Reel mower questions

[fast14riot]

I was just given a reel mower. It's a Craftsman that looks less than 20 years old. Everything is there, I was told that all it needs is a sharpening.

Now I know how to lap the blade edges, but was wondering if inexpensive valve compound would work for sharpening? If not, then what grit of lapping compound do I need so it doesn't turn into a 3 hour job?


-Xander

 

[beau5278]

It should work, that's how they used to sharpen them.

 

[Bruceter]

Watch out when setting the gap between the reel and the straight cutter part (not sure what it's called) My Dad cut the crap out of his palm trying to adjust the cutters. Ended up with 10 stitches or so.

Bruceter

 

[fast14riot]

Thanks guys. I'll be sure to keep an eye on bed blade.


-Xander

 

[Le Fermier]

Sharpen and square the cutting bar, not the blades. Unless of course you've been cutting a gravel driveway. It's supposed to work like scissors. After squaring the bar use a couple three thin shims and adjust the blades to the bar. Do it the same way you do your combine when harvesting your wheat.