balancing a lawnmower blade?

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A good way would be like how a model airplane propellor is balanced. Similar to using a nail, but the "nail" is supported by something that keeps it dead center on in the hole. The "nail" is set on two level parallel surfaces. Balance until the blade stops trying go vertical.

If you google "prop balancer" you'll see what I'm talking about. At the end of the day though, as soon as you hit a rock and chip the blade it's off balance again.

All said and done I think the table edge idea is pretty darn good and simple.
 
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I use something like this, Can get them at any hardware store for under $5.
 
I've found that every time after sharpening the blade, that my mower seeks out a rock, tree root, lost wrench to make the sharpen and balance all for naught...
 
neighbor hit the buffalo box in his yard and thought he bent the blade. it was the crank that bent. well, he went and got a smaller dia. blade and wondered why it was hitting the housing...
 
A good way would be like how a model airplane propellor is balanced. Similar to using a nail, but the "nail" is supported by something that keeps it dead center on in the hole. The "nail" is set on two level parallel surfaces. Balance until the blade stops trying go vertical.

If you google "prop balancer" you'll see what I'm talking about. At the end of the day though, as soon as you hit a rock and chip the blade it's off balance again.

All said and done I think the table edge idea is pretty darn good and simple.
forgot about that but it was usually easier just to put another prop on the .049's after they ran into the ground. "plastic" ones were more forgiving than the wood ones.
 
yeah those .049 are tiny. The larger 1/4 scale props are more problematic. You want those balanced pretty good.
 
WE have way more sand than grass. The sand eats it up fast enough to self balance maybe??!
The ancient Z Turn has a big enough motor than nothing matters!
 
I mow 5 ac too much to pick up all the sticks
So the small stuff I mow ....
That's why I swap blades after the first couple of mows
 
My Dad always used the edge of a triangular file to balance blades. I've just continued the tradition.
 
after 5hrs finally got my new mower sorted ....
so not sure how much time it will save yet
i know i need a small mower for around the trees
 
See "Steve's Small Engine Saloon" on YouTube. He has some great info on this subject. Myself, I've never balanced a blade after sharpening (twice a season) and never had a problem in 40 years on my farm. I guess I've been EXTREMELY lucky, haha.
 
Think its more critical when the blade bolts to the crank
 
I have been sharpening mower blades for 50 years - never bothered about balancing any of them - never had a problem. There are plenty of things in life that demand precision, mower blades arent one of them
 
I've found that every time after sharpening the blade, that my mower seeks out a rock, tree root, lost wrench to make the sharpen and balance all for naught...
Dude, isn't it the absolute truth!!!! I have gotten to the point where I sharpen the blades on my riding mower about monthly. You would think that just cutting grass would not dull the blades too much, not so. When I sharpen the blades more frequently, They cut MUCH better. Plus, I am always shocked at how mowing my grass only 5 or 6 times can dull the blades so much.
 
Yeah with 5ac I do once a year ....
Every storm knocks down branches
I would triple my mower time if I had to pickup sticks all the time
And my lawn is more weeds then grass
Some day ill grade and have a real lawn arould the house
Real grass needs alot more attention
 
They are great for weed control
But they eat all the flowers first
 
A nail on the side of the workbench works fine. It's just a lawn mower.
Reminds me of when my wife was complaining about the mower vibrating. Couple weeks later she came in and said the mower won't shut off and the engine is spinning.

Walked out and there it was chugging with the engine spinning on the deck . The mount bolt base broke off from vibration cracks around the holes . When the engine started spinning the cable ripped off so no shut off.

I had to get the skid loader and squash it. I wish I would have a picture of her face when she saw me squash her mower. She was expecting a quick fix. No apple pie that day.
 
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