sharping blades

Well my question is how do you sharpen your blades.....like what do you use to do it and how do you know they are sharp?
Or when is it time to replace them or how many times can they be sharpened?

I take mine off the deck and sharpen on a belt sander (makes a nice edge). You don't need to take all the nicks out just put an edge on. (10x blade life)
You can take 25-30% of the width for sure but if the metal is worn thin from abrasion get a new one.
If you just put an edge on you can sharpen 50X.
Too rusty bent or twisted, get new ones.
And you should check the balance, just put a nail in the wall and hang the blade from the spindle hole.

GT 14 wrote: I take mine off the deck and sharpen on a belt sander (makes a nice edge). You don't need to take all the nicks out just put an edge on. (10x blade life)
You can take 25-30% of the width for sure but if the metal is worn thin from abrasion get a new one.
If you just put an edge on you can sharpen 50X.
Too rusty bent or twisted, get new ones.
And you should check the balance, just put a nail in the wall and hang the blade from the spindle hole.

ok thanks.....belt sander sounds like a good idea.........I was thinking about taking my blades some place to be sharped but might just try and do it myself.

I have a 4 inch belt sander that I clamp to the bench (belt up). You can control how much you take of allot easier.

I just use a 6 inch bench grinder. I would think the sandpaper would wear out fast.

JustinW.73 wrote: I just use a 6 inch bench grinder. I would think the sandpaper would wear out fast.

Sand paper holds up very well, blade metal is fairly soft.

Pappy I agree with GT's method, I also use a belt sander to sharpen blades. When you pull the blades make sure to check them for cracks around the retaining bolt.

M Bailey wrote: Pappy I agree with GT's method, I also use a belt sander to sharpen blades. When you pull the blades make sure to check them for cracks around the retaining bolt.

ok thanks and i will check for cracks....

Good thread......I don't have a belt sander but I do use something in the angle grinder that is similar.....like a heavy sandpaper that would make a nice edge.....(use the material to remove paint and such.....)

I am with Bob on this one -- I use an angle grinder with a heavy grit sandpaper -- Just need to be careful on how much blade you remove -- Angle grinders can really take a lot of metal -- A light touch is good