"Do you folks sharpen mower blades by hand or with a gringer?"

RB>

The special purpose gringer is not a good choice because it can only be adjusted by the hard-to-find left-handed crescent wrench.

A flat bast*rd file works fine for me. The key to getting a consistent edge and a usable blade is as follows:

1. Secure the blade. Don't fold it in one hand and the file in the other.
2. Hold the file in both hands. Make long complete stokes. Clean the file with a file card.
3. Check the balance and remove metal as indicated.

"How do you get awesome results??"
RB> I don't know if I've ever seen a mower blade with

I use a 4" angle grinder on mine and get a great edge (blade held in vise of course). You have to keep moving so you don't overheat the metal and balance when finished.

I sharpen with a 1" wide sanding belt. Does a beautiful job.

"I use a 4" angle grinder on mine and get a great edge. You have to keep moving so you don't overheat the metal and balance when finished."

Ditto.

Walt Conner

I use a grinding wheel which works fine for me. Its how I was taught by mhy late dad. I balance the blade on a screwdriver.

4" angle grinder and balance on a screwdriver for me.

I use a mill file. works great.

A blade sharpened on my grinder

AJ

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:131217}}

I also use an angle grinder with a tiger paw wheel. It has a bunch of short pieces of emery cloth on it. I start with a new tiger paw for the rougher work then grab an old one to finish the job. Sometimes they are hard to find and they cost anywhere from 8 bucks up but I think they do a better job then a plane old grinding wheel because it's a lot more forgiving and less of a chance to take away to much metal.