mastering the sharpening techniques. We’ll delve into the tools you’ll need, the safety precautions to take, and the step-by-step process for achieving a professional-looking cut. Let’s get started!
Understanding Reel Mower Blade Geometry
Reel mowers use a series of rotating blades that slide past a stationary bottom blade, creating a scissor-like cutting action. The blades are carefully designed with specific angles and curves to ensure a clean and even cut.
- The Cutting Edge: This is the sharp edge of the blade that comes into contact with the grass. It must be precisely aligned with the stationary bottom blade for a smooth cut.
- The Bevel: The bevel is the angled surface that runs along the cutting edge. The angle of the bevel is crucial for proper blade function.
- The Concave Curve: Many reel mower blades feature a concave curve along their length, which helps to prevent the grass from clogging between the blades.
The Importance of Sharp Blades
Sharp reel mower blades are essential for a healthy and thriving lawn. Here’s why:
- Clean Cuts: Sharp blades make precise cuts, minimizing the stress on the grass and promoting even growth.
- Reduced Disease Risk: Damaged or ripped grass is more susceptible to disease, while clean cuts allow the lawn to recover quickly.
- Increased Efficiency: Sharp blades require less effort to push, making mowing a more enjoyable experience.
- Improved Aesthetics: A sharp, clean cut will make your lawn look significantly better.
Gathering Your Tools and Supplies
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools on hand:
- Reel Mower: You’ll need your reel mower, of course!
- Sharpening Stone: A high-quality sharpening stone specifically designed for reel mower blades is essential. These stones typically come in a variety of grits, offering different levels of sharpness.
- Flat Surface: You’ll need a stable, flat surface to work on.
- Measuring Tape: This is useful for checking the blade height and bevel angles.
- Safety Glasses: Always wear safety glasses when working with sharp tools.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
- Optional: A blade gauge, a protractor, and a honing steel can further enhance your sharpening process.
Safety First: Precautions to Take
- Disconnect the Power: Before you start any work on your reel mower, ensure that the power is disconnected. This is essential for preventing accidental injury.
- Wear Safety Gear: Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and closed-toe shoes while sharpening your blades.
- Handle with Care: Reel mower blades are incredibly sharp. Handle them with extreme caution and never leave them unattended.
- Sharp Edges: Beware of the sharp edges of the sharpening stone.
- Use a Stable Work Surface: Ensure you have a sturdy, flat surface to work on to prevent any accidents.
Sharpening Your Reel Mower Blades: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s dive into the sharpening process:
1. Disassemble Your Reel Mower Blades
- Remove the Blades: Carefully remove the blades from your reel mower. Refer to your mower’s instruction manual for specific instructions on how to do this.
- Inspect the Blades: Look for any damage, wear, or nicks on the blades.
- Identify the Cutting Edge: Locate the cutting edge of each blade – the sharp, beveled edge that comes into contact with the grass.
- Note the Bevel Angle: Pay attention to the bevel angle of your blades. This is the angle of the surface that runs along the cutting edge.
2. Preparing Your Sharpening Stone
- Choose the Right Grit: Select a sharpening stone with the appropriate grit for your needs. A finer grit (e.g., 600-800) is ideal for final honing and achieving a smooth edge. A coarser grit (e.g., 200-400) is better suited for removing significant wear or nicks.
- Soak the Stone: Most sharpening stones require soaking in water for a few minutes before use. This will help to lubricate the stone and prevent overheating.
3. Sharpening the Cutting Edge
- Stable Support: Place the blade on a stable, flat surface, ensuring that the cutting edge is facing upwards.
- Sharpening Angle: Hold the sharpening stone at the same angle as the bevel of the blade. A consistent angle is crucial for a sharp and even cut.
- Sharpening Motion: Using light, even pressure, slide the sharpening stone along the bevel of the blade from heel to tip.
- Strokes: Repeat this motion multiple times, applying consistent pressure and maintaining the correct angle.
- Both Sides: Sharpen both sides of the blade to ensure a symmetrical edge.
4. Honing the Blades (Optional)
- Honing Steel: A honing steel can further refine the edge of your blades, resulting in a sharper and more durable cut.
- Strokes: Use light, even pressure to run the honing steel along the cutting edge of each blade.
- Direction: Move the steel in one direction, from heel to tip.
- Repeat: Repeat this motion several times on each side of the blade.
5. Checking the Blade Height
- Measuring Tape: Use a measuring tape to check the height of your blades. The height should be consistent across all blades.
- Adjustment: If the blades are not the correct height, you can adjust them using the height adjustment mechanism on your reel mower.
6. Reassemble and Test
- Reassemble: Carefully reassemble the blades back into your reel mower, ensuring that they are properly aligned.
- Test Cut: Make a test cut in a small, inconspicuous area of your lawn. Check for any unevenness or dragging.
Maintaining Sharp Blades: The Key to a Pristine Lawn
- Regular Sharpening: Sharpen your reel mower blades every 10-15 mowing sessions, or more frequently if you notice any dullness.
- Proper Storage: Store your blades in a dry, protected place to prevent rusting.
- Clean After Use: After each mowing session, clean your blades with a brush or cloth to remove grass clippings and dirt.
Pro Tips for Expert Sharpening
- Use a Blade Gauge: A blade gauge can help you determine the exact bevel angle of your blades.
- Use a Protractor: A protractor can help you maintain a consistent angle while sharpening.
- Light Pressure: Avoid pressing too hard on the sharpening stone, as this can lead to uneven sharpening or damage to the blade.
- Cool Down: If your sharpening stone gets hot, let it cool down before continuing.
- Practice: Sharpening reel mower blades takes practice, but with a little patience and attention to detail, you can achieve a professional-looking cut.
Conclusion
Sharpening your reel mower blades is a crucial step in ensuring a healthy and beautiful lawn. By following this comprehensive guide, you can master the art of reel mower blade sharpening and enjoy the benefits of a crisp, clean cut. Remember to prioritize safety, invest in quality tools, and practice consistently. With a little effort, you can transform your dull mower into a powerful tool that will leave your lawn looking its best.
FAQ
1. How often should I sharpen my reel mower blades?
You should aim to sharpen your reel mower blades at least once a year, or even more frequently if you use your mower heavily or on tough terrain. The blades will dull over time from use, leading to a less efficient cut and potentially damaging your lawn. Keep an eye out for signs of dullness, such as uneven cuts or tearing of the grass, and sharpen the blades accordingly.
2. What tools do I need to sharpen my reel mower blades?
Sharpening your reel mower blades requires a few essential tools: a sharpening stone, a flat file, and a honing guide. The sharpening stone is used to create a sharp edge on the blades, while the flat file removes burrs and smooths out the edges. A honing guide ensures that the blades are sharpened at the correct angle. You may also need a vice or clamp to hold the blades securely while sharpening.
3. What type of sharpening stone should I use?
Choose a sharpening stone with a coarse grit for initial sharpening and a fine grit for finishing. A combination stone, featuring both coarse and fine grits, is a good option for most users. Alternatively, you can use a honing steel, which is a type of sharpening tool specifically designed for sharpening blades.
4. How do I know when my blades are sharp enough?
Sharp reel mower blades should easily cut a piece of paper without tearing or leaving a jagged edge. If the blades feel blunt or the paper tears, you need to continue sharpening until you achieve a smooth, clean cut. Remember to sharpen both the reel and bedknife blades for optimal results.
5. Can I sharpen my blades without removing them from the mower?
While you can sharpen the blades in place, it’s highly recommended to remove them for easier and more precise sharpening. This gives you more control over the process and ensures even sharpening across the entire blade. Refer to your mower’s manual for instructions on how to safely remove the blades.
6. What should I do after sharpening my blades?
Once you’ve sharpened your blades, it’s important to clean them thoroughly and remove any metal shavings or debris. You can then reassemble the mower and test the sharpness of the blades by cutting a piece of paper. If the blades cut cleanly, you’re ready to mow your lawn with a fresh, crisp cut.
7. Can I get my reel mower blades professionally sharpened?
Yes, you can have your reel mower blades professionally sharpened by a local lawn care service or a specialist in lawn mower maintenance. This is a convenient option if you don’t feel comfortable sharpening the blades yourself or if you want to ensure the blades are sharpened to a professional standard.