3 Best Bench Grinders For Sharpening Lawn Mower Blades

Properly sharpened lawn mower blades are essential for maintaining a healthy lawn. In this article, we will explore three top-rated bench grinders that are ideal for sharpening lawn mower blades.

Additionally, we’ll discuss the importance of blade sharpening and provide a step-by-step guide to help you achieve optimal results. Let’s dive in!

Here are the 3 best bench grinders for sharpening lawn mower blades:

1. Jet 578008 1 HP 8 Industrial Bench Grinder

At the top of our list is the Jet 578008 1 HP 8 Industrial Bench Grinder. This highly durable and industrial-grade grinder offers exceptional power for sharpening lawn mower blades.

It is well-suited for workshops and garages, providing smooth grinding and versatile voltage support ranging from 115V to 230V.

Although it comes at a higher price point, the Jet 578008 offers excellent value for money.

Features:

· 1 Horse Power

· Heavy Duty Capacity motor

· 36-60 Wheel grit

· Supports 115 to 230 volts

· 2 Year’s Warranty

· 3600 RPM

· CSA/CUS certified

Pros

· Offers great value for money

· Operates silently with low noise

· Dust Collector

Cons

· Quite Expensive

· Doesn’t come with LED light

· Absence of magnifying mirror for inspection of broken appliances.

2. DeWALT Bench Grinder, 8-Inch (DW758)

The DeWALT Bench Grinder, 8-Inch (DW758), is a reputable product from a trusted brand. With its 3/4 horsepower motor and 3600 RPM wheel speed, it is a reliable tool for sharpening blades.

While some users have reported minor issues, this grinder offers decent quality at an affordable price.

Features:

· 120 volts

·3/4 Horse Power motor

· 36-60-wheel grit

· 4.2 Amp motor

· 3600 RPM

Pros

· Lasting cast iron base

· Very powerful motor

· Decent quality

Cons

· Some users complain of wobbliness

· Only comes with single speed

· Doesn’t come with LED light

3. JET 577102 JBG-8A 8-Inch Bench Grinder

The JET 577102 JBG-8A 8-Inch Bench Grinder offers impressive quality. While its RPM of 3450 is relatively low, its 1 horsepower motor ensures the job gets done effectively.

This consumer-grade bench grinder comes at a lower price point compared to the Jet 578008 model, but it may still be relatively expensive when compared to other options.

Nevertheless, it delivers smooth performance and features a powerful motor.

Features:

· 3450 RPM

· 36-60 Wheel grit

· 1 Horse Power

· 2 Year’s Warranty

· 115 Volts

Pros:

· Good Quality

· A bit cheaper than the Jet 578008 model

· High Performance

Cons

· Complaints about vibration, but can be repaired

· No LED lights

· Not portable

Why Sharpening Lawn Mower Blades is Important:

Maintaining sharp lawn mower blades offers several benefits:

1. Greener/Healthier Grass: Sharp blades provide a clean and even cut, minimizing stress on the grass and reducing the risk of diseases, resulting in healthier and greener lawns.
2. Reduced Energy Consumption: Dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, leading to increased fuel or electricity consumption with less effective results.
3. Improved Energy Efficiency: Sharp blades enable the mower to glide smoothly
4. Ease of Use: Mowing becomes easier with sharp blades as they provide a finer and quicker cut, allowing you to complete the task with less effort and time. Say goodbye to struggling with a dull blade.

How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades with a Bench Grinder

These steps have been made easy, so sharpening your lawn mower blade shouldn’t be a hard job for you.

1. Safety

Start by removing the spark plug (from electric and gas-powered lawnmower). This will help you avoid an accident. Then, make sure your carburetor is facing upward while you to your lawnmower. This hinders oil and gas spills. By performing this, your work area has become a whole lot safer.

2. Blade Removal

Wear a pair of gloves, as even a blunt blade can still be harmful. The safest way to remove the blade is by jamming a piece of 2 by 4 in between the blade and the housing of the lawnmower. This will help keep your hand safe while holding the blade and unscrewing the nut. If the nut is extremely rigid, you can spray a small amount of grease and let the oil soak in before unscrewing the nut again. While removing the blade, please take note of the bottom side, as this will help you fix it correctly.

3. Clean the Blade

You can use a piece of rag or soap and water to clean up the blade, so you can see if there’s damage to it. If the blade has been damaged, there’s no need to sharpen it, and a new one should be purchased instead. When you buy a new blade, show you know the side that faces up and the side that faces down.

4. Sharpening the Blade

Ensure you wear a face or eye mask, protective cloth, and gloves to protect you from sparks and flying metal. Turn on the bench grinder and confirm the blade is held the right way. Place the blade at the proper angle against the grinding wheel, and move back and forth continually. Do not change the angle when sharpening, and keep your hands steady.

5. Cooling the Blade

While the blade is being sharpened, the wheel will heat it during the process. You need to keep the metal cool so as not to ruin the process or hurt yourself.

6. Balancing the Blade

You’ll have to steady the wheel to have a good cut. The simplest way to do that is to place a big nail in a vise horizontally. Then position the nail through the blade, using the bolt hole. When you have done that, check the blade again. There will be more metal on one side than the other. When you have confirmed which side has more metal, place the blade on the bench grinder again and remove the surplus metal. You may need to repeat this step.

7. Returning the Blade

You can repeat the same procedure you used in removing the blade, but this time in reverse order. Place the wood block again, and make sure you have the right sides facing up and down correctly. Try not to over fasten your nut as this might become difficult to remove the next time you need to sharpen the blade. Moreover, you shouldn’t make the nut too loose, or you may hurt yourself and destroy your mower when the blade falls off.

Tips For Sharpening Lawn Mower Blades

1. Your blades should be very sharp, but not like a razor. Popular belief claims a razor-sharp lawn mower blade will cut grass better, but that is not true.

2. Constantly sharpen your blade from the top side of the cutting edge; this will help it last longer.

3. Avoid cutting wet grass as this can make the blade blunt more quickly. If you use your lawnmower in cutting wet grass, then clean it thoroughly after mowing to keep it sharp.

Safety Tips for Sharpening Lawn Mower Blades

Sharpening lawn mower blades with a bench grinder involves working with sharp objects and power tools.

To ensure your safety and the best possible outcome, follow these important safety tips:

Use Protective Gear

Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety goggles or a face shield to protect your eyes from sparks and debris. Use gloves to safeguard your hands and a face mask or respirator to prevent inhalation of dust particles.

Secure Your Work Area

Set up your work area in a well-ventilated space with ample lighting. Ensure the bench grinder is placed on a stable surface, securely mounted or clamped to prevent it from moving during operation.

Read the Users Manual

Familiarize yourself with the bench grinder’s user manual and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation and maintenance.

Power Disconnect

Before starting any work, unplug the bench grinder from the power source or ensure the power switch is in the “off” position. This prevents accidental activation during blade installation or removal.

Blade Removal

When removing the lawn mower blade, use a wooden block or blade removal tool to secure the blade and keep your hands away from the sharp edges. Ensure the blade is completely stationary before proceeding.

Secure the Blade

When sharpening the blade on the bench grinder, make sure it is properly secured and positioned against the grinding wheel. Avoid excessive pressure or force while sharpening to maintain control and prevent accidents.

Cooling Breaks

Periodically cool the blade during sharpening to prevent overheating. Dip the blade in water or use a cooling solution to maintain a safe operating temperature.

Blade Balance

After sharpening, ensure proper blade balance by checking for equal weight distribution. Imbalanced blades can cause excessive vibrations during operation, leading to potential damage or accidents. Use a blade balancer or similar tool to verify balance.

Clean Work Area

Keep your work area clean and free of clutter. Remove any debris or metal shavings that may accumulate during the sharpening process. This reduces the risk of slips, falls, or other accidents caused by tripping over objects.

Blade Reinstallation

Take caution when reinstalling the sharpened blade. Ensure it is correctly aligned and securely fastened according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Avoid over-tightening, as this may lead to difficulties in future blade maintenance.

Maintenance and Inspection

You should regularly inspect the bench grinder for any signs of damage or wear. Keep the grinding wheels clean and properly adjusted. Replace any worn-out or damaged parts to maintain optimal performance and safety.

Prioritizing safety is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure successful blade sharpening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In conclusion, investing in a quality bench grinder can significantly improve the performance of your lawn mower blades. By following the step-by-step guide provided, you can easily sharpen your blades, ensuring a clean and efficient cut for a healthier and more attractive lawn.

Remember to prioritize safety throughout the process.