Vortec Pro Flap Discs by Weiler

The new Wolverine family of products and have been re-engineered to deliver maximum cut rate & increased life at an exceptional value. Wolverine gets the job done for fabrication professionals, aggressively grinding and blending carbon and stainless steel in every day applications.

View our current promo on Weiler Vortec Pro Flap Disc and Tiget Zirc Cutting & Grinding Wheels

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Shop for flap discs @ engman-taylor.com

How to Sharpen a Lawn Mower Blade

Most of our posts revolve around industrial applications and for good reason; it's what we know.  This week though I thought I would provide a little information that would apply to just about everyone - everyone that owns a lawn mower that is.  The topic of our blog this time is the many ways to sharpen a lawn mower blade.  Sure, there are probably 1,000 websites that tell you how to do this and nearly as many videos.  Most though, seem to offer only one option.  There are many ways to sharpen a lawn mower blade, or any blade for that matter.  One things we can all agree on is a sharp blade makes for a healthier lawn.

Safety first:  Always remove the spark plug wire when working on or under your lawn mower.  Moving the blade by hand could cause the mower to start.  Also, be careful when tipping or propping your mower up; the weight of the mower can cause serious damage and injury.  Safety glasses are a must when using any of the methods below.  Oh, and wear gloves.

Also, when tipping a mower on its side use caution as to not spill the gas from the filler neck or flood the carburetor.  Also if you keep the carburetor on the higher side you can avoid getting oil into it (which will cause hard starting or engine smoking).

Regardless of the method you choose make sure to clean the blade thoroughly.  A blade all gunked up with grass will act like a dull blade and require more power to do the same work.  While you have the blade off you should clean the underside of the mower.  Remove caked on grass and crud.  I like to spray the underside of the deck with Fluid Film (a rust preventative and lubricant).  Just a light coat as you don't want to make an oily mess for grass to stick to.

Examine the blade.  A worn out or bent blade rarely benefits from a good sharpening.  The blade at left is pretty bad but can probably be saved.  A really bad blade might be difficult to sharpen with a file but a grinder would do the trick.






The oldest, and probably most popular method to sharpen a lawn mower blade is with a file.  I prefer a "mill bastard" file, one that is 10-12" long.  A mill bastard is a type of file and there are many types to choose from.  Nearly all (metal files) will work, some just cut faster and leave a better finish than others.  Remember also that files do get dull; a new file will cut much faster than a worn out file.  If your father, or grandfather, passed down a file you may want to look at replacing it.  The handle may be reusable though.

Sharpening with a file does require removing the blade; or at least it is a lot easier this way.  Mark the blade so you know which side is "down" when you remove it.  An upside down blade is worse than a dull one.  Clamp the blade in a sturdy vise; the proper use of a file requires some force to be applied.  Follow the original angle on the blade removing dull, rounded, and banged up areas. A lawn mower blade does not have to be razor sharp; in fact it will dull faster if the edge is too thin.  Shop for files and file handles.

The second method I like to use requires a 4-1/2" electric grinder and an abrasive flap wheel.  The advent of cordless grinders makes this task all that much easier.  I have even been known to put a quick sharpen on a blade without removing it.  Use a finer grit like 120 as it is less likely to gouge the blade than say 60, or 36.  (Course discs will remove material very fast).  Use light pressure and let the disc do the work.  Again, a razor sharp edge is unnecessary.


The last method requires a pedestal grinder.  If you own a pedestal grinder you probably already know how to sharpen a lawn mower blade.  The principal is the same as above.  Remember not to use heavy pressure and overheat the blade.

I know people use multi-tools and Dremels too.  The theory is the same for any method, put a new sharper edge on the blade - your lawn will thank you for it.

If you have a favorite let us know in the comment section.

Sources / images:
http://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/lawn-mower-repair/lawn-mower-blade-sharpening/view-all
https://www.icreatables.com/yard-and-garden/lawn-mower-blade-sharpen.html
http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/sharpen-lawn-mower-blade-grinder-craftsman-murray/

Unleash Tiger X - For Those Who Demand Uncompromising Performance

The NEW Tiger X flap disc raises the bar for professionals who are driven to get the job done right – and done fast. Tiger X holds nothing back with its industry-first X3 Technology that combines an advanced grain anchoring system, dual flap design and engineered backing. The result is a disc that delivers the ultimate combination of faster grinding, longer life, and greater versatility. For those who demand uncompromising performance in a disc that doesn’t quit there’s only one choice. Tiger X.

A Good Paint Job Starts With a Clean Paint Booth

Keeping a paint booth clean is no easy task; even the best downdraft system will allow paint to build up on the floor, side walls and light fixtures. Eventually this over-spray needs to be cleaned (removed) or it will end up ruining your paint job.

There are many way to clean a paint booth, all involving lots of hard work (example video below).  There are also many way to minimize the amount of cleanup required.  One of the best ways to do this is by using the 3M Dirt Trap Protection System. (see installation video below)

Another great product, that goes along with Dirt Trap are the 3M Clear-View pads.  3M™ Clean-View Pads 5850 are the simple solution for over-spray on paint booth windows and light fixtures. Unlike other protective coverings, 5850 is an innovative multi-sheeted system that consists of a twenty-layer pad.

Engman-Taylor carries both of these products and we have specialists that can help select the right product, provide technical support, and (depending on your location) come to your facility and provide some great solutions.  Contact us today.

The Dirt Trap Protection System is an innovative solution for paint environments that improves paint quality and productivity by trapping airborne contaminants in paint areas. The system protects your paint area investment and reduces paint booth maintenance. Watch the video to the right to see how easily Dirt Trap can be applied to a paint booth using our Dirt Trap Applicators.

Dirt Trap Protection Material consists of an adhesive backed non-woven material designed to trap dust, dirt and overspray. When applied to floors and walls in paint environments the material reduces contaminants that can settle in freshly painted surfaces. The material is white in color which brightens paint areas which improves visibility for color matching and paint coverage. The unique adhesive formulation effectively adheres to properly prepared walls and floors and is easily re-positioned during application.

Installation of the 3M Dirt Trap Protection System

Good ol' fashioned hard work; Nothing wrong with this method if you have the time to do it.

Another method is to blast the sides of the booth clean (in this case using dry ice). Still a lot of work and something you will have to outsource. Again, nothing wrong with this method but prevention is still the best solution.

Show us your paint booth; add a link to your YouTube video or webpage - we would love to see it.


100% of our customers that have tried Dirt Trap give positive feedback. Let us know what you think of the Dirt Trap System, leave a comment.

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• Grind, blend & finish with one disc
• No backing pad to gouge workpiece
• Flexible disc for better surface finish
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3M Cubitron II - Superior Performance

Sanding, Cutting, Grinding, or Polishing - 3M Cubitron II Delivers Superior Performance

• Longer Life
• Better Finish
• Less Operator Fatigue
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Contact Engman-Taylor Today to Learn More

Superabrasive Wheel Shapes

In my Blog last week, I discussed the proper way to describe the shape of a Conventional grinding wheel using the the term TYPE. Superabrasive Wheels, Damond and CBN, also use TYPE to describe the shape of the wheel but the ANSI descriptions for these wheels is different. The TYPE of of Superabrasive wheel should be the first reference in describing the wheel. As an example, if you want a Diamond Cutoff Wheel with relieved sides, 6" diameter, .035 wide with 1 1/4" hole and 1/4" diamond depth, the wheel should be described as such: Type 1A1R 6"  X .035 X 1 1/4 Specification D120-R100-B 1/4".

This description using TYPE applies to all Superabrasive  Companies.