Some of the discussion here is incorrect. Correct grinding will ALWAYS produce a better finish than a lathe or similar machine. If this was not the case we would not have cylindrical grinders or surface grinders. Using the lathe for this procedure does allow the removal of more material when making the reel "round". The edge of a newly manufactured blade is tangential to the diameter of the reel. The lathe removes this tangential edge. If we are talking about "precision" this operation should be done between centres, not in a less precise three jaw chuck. Reel grinders can provide better clearance between the reel and the bottom blade. I have no doubt that the result here is good, but not to the extent described. The initial cuts taken in this process will always be noisy. That cannot be avoided. The same process with a reel grinder will be much quieter, but the process will take longer. Best wishes...
100% Agree. Also, internment cutting action on reel blades that are kept in position by welds is a dangerous one. Hence grinding cylindrically, or linearly along the blade one by one, is a safer option imho.
My Uncle did this many times until. The blade came out the lathe spinning at high speed straight up to his neck nearly killing him, he was in hospital for 8 months still cannot talk now. So be very careful.
If Shane is spinning the reel, in the direction it cuts in the mower & basically setting the tool in the position of the bedknife & is creating a sharp quality cutting edge then why do we get told to reverse the direction for a backlap ?
I'll ask him! I suspect it's a safety measure but I'm not sure... rather than grinding (or cutting) the reel metal against a stone (or tool), backlapping grinds the reel against the bedknife using an abrasive paste to do the grinding so it could be instead to avoid catching the reel edge against the leading edge of the bedknife
Not sure (I've asked Shane to comment) but my guess is the cutting face on the cylinder blades would not be flat given its helical shape. Does it cut square in relation to the bottom blade (as it rotates)? I would say so :)
The proof is in the pudding, I bought an 8 blade 17” from Shane and it superb.
Always good to watch a master craftsman in action. Thanks Michael & Shane
Some of the discussion here is incorrect. Correct grinding will ALWAYS produce a better finish than a lathe or similar machine. If this was not the case we would not have cylindrical grinders or surface grinders.
Using the lathe for this procedure does allow the removal of more material when making the reel "round". The edge of a newly manufactured blade is tangential to the diameter of the reel. The lathe removes this tangential edge.
If we are talking about "precision" this operation should be done between centres, not in a less precise three jaw chuck.
Reel grinders can provide better clearance between the reel and the bottom blade.
I have no doubt that the result here is good, but not to the extent described.
The initial cuts taken in this process will always be noisy. That cannot be avoided. The same process with a reel grinder will be much quieter, but the process will take longer.
Best wishes...
Thanks for your opinion I was pretty much thinking the same thing, but you cleared things up for me
100% Agree. Also, internment cutting action on reel blades that are kept in position by welds is a dangerous one. Hence grinding cylindrically, or linearly along the blade one by one, is a safer option imho.
I would suggest safety glasses with sideshields for all involved. I do like the turning process.
Most definitely. Silly thing is I *always* wear eye and ear protection in my workshop... was a bit excited on this occasion, I suppose!
Love the video I would like to know more about his setup
Great vid Michael as always. The mo is simply outrageous btw. Very Milat meets Dirk Diggler.
Thanks mate! I'm having wayyy too much fun with the mo 😂
I love this Shane I have many Locke mower and front throw mowers I live in Michigan USA how does you set up what bit to use and angle
Finally a good video of sharpening reel on a lathe. What RPM was the lathe running at Shane?
Shane is the cutting tool tip dead centre or are you having it a thou or so above or below the axis line ?
Dave
It will be just below centre line👍
My Uncle did this many times until. The blade came out the lathe spinning at high speed straight up to his neck nearly killing him, he was in hospital for 8 months still cannot talk now. So be very careful.
I believe you.
Looks like a swardman reel.. would you happen to sell a harder bed knife?
If Shane is spinning the reel, in the direction it cuts in the mower & basically setting the tool in the position of the bedknife & is creating a sharp quality cutting edge then why do we get told to reverse the direction for a backlap ?
I'll ask him! I suspect it's a safety measure but I'm not sure... rather than grinding (or cutting) the reel metal against a stone (or tool), backlapping grinds the reel against the bedknife using an abrasive paste to do the grinding so it could be instead to avoid catching the reel edge against the leading edge of the bedknife
Do you machine the bed knife also?
Shane sends the bed knives out to be ground to his specifications
Great knowledge. Is the edge across the cutting blade face flat .
Cheers
Not sure (I've asked Shane to comment) but my guess is the cutting face on the cylinder blades would not be flat given its helical shape. Does it cut square in relation to the bottom blade (as it rotates)? I would say so :)
how many RPM is the reel spinning in the lathe?
This makes sense!
Is the reel reversible so it can be swapped round after first edge loses its sharpness?
No (only one end is threaded/keyed to receive the double sprocket)
Definitely leave that job to the experts.
where do I get one of those t-shirts??
facebook.com/LushLawnSolutions
Chris does them 💪
What type of steel is used for blades?
I believe it's spring steel
Low carbon steel, rusts really well!
How to twist the blade of reel
I believe they come pre-twisted
You get it in America but if we want to produce it in Pakistan
How we will twist it ?
Can you guide me?