Do you balance your blades?

[Toomanytoys84]

I was talking to a guy today and he was saying he couldn't get his pusher mower blade to balance. He said he has one of those cone things and he keeps grinding trying to get it balanced and it never balance out. This lead me to thinking that I have NEVER checked the balance on a lawn mower blade. I throw it on the bench grinder make 2 or 3 light passes if it just needs touched up or lead in with a heavier pass and lighten up as the knicks and bumps get out. I always just try to remove the same amount from each side.

I have never had an issue with vibrations or prematurely failing spindles, ect. We usually learn from our fathers and I've never seen my dad do it either.

Do you balance?

 

[Dpregs]

I do because it is easy enough. I have the little cheap balance thingy right next to my grinder so it's easy. But, to each their own.

 

[Propane1]

I just put a screw driver through the middle hole and see if it drops either way. I don’t sharpen to often either. I don’t find it makes any difference.

Noel

 

[KennyP]

I may not 'perfectly' balance them, but do check for way out!

 

[Cvans]

Yes I balance them. Even if you can't feel it high frequency vibrations can be hard on the spindle bearings and replacing those is not a job I enjoy.

 

[olcowhand]

Never done it, nor have I had out of balance vibes. Well, did when I had a bush hog blade break off. Talk about a shaky experience then!

 

[BairleaFarm]

I do not and I do not seem to have any issues. If blades are worn more than what I consider good I replace them.

 

[bbuckler]

I use a nail in the wall to check

 

[SimplyRad]

I don't perfectly balance my blades but I get them close as I have one of those cone balencers.

 

[ol' stonebreaker]

Yes I balance them. Even if you can't feel it high frequency vibrations can be hard on the spindle bearings and replacing those is not a job I enjoy.

I've had more problems getting deck attachment bolts out of the aluminum spindle housing. Found it pays to just put O/A heat on the housing around the bolts before even trying. Always successful and the bolt threads get a good dose of antiseize on the way back in.
Mike

 

[Shorty]

About half the time, I get them balanced. With a light sharpening, it doesn't go off balance quick.

 

[Jazz]

Never considered balancing the blade., not like i'm entering my turf in the lawn and garden show. If I went to that extreme I'd probably fix my deck so it rides level, its close but no cigar.

 

[bbuckler]

In theory I guess balanced blades help prevent bearings from wearing out but if blades are that bad out of balance they need replaced anyways

 

[MH81]

My Dad always gave his a quick check, so I do... Usually.
Today's blades are only good for a few sharpenings anyways, but if they're out of balance, it can even fatigue the metal around the quill

 

[larrybl]

Finish nail on the wall as a quick check. I do sharpen them once a year, or more often if needed.

 

[chieffan]

Have one of the cone balnacers but they are only as accurate as the surface it is sitting on. Same with a nail or anything else, only as accurate as as the blade is placed on it. Grind the blade parallel with the grinding wheel, not cross wise, go with light passes and the same numbers of passes on both ends of the blade. A blade would have to be real heavy on one end to due much damage, like a chunk broke out, etc.

 

[Toomanytoys84]

Have one of the cone balnacers but they are only as accurate as the surface it is sitting on. Same with a nail or anything else, only as accurate as as the blade is placed on it. Grind the blade parallel with the grinding wheel, not cross wise, go with light passes and the same numbers of passes on both ends of the blade. A blade would have to be real heavy on one end to due much damage, like a chunk broke out, etc.

I agree with your logic. Even with a cone a balancer or nail you would never achieve enough balance to rule out vibrations that you don't physically feel when you are running the blades. You would have to have a high precision balance machine. Then as your are cutting grass build up on your blades would screw your highly balanced blade anyway.

 

[alleyyooper]

YUP but I also sharpen with a good 10" bastard mill file so I don't take a bunch off.

Mow high enough I don't hit rocks and roots when scalping the darn roots.

Al

 

[bbuckler]

YUP but I also sharpen with a good 10" bastard mill file so I don't take a bunch off.

Mow high enough I don't hit rocks and roots when scalping the darn roots.

Al

I use a flap disc and then use a file to get a real sharp edge

 

[Jazz]

Maybe I’ll check mine before I install deck next month or 2 since it costs nothing
My beer can does rattle around quite a bit when mowing