Here’s the list of products reviewed. More details in the video description. Thank you! All American: amzn.to/46fSmbi RGB 950: amzn.to/43Ss79g Yellow Hornet: amzn.to/3CAf7sR Tool Rest: amzn.to/3CAVe4S Mercer Industries File: amzn.to/3CGWeo5 Universal File Holder: amzn.to/448Kw15 Arnold Drill Attachment: Available at Home Depot
@@ProjectFarm I have been using different Wood Hardening liquids but it would be awesome to see you compare them. It would be nice to see how wood fillers compare also. Not sure how you would keep things fair but you are a very smart and ingenious so I have faith you can. I hope to see it some day.
I bought an All American after your last blade sharpener video, I've not regretted it for a moment. That thing is lightning-fast, and super easy to use. I'd recommend it to anyone who needs to sharpen more than just a couple blades a year. You'll be *all* your neighbors' best friend come sharpening time. xD
I did the same thing. I used my zero turn for 3 months before I used the All American. I was very impressed how well it sharpened the 3 blades and so quickly. Made a big difference in the cut quality and the grass blades for chopped up more on my mulching blades. Do not regret buying this....
I also got the All American setup based on the last sharpener video you did. I went to harbor freight with the threaded pins that came with the sharpener and bought the cheapest grinder they sold that a pin threads into. I leave the flap sanding wheel on that grinder and it is dedicated to blades.
I'm curious, why spend all that money? A new blade is $20 and there's a video on making a nice a jig for a bench grinder to accomplish the same. If I owned a landscaping company I would definitely invest in one. Or maybe if I owned an acreage and had to mow 4+ acres all the time. I just have a normal yard though
This Gentleman is a National Treasure! I’m in my 80’s and have seen many comparisons on every type of tool imaginable and none has even come close to this man’s expertise in assisting us DIYers! Thank you Sir!!
The All American is an impressive piece of kit. Guiding the grinder opposed to the blade appears to give the best confidence. I'm not a fan of taking the blade to a wheel that looked rather unforgiving, mainly due to the lack of adjustability. All American for me... and I'm an Aussie ;) Cheers mate 👍
That all American would be great for the golf course. We sharpen blades constantly, and a consistent sharpening is key to after cut appearance. Which we usually can’t get with an angle grinder alone. Sometimes we even use a right angle die grinder with a roloc style disc and that doesn’t do any better with keeping the angle consistent.
We use an All American Sharpener for our lawn care company on anywhere from 6 to 21 blades per week depending on season and growth conditions. In my experience the 35* setting yields a QOC as good as the 30* while holding the edge longer and surviving impacts with small sticks, etc especially during leaf season. My blades last much longer compared to freehand with a vice and grinder/flappy disc I did before. They balance easier, and QOC is consistent from beginning to end of life on our blades. I also save a TON of time compared to before.
Hi Was just thinking that AAS is the only one of these that can be given to an apprentice to work with or selected operators Rgb might be great for someone who is making swords and knifes Yellow and rgb would be better if the bladerest would have support or quide for the edge to work against
I worked at a lawn mower shop and we used the RGB 712. We left the blade against the grinding wheel as we pushed and pulled it. That made the sharpening process go a lot faster. Petition to test blade balancers! We used a Mag 1000 and loved it!
I find my self inexplicably drawn to these videos despite not having any need for them. I find most interesting the testing methods, showing you dont need absolute measurments and tests to compare products if you give your testing methods some thought. Awesome job as usual!
You sir are a national treasure to us do it yourself folks (and even the pros wait for your very professional review...) the reviews you make are priceless to your subscribers. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
@@ProjectFarm Please, for the love of God, test battery powered fans. It's in the mid 90's here in Georgia. We're all sweating more than we can drink. El Nino is coming, so it's only going to get hotter nationwide. We all just want to which brand has the best battery life, which puts out the most CFM per amp hour, which is the overall best value, how many decibles, etc. I trust you more than I trust the marketing teams at Ryobi, DeWalt, Makita, etc. This product test is relevant and will generate views. El Nino will bring heat and storms, both of which will knock out power. Without power, people don't have air conditioning and will resort to battery fans. We lost power for 9 hours here in Macon, GA on Sunday with the storms. We were all sweltering in the heat. Job sites are borderline unbearable in the sun. It's also relevant for camping, beach vacations, and every other place and time where having a fan would be nice. Heck, they're even nice to have when working on the car or mowing the lawn. This product test will help everyone. Use your science and engineering to point us in the right direction. We need you on this one!
I use a hard disc on my All American Sharpener. It is super quick and more accurate than a flap disc. The resulting edge is absolutely beautiful like it was cut on a milling machine.
@alanbarriga77 , I use a fine disc since hard discs remove material very quickly. The actual grit number is not critical. If a coarse disc is all you have, use very light force on it.
Hey, I've got a mill... I'm an idiot, never gave it a thought. I'm watching this video trying to decide which one of these I should build, was leaning towards the All American design, but wanted to incorporate an adjustable rest for depth to keep it as flat and consistent as possible. Making a jig to hold the blades in the mill and whacking off the excess bits with carbide sounds a lot faster, easier, and more precise than any of these methods... Thanks!
I’ve been using a hand file for years and enjoy the time and patience it takes to get a consistent edge. Maintaining your blade so it doesn’t get too dull is also helpful.
Plus, master putting on an edge with a file, and you can sharpen just about any edge, any where. Very little noise, good results and the only power requirement is calories.
Frequent maintenance of the blade will absolutely make the process easier and much faster. (you'll get better results on your lawn too). I prefer the file and use a combo of a flat and a round file for mulching blades.
One thing I love about the cheap stone-on-a-drill unit is if you lift the front of the mower safely, you can do a mid-season touch up on the blades while stillattached to the spindles.
If you have access to the blades, it takes about 15 seconds to take the off or put them on with a cordless impact wrench. You can then do the job properly!
@@michaelzdanis3979 not everyone has a cordless impact wrench or a torque wrench. I'll take mine off once a season but I'm not messing with it more than that lol
Sharpened a lot of blades over the years and it’s hard to beat a simple nail into a vertical surface for a cheap and accurate blade balancer. Just put it on horizontally and if a side starts to fall it needs material removed. When balanced the blade will stay horizontal. I always liked hand grinding as it was fast and with practice you can get a good edge; though as I’ve gotten older a blade in a vise and an angle grinder does just as good and feels a bit safer. The bench grinder did make it easier though to keep a bucket of water near by to ensure the blade didn’t get too hot; hard to dip a blade when it’s in a vise.
Nail on the wall is actually not very good as a blade balancer . It work in a pinch for rough balancing . The nail is a lot SMALLER than the lawn mower blade mounting hole . As the result the nail is NOT at the center of the blade . The blade offset location due to the nail . Would mean an small unbalance would Not be detected by the nail in the wall balancer
@@sofjanmustopoh7232: May not be the “best” way but it works; been using this method for more than 6 decades and haven’t had any major vibrations or even minor ones. You can measure a lot of things good enough with a tape measure, sure you can measure things more accurately with a caliper or micrometer but at a point you get to demolishing returns of accuracy, especially when you’re dealing with something as coarse cutting as a mower blade. That said people can pay for whatever they choose and if you want to go that way go ahead. But a smooth nail at the center of a blade will work well enough and costs nothing as most people will have a nail sitting around.
Been mowing for years, many of them professionally. I clamp blade in vise or to bench and use a right angle grinder and spray plenty of water while grinding, as long as you stay 30°~35° your fine, 30 for normal yards 35° If yard has any twigs, pine cones, acorns etc. and will help with chipping, just my experience. Do not put any pressure, let the tool weight do the work and DO NOT overheat blade with any power tool method. Fast and effective. $285 for the all American...yikes, glad I learned to free hand with right angle grinder.
I just did mine with a $13 blade sharpening attachment kit for a rotary/Dremel tool and it worked great! Blade was very smooth and razor sharp. That kit also includes attachments for straight, multi blade and chain saws. I found it easier when I put the tool in a vice and held the blade to run it through.
I've been using the Dremel attachment for a few years now. I really like it. It's a good angle, super easy, super quick to give it a quick touch up every few cuts (I'm obsessive)
@brichardson7884 Which one did you get specifically? The all american would definitely be my choice out of all the ones he tested, but 300 dollars for what it is seems like a rip-off.
My previous comment seems to have disappeared. I have used a four and a half inch angle grinder for years. I normally have a cut off disc on it, but recently I have been using a flap disc.. Apple the starting rope until the piston feels it is at TDC. I flip the mower on its side and remove the mulching blade with a 12 volt Milwaukee impact wrench. This takes less than a minute. Sharpening is done visually and is completed in a couple of minutes. The quality of the sharpening is sufficient for the quality of our lawn. Thank you for another wonderful video.
I just use my 90degree angle grinder with a 60-80 grit screw on sanding disk. Works great, and is very easy. Another but slower method is my Worksharp knife sharpening system. A little slower, but helps with the multi angle mulching blades. Never had any balancing problems with either method.
I've had the All American for several years now. I like it a lot. It's bolted to a short piece of 2x4 wood block that I can easily clamp down with my Jawhorse vise stand under my car port. Using my battery powered Milwaukee grinder makes the system cordless and portable. I also use the Oregon magnetic balancer (also have the Mag 1000) which I believe is a real bearing saver on my mower decks. Love the whole set up. I hold a blade sharpening "party" a couple of times a year for my sons and a couple of neighbors. 🙂
I'm in the lawn care business. I've been using the All American sharpener for the past 3 years to sharpen the blades on my commercial mowers. I agree with everything you said about the All American. I believe it is one of the best investments you can make to keep good edges on your blades and do so in a short amount of time. As usual, thanks for the great comparison video! Also, I grease my sprockets every week when I sharpen my blades. I use the Red N Tacky after watching your grease review and am extremely pleased with it. I haven't had a sprocket bearing that I use this grease on fail in the last 3 years. I started using both products at basically the same time.
Just had my blades sharpened, cost $8 a bade. My Honda mower has 2 blades so it cost me $16. Always thought about getting a sharpener and this video will help with that decision. As always, AWESOME work. Thank you!
you could buy yourself a pair of glove, muff and glasses and sharpen most of any "rought" tools with a hand grinder worth 20$ coupled with a flap disk or asphalt stone.
@@KreemieNewgattquality of cut is part of the equation. Maybe you don't care about that personally or maybe you only mow the lawn only to get it done but as a professional with over 47 years in the field I can tell you that staying sharp is paramount if a customer is involved. We cut our weedless lawns 30 times a year.
For less than $20 at harbor F. you can buy a angle grinder and an' open' 40 or 60 grit 4 /2 in disc. What did you spend in gas to get the blades sharped?
As always you do a fantastic job. I’m with you, I have the All American sharpener and love it. I run the Marbain steel blades for my lawn care business. They are tough, and I can literally run a whole season on one set of blades sharpening every 2 weeks with little time sharpening with the All American. Thank you for all you do with your channel, you have helped me immensely!!
After watching the previous video on blade sharpeners i went to my scrap metal pile and build a sharpener like the all-American and have really been pleased with the easy of use and the consistency it provides.
Good comparison as usual! Personally, I've been using an angle grinder with a flap disc on blades in a vise. Like sharpening a knife. Takes getting used to for proper angle but after a while they are perfect. Always check balance too as mentioned! It's much easier to fix an imbalanced blade then change a mandrel out! ;-)
There is no better method. Grass, sticks, stumps and rocks don't care if your blade edge is 20-45 Degrees. Resharpening will be needed regardless to get rid of chips. I like to shoot for30-40 degrees as any small rocks or branches hit will create smaller dings and make the blades last longer. You don't even need a vise. Vice grips and a piece of angle iron bolted to any suraface works perfect for sharpening even mulching blades. Flips the blade over to sharpen both edged and a single blade can be sharpened in 2 minutes with a flapper wheel.
That's all I have done too and it has worked well. Sharp, balanced, close enough to the right angle....I doubt there's much difference between a 27 degree and 30 degree sharpening...That said I would buy the All American in this video if it cost around $100. No thanks at the actual price though. I do 40 grit if there's a big missing chunk and 120 grit to finish up flap disk.
I use a 60 grit , open cut 4 1/2 inch grinding wheel. I set the blade to be a little lower than elbow height. Do not grind out the nicks. It removes to much blade.
When buying sharpeners, it's a good idea to remember that all stones are ablative, so anything that has a "set it and forget it" jig is actually selling you a ton of headache. As the stone wears away, your geometry changes.
That was amazing! And I am *SUCH* a butcher when it comes to sharpening the blades on my Deere LA115. I "free-hand" it with an angle grinder and a flapper disc. But in my defense, the blades *are* mulching blades. Thanks for the eye-opening review!! 👍
@@johnmckee7937 I use what I have... LOL And it works fine, it's just not the prettiest job. But being out of sight under the mower deck, nobody knows but me! And the lawn looks fine.
I have a Work Sharp Knife &. Tool sharpener, Ken Onion edition, with all the attachments and extra belts. I have maybe $300 in it all in. I use it to sharpen everything in the house. With the mower blade attachment I can sharpen both sides of my mulching blades to scary sharp in about 15 minutes. It often takes me longer to get the blades off my lawn tractor deck than it does to sharpen the blades. Highly recommended and versatile tool. I love your channel!!!!!
I cut grass every day as a lawncare worker. I really enjoyed this video. I think it would have been neat to see the BESS test on each blade before and after sharpening, and maybe having the blade run through water for 10 minutes or something like that. It'll dull the blades faster than grass, so it would work for video time purposes, to simulate the amount of wear each products blade. Which product do you think you would recommend for commercial use?
*_I did Lawn care for years and a new blade 15 dollars or less depending on where you go. I have zero time for this silliness, and any real wear the blade hasn't got enough meat to sharpen them or to thin to even think.of doing this._*
@@Thelongmanable It's almost as if you can throw your old blades into a pile and refurb them all in an hour during downtime, yours or the newhires. No point throwing away good blades.
@@Thelongmanable47 years plus and still going. Sharpening blades on a regular basis is what most professionals do. We have stacks of blades that we do at a time.
5" Makita grinder with a 60 or 80 grit flap wheel. Just free hand it, works perfect for me. I should get one of those balancers though just to be sure, although I've never felt an imbalance yet.
I actually bought the All American about a year ago and you're right. It's fast! lol It also does a way better job than I could do by hand. Not much more I could ask for.
I think by the time you get the blades off and on the mower, the sharpening time isn't quite so important. None of the motorized equipment seemed to really take a long time. Personally, I tend to try to balance "cost vs benefit" when buying stuff. Based on that, I'm probably going to look closer at the Yellow Hornet, since I can likely stick a Pittsburgh/Chicago Electric (Harbor Freight) grinder in it and still get decent enough results. I don't use a bagger/mulcher, so I don't need to worry about the curved blades. By the way, did any of the sharpeners have an easy way to screw/bolt them to a workbench?
About 12 hours ago I found myself in Home Depot trying to figure out what I should buy to sharpen my lawn mower blade, I quickly gave up not sure what was best and decided my blade isn't THAT dull, fast forward to this morning and here we have the answer I needed.
I recently bought that Arnold kit just for the blade balancer but decided to try it on an old blade I had laying around. I used an old Craftsman corded drill rated at 3000 rpms and it worked much better than in a cordless. Still wasn't great but it was serviceable.
I bought a copy of the all American on Amazon for about 60.00 and it works perfectly, since I don’t have many blades to sharpen and not mowing commercially I couldn’t justify the 285.00 price tag.
@@JDSikkema They don’t sell it anymore under the name I have but there are a lot of them listed under different names but it’s the same thing. I wanted one with a metal tightening handle not the plastic. I mounted it on a board that I clamp in my jawhorse and move it outside and it works great. Make sure you clean the edges of the blade so it clamps properly.
Have had the All-American sharpener for two sezsons so far and it works very well. Couldn't be easier to use. Very consistent repeatable results. Very happy with the decision to purchase this american made piece of equipment.
Working in a hardware store while in high school, I sharpened hundreds of blades with a bench grinder and it was by far the best and easiest method. Even more important is a high quality blade balancer, not just the chinsy one you showed in the video.
Same! I worked at a lawn mower repair shop and I learned a lot about sharpening blades. If I had to buy one item (sharpener or balancer) I would buy a good balancer. I can get the blades sharp with an angle grinder (hopefully the angle would be close). But I would be confident that the balance would be spot-on.
Now that it's grilling season, you should do a roundup of the best grill cleaning brushes! After a season I am hesitant to use my metal brush because I fear any of the bristles falling off!
@@francoiscaen3182 an alternative method I use for cleaning my metal grill grates is heavy duty aluminum foil. Doesn't take much, gets most of the gunk off and no harmful metal/bristles to worry about. If you have a lot of carbon/food buildup, I'll spray/soak them with vinegar prior then use the foil to remove/clean it. For porcelain coated grates, I use vinegar and baking soda soaking solution cleaning it with a soft scrub pad.
So, based on your recommendation, Todd, I bought the All-American, and I love it! Worth every penny. Once you get used to the angle and (very little) pressure you need on the grinder, it's a dream, and very consistent. Thank you!
Weird request but can you test fishing line? There are a few on UA-cam but none have the quality tests that you will come up with. As always thanks for keeping us entertained!
Waits patently for the Sunday review. I commented this on your last video yesterday, but I’ll put it here as well. I was surprised to discover you’d not compared various corded/cordless hedge trimmers. I think this could round out your outdoor equipment section nicely.
I use your tests to help decide, and it is the truest most honest reviews ever. Your the Clark Howard of reviews neither accept sponsors or is there any bios. Just what ever it is. What got me hooked was your battery reviews between cheapest like Amazon to the top brands. You have not ever disappointed! Lithium battery’s are starting to be recommended like alkaline batteries were in the past. Maybe someday you would consider doing a test on a range of them. Thank you for all the trouble you go through for us! So much detail!!
I’m more than happy using my $9 blade sharpener. I think $1200 for blade sharpening my $200 lawnmower is just a lil too much 😂 I’ll check out the Arnold sharpener tho .
I would consider the 1200 one a professional level tool, like if you ran a shop... It gives a perfect "flat" result which i'd expect if I paid to have a blade sharpened, vs doing it myself with a grinder.
I bought the All-American model that is preset to 30 degrees and it works great. And I bought it after watching your previous review that tested the same model. Thanks for all the awesome and valuable videos you put out for us!!
As always - great analysis. 80 Grit flap disk on a battery angle grinder with the blade held in the other hand resting on the edge of a garbage can when I want it good and sharp and balance it. Most of the time I just pull the spark plug wire, flip the mower on it's side, and grind it attached. Blade gets a new edge 2-3x season. Thing I like about the All American is it looks like it could be used to sharpen a lot of other things with a little modification to the jig. Yellow hornet needs adjustments and feat to bolt it down. As for files - should use whatever came out on top for your file test. Nothing says you can't use your own results.
When it comes to grind time I think its important to also consider setup time. Some of the grinders were "fast" but took a good few minutes to get set up so overall not as quick as the ready to go ones.
Your tests are thorough and straight to the point. Thanks for all the time and effort you put into them. I've got a lot of light fixtures with transparent glass or exposed bulbs, and I have yet to find an LED "filament" bulb that lasts. I'd love it if you'd put some to the test, especially in varying temperatures to simulate changing seasons.
I purchased a nock off of the adjustable All American on Amazon for $50,. best sharpener I have ever used. Its actually kind of fun to sharpen blades now.
This video like many others can double as a “how to” video. Some valid points, tips and tricks. The learning curve statement should be in everyone’s mind when they buy a new tool so as to temper one’s expectations. It takes a bit of time to get proficient at a skill, and making a quality cutting edge on any tool is without a doubt a skill. The way he used that file…100% skill. Really good job on this video, like every video. Awesome channel
Another fantastic video Todd! Personally what causes damage to the 2 blades I use is sticks and branches that are run over. That considered a nice file is the go to option. However if someone needs to maintain a few dozen blades on a golf course, sod farm, or local public works the more expensive sharpeners can be worth the investment. As a second comment I have a few video suggestions. Comparisons for the following categories: pruning shears, shrub shears, lopping shears, and maybe some handheld saws. All are items that can be utilized in maintaining ornamental plants, shrubs, and trees.
Been waiting for this one. Watched the last one when I started cutting grass for a company, and now I’m ready to buy one for myself! Appreciate all the help you’ve given over the years, that you don’t even know you have, or get credit for.
Great video. Will for sure investing in the All American. Would really like to see you test different brands if files. Nichols used to be the way to go but I see a lot of people say how it just isn't what it used to be.
Do you end up keeping many of the products you test, or do you sell them on (atleast the ones that haven't been destroyed during testing)? If so, what's the most expensive one you've kept hold of? Do companies ever follow up with you to improve their products or ask you to test prototypes? Would love to see a FAQ video!
I found your channel last week. I've been binge watching every episode lol. Your channel is AWESOME!! Thank you!! The All American Sharpener is far and away the BEST sharpener I've used yet. I had the original model for straight blades for my Simplicity Broadmoor. I'm now going to upgrade to the All American 5005 so i can do mulching blades. Thank you again for great content!!!
Thanks for all of the great tests and reviews. I have a suggestion for you to test. Fireproof/waterproof document bags. There's no standard for rating them like safes. So, testing an assortment may show some interesting results. Keep up the good work and best wishes.
Whether I need or use a product in your vids doesn't matter. I watch them to learn. You have real-world testing that seems to be missing otherwise and it is wonderful to see your testing. The All-American is my favorite.
When I was a kid we used to get a new lawnmower blade every spring, and this meant a trip to Canadian Tire. One time us 3 kids were sitting in the back seat squabbling over who was going to hold the new blade in its cardboard wrap on the way home. My mother sitting in the front seat immediately took the blade away and gave my Dad an earful about us kids cutting off our hands and stuff, all the way home. I bet he wished he had gone by himself :-)
The way I beat em up, I hit em with an angle grinder without removing them. I sharpen at least monthly and usually replace yearly lol The belt grinder is an approach I never considered, I'll have to try removing and using that for sure for the blades on my brushhog. May be able to fit it up there without removing too haha
I'm a flat file guy, but I got to admit that the guys building custom $300+ knives usually sharpen them on a belt sander. My Father uses a 2" belt sander for his riding mowers blades and it works well.
@@WisconsinEric my neighbor has a sweet Ameribrade brand belt sander for knives and such. I've used it for a couple other minor things and boy is that thing SWEET
I use a mill file on my mulching blades (mounted in a vice); 3-4 passes and done. I sharpen them weekly. Takes longer remove and reinstall the blades than it does to sharpen them. Your blades were way more dull than they should ever get, which is why it took so long - your grass will look better, too. No special setup, no dedicated space, and no expensive jig needed.
The best sharpener is one that you use. I balanced and sharpened mine on a grinder last year. I ordered the 3 dollar stone you put on the drill and it worked quite well with the blade on the mower. I could see what part of the angle I was grinding and I adjusted the angle to match the blade angle. It took a few minutes and I was very happy with it. Nice and sharp in comparison to how it was
One test you didn't do is to see how long the edge lasts. Abrasive wheels soften the blades so the blunten quickly. For almost every blade a file is the slowest method of sharpening but holds its edge way longer. This also applies to cold chisels and centre punches
I really enjoy your videos! I used to use a hand file, but recently switched to a powered hand grinder. Literally 30 sec per blade on my mulching mower blades. Worth every penny I spent on my cordless hand grinder and the 60 grit sharpening disc. Since I mow 1x/week (almost year-round since I live in FL), I don't need to sharpen that often.
I do fleet maintenance for a landscaping company. I use the all American. I sharpen hundreds if blades a week. It is consistent and easy to use. I got the simple 2 position one. I have it mounted to a harbor freight bauer run out stand to keep it mobile.
Great video. My fiance and I just got a new CubCadet mower and I dread sharpening the blades later. Need to add a sharpener tool to my tool collection. Suggestions for future videos: 1.Different brand torque wrench quality/accuracy tests. Digital ones vs other digital ones, then digital ones verses non-digital manual ones. 2. Shop vac tests...dry and wet results. 3. Trailer/Boat trailer jack tests, the ones with single wheels vs double wheels, and their different weight ratings. 4. Gas/oil hose tests, tygon vs other stuff. 5. Tow strap/rope tests. 6. Carb/choke cleaners testing, which one works best and is the best value. 7. RV/Marine Antifreeze tests..which one freezes first and do they really work to the temps they claim?
I do it by hand. Flap disk. Takes about 10 mins for a set of 3 blades. Start on the more worn side first. Square the outer edge first. Then square the cutting edge. Use the grinder guard to hold myself at the same distance from beginning to the end of blade trying to apply less pressure at tip considering 95 percent of the cutting is at the tip and i want to keep it sqaure. I make 5 passes to pul the edge out to the factory width and than agressively taper edge down. Fine tune by eye. And pull center of cutting edge down leaveing a small ridge to help support the cutting edge. The blades do last long this way.
Good test. I used my new 4" belt sander from Harbor Freight to sharpen my blades and it worked very well and did not take long at all. A bit difficult to use on mulching blades but is doable. I did sharpen two standard blades which was easier and did a good job.
I use a 4.5" angle grinder and a flap wheel with the blade clamped flat on my welding table. I sharpen once a year at the end of the season. I do the rear/flat surface first and then sharpen the angle until it meets. This is all you need to do; you do not need any specialized tooling or equipment. While 30* might be optimum, the grass doesn't know if the blade is 25* or 35*, but it does like a sharp edge. I have a cheapo balancer from Ace Hardware.
I bought the adjustable angle All American, it's so simple and fast. I now sharpen many friends, neighbors and family's, they come over to "visit" and ask if I would mind. I actually enjoy it.
My mower is a battery powered Ryobi. Part of the post-mowing process for me is to tilt the mower onto its side and to sharpen the (mulching) blade in place with a file. The blade is never removed for balancing, and after three summers of doing this there's no perceptible vibration. Removing a blade is now in my rear view mirror, to be done only when replacing the blade. As little metal as a file removes, replacing appears to be "never."
Interesting video, I only maintain 3 mowers and 2 lawns non commercially. So I typically only sharpen the blades once per season unlike a company would do weekly. They cut as many lawns a week as I mow my yard in a whole season so sharpening is kinda just my spring maintenance. Unless I bugger up a blade hitting something or it starts performing poorly during the season I won't bother. I either free hand an angle grinder with a hard disk, bench grinder, 1x30 belt sander, or a file. Kinda just depends on what tool is easiest to get to with the mess always in my home shop. I have used my little vertical manual mill and a custom jig too on a blade that was very badly damaged and should have been replaced but I didn't feel like running to the store.
I discovered 80 grit sandpaper and a power sander take about 28 seconds total to clean up the edge of a mildly dull blade. Anything more and I'd probably want some kind of a jig to guarantee the best angle. And a grinder or grinding wheel for a drill. (I just took my blade off the mower cuz it hasnt even been looked at in almost 5 years. Edge was OK, dull but not damaged.)
I'd be curious to compare the best to taking a Bridgeport End Mill and mill the edge at 30 degrees. Of course, the blade would have to be mounted in a vise perfectly in order to make sure it wouldn't move, but i bet it would make a perfect edge and cut the relief perfectly.
My mower has a bad battery so I just jump start it all the time, which got me thinking maybe you could do a jumper cable video. I use a cheap cable to jump the mower, but sometimes I use my heavy duty cables I keep in my truck and you can tell a difference.
I've had the all american for a couple of years and it really works great. Im sharpening 1/4 inch thick commercial mower blades. Makes them dangerously sharp.
I own the All American model 5002 for straight blades and can attest to the ease of use and the consistent sharpening of all my mower blades. This tool takes the guess work out of getting the correct angle and sharpens your mower blades in a very quick manner allowing you to get on to more important things. Highly recommended plus it's made in the USA!!
To sharpen my lawnmower blades (Honda) I use an electric plug in grinder and do my best to get a good edge. I haven't sharpened the blades for years. I haven't changed the oil for a couple of years... and I probably won't until next year.
I have a rigid oscillating belt sander. I put on a 220 belt and hold the mulching blade at the proper angle and sharpen the blade in about 30 - 60 seconds.
Angle grinder free hand in a bench vise and an impact wrench for removal. If I use the beam hoist to raise the tractor; I'm done in 5-10 minutes. I do use special jigs for hand knives but not the mower or even the chainsaws. I'm guessing most don't mess with a precision grind unless they are obsessively thinking it makes a big difference. Another thing I've noticed on brand new blades out of the box...They aren't sharp. They have the angle and perfect balance but what I consider a "blunt" edge.
Here’s the list of products reviewed. More details in the video description. Thank you!
All American: amzn.to/46fSmbi
RGB 950: amzn.to/43Ss79g
Yellow Hornet: amzn.to/3CAf7sR
Tool Rest: amzn.to/3CAVe4S
Mercer Industries File: amzn.to/3CGWeo5
Universal File Holder: amzn.to/448Kw15
Arnold Drill Attachment: Available at Home Depot
After 7 years of watching yt, this channel is the most consistent channel I've ever witnessed, never a disappointment.
@@ProjectFarmplease , do bathtubs different paint test and best & worst. With which one handles water
@ProjectFarmp lease , do bathtubs different paint test and best & worst. With which one handles water
Bc" Boring white old man"
Totally agree.
@@ProjectFarm I have been using different Wood Hardening liquids but it would be awesome to see you compare them. It would be nice to see how wood fillers compare also. Not sure how you would keep things fair but you are a very smart and ingenious so I have faith you can. I hope to see it some day.
I bought an All American after your last blade sharpener video, I've not regretted it for a moment. That thing is lightning-fast, and super easy to use. I'd recommend it to anyone who needs to sharpen more than just a couple blades a year. You'll be *all* your neighbors' best friend come sharpening time. xD
I'm going to convince my neighbour he needs one....
Good to hear! Thanks for sharing.
I did the same thing. I used my zero turn for 3 months before I used the All American. I was very impressed how well it sharpened the 3 blades and so quickly. Made a big difference in the cut quality and the grass blades for chopped up more on my mulching blades. Do not regret buying this....
I also got the All American setup based on the last sharpener video you did. I went to harbor freight with the threaded pins that came with the sharpener and bought the cheapest grinder they sold that a pin threads into. I leave the flap sanding wheel on that grinder and it is dedicated to blades.
I'm curious, why spend all that money? A new blade is $20 and there's a video on making a nice a jig for a bench grinder to accomplish the same. If I owned a landscaping company I would definitely invest in one. Or maybe if I owned an acreage and had to mow 4+ acres all the time. I just have a normal yard though
This Gentleman is a National Treasure! I’m in my 80’s and have seen many comparisons on every type of tool imaginable and none has even come close to this man’s expertise in assisting us DIYers! Thank you Sir!!
Thanks and you are welcome!
The All American is an impressive piece of kit. Guiding the grinder opposed to the blade appears to give the best confidence. I'm not a fan of taking the blade to a wheel that looked rather unforgiving, mainly due to the lack of adjustability. All American for me... and I'm an Aussie ;) Cheers mate 👍
Thanks for the feedback.
Hi Victorian Aussie here, I bought an All American a couple of years ago, has been great very happy with it
That all American would be great for the golf course. We sharpen blades constantly, and a consistent sharpening is key to after cut appearance. Which we usually can’t get with an angle grinder alone. Sometimes we even use a right angle die grinder with a roloc style disc and that doesn’t do any better with keeping the angle consistent.
Great point!
Im a big fan of using a belt sander which gives me perfect results, but it takes a notable amount of time compared to that all american
We use an All American Sharpener for our lawn care company on anywhere from 6 to 21 blades per week depending on season and growth conditions. In my experience the 35* setting yields a QOC as good as the 30* while holding the edge longer and surviving impacts with small sticks, etc especially during leaf season. My blades last much longer compared to freehand with a vice and grinder/flappy disc I did before. They balance easier, and QOC is consistent from beginning to end of life on our blades. I also save a TON of time compared to before.
Do you use new blades straight out of the box, or do you sharpen new blades?
@@gfbemc0256 I run new blades straight out of the box.
Thanks for the feedback!
Hi Was just thinking that AAS is the only one of these that can be given to an apprentice to work with or selected operators
Rgb might be great for someone who is making swords and knifes
Yellow and rgb would be better if the bladerest would have support or quide for the edge to work against
Thanks for sharing your professional experience. I will try 35 degrees!
I worked at a lawn mower shop and we used the RGB 712. We left the blade against the grinding wheel as we pushed and pulled it. That made the sharpening process go a lot faster. Petition to test blade balancers! We used a Mag 1000 and loved it!
Thanks for sharing.
RBG
@@alkandavuter Good catch! I totally missed that!
@@BCS_guy even @ProjectFarm missed that detail 😄
@@BCS_guy thanks
I find my self inexplicably drawn to these videos despite not having any need for them. I find most interesting the testing methods, showing you dont need absolute measurments and tests to compare products if you give your testing methods some thought. Awesome job as usual!
Ditto
Thanks! Thanks for watching!
Same lol.
Yeah, it's like when I watch Ventrac videos. I'd love to have one, but it would be overkill for my 2 acres.
I need them ALL! And very thankful... not the fact I need to sharpen 3 blades... again...
You sir are a national treasure to us do it yourself folks (and even the pros wait for your very professional review...) the reviews you make are priceless to your subscribers. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
Thanks and you are welcome!
@@ProjectFarm Please, for the love of God, test battery powered fans. It's in the mid 90's here in Georgia. We're all sweating more than we can drink. El Nino is coming, so it's only going to get hotter nationwide. We all just want to which brand has the best battery life, which puts out the most CFM per amp hour, which is the overall best value, how many decibles, etc. I trust you more than I trust the marketing teams at Ryobi, DeWalt, Makita, etc. This product test is relevant and will generate views. El Nino will bring heat and storms, both of which will knock out power. Without power, people don't have air conditioning and will resort to battery fans. We lost power for 9 hours here in Macon, GA on Sunday with the storms. We were all sweltering in the heat. Job sites are borderline unbearable in the sun. It's also relevant for camping, beach vacations, and every other place and time where having a fan would be nice. Heck, they're even nice to have when working on the car or mowing the lawn. This product test will help everyone. Use your science and engineering to point us in the right direction. We need you on this one!
I use a hard disc on my All American Sharpener. It is super quick and more accurate than a flap disc. The resulting edge is absolutely beautiful like it was cut on a milling machine.
Thanks for the feedback.
What grit should you use for the hard disc?
@alanbarriga77 , I use a fine disc since hard discs remove material very quickly. The actual grit number is not critical. If a coarse disc is all you have, use very light force on it.
Hey, I've got a mill... I'm an idiot, never gave it a thought. I'm watching this video trying to decide which one of these I should build, was leaning towards the All American design, but wanted to incorporate an adjustable rest for depth to keep it as flat and consistent as possible. Making a jig to hold the blades in the mill and whacking off the excess bits with carbide sounds a lot faster, easier, and more precise than any of these methods... Thanks!
I’ve been using a hand file for years and enjoy the time and patience it takes to get a consistent edge. Maintaining your blade so it doesn’t get too dull is also helpful.
I totally agree! It's also rewarding too.
I file three 20" blades with a file. It doesn't take that long and I can knock the burr off the back much easier than with a grinder.
Agreed, it's a self reward and pride that you get by spending time, makes me smile every time I mow
Plus, master putting on an edge with a file, and you can sharpen just about any edge, any where. Very little noise, good results and the only power requirement is calories.
Frequent maintenance of the blade will absolutely make the process easier and much faster. (you'll get better results on your lawn too). I prefer the file and use a combo of a flat and a round file for mulching blades.
One thing I love about the cheap stone-on-a-drill unit is if you lift the front of the mower safely, you can do a mid-season touch up on the blades while stillattached to the spindles.
Thanks for the feedback.
If you have access to the blades, it takes about 15 seconds to take the off or put them on with a cordless impact wrench. You can then do the job properly!
How many lb-ft/Nm do I need to remove blades or tensioners or anything else on the deck? THX!@@michaelzdanis3979
@@michaelzdanis3979 not everyone has a cordless impact wrench or a torque wrench. I'll take mine off once a season but I'm not messing with it more than that lol
@@1marsman1 It's in the manual for your mower
Fantastic review as always. Would love to see you test boot waterproof coatings, shoe grease, saddle soap etc.
Thank you for the video idea!
I am all for it.good idea
I third this, test waterproofing products against Ultra Ever Dry
And scotch Guard!
Saddle soap is soap... Not polish. Not waterproofing.
Sharpened a lot of blades over the years and it’s hard to beat a simple nail into a vertical surface for a cheap and accurate blade balancer. Just put it on horizontally and if a side starts to fall it needs material removed. When balanced the blade will stay horizontal.
I always liked hand grinding as it was fast and with practice you can get a good edge; though as I’ve gotten older a blade in a vise and an angle grinder does just as good and feels a bit safer. The bench grinder did make it easier though to keep a bucket of water near by to ensure the blade didn’t get too hot; hard to dip a blade when it’s in a vise.
Nail on the wall is actually not very good as a blade balancer .
It work in a pinch for rough balancing .
The nail is a lot SMALLER than the lawn mower blade mounting hole .
As the result the nail is NOT at the center of the blade .
The blade offset location due to the nail . Would mean an small unbalance would
Not be detected by the nail in the wall balancer
Thanks for sharing.
It has been proven in several videos, a nail is not very accurate, but better than nothing.
@@sofjanmustopoh7232: May not be the “best” way but it works; been using this method for more than 6 decades and haven’t had any major vibrations or even minor ones. You can measure a lot of things good enough with a tape measure, sure you can measure things more accurately with a caliper or micrometer but at a point you get to demolishing returns of accuracy, especially when you’re dealing with something as coarse cutting as a mower blade.
That said people can pay for whatever they choose and if you want to go that way go ahead. But a smooth nail at the center of a blade will work well enough and costs nothing as most people will have a nail sitting around.
Glad to hear that someone else uses an angle grinder with blade in the Vice. Are my blades 30 degrees? Probably not. Do they work fine? Yep.
Been mowing for years, many of them professionally. I clamp blade in vise or to bench and use a right angle grinder and spray plenty of water while grinding, as long as you stay 30°~35° your fine, 30 for normal yards 35° If yard has any twigs, pine cones, acorns etc. and will help with chipping, just my experience. Do not put any pressure, let the tool weight do the work and DO NOT overheat blade with any power tool method. Fast and effective. $285 for the all American...yikes, glad I learned to free hand with right angle grinder.
As a non-engineer, I'm always fascinated by the ingenious methods you use to test your results.
Thanks!
I'm an engineer and I find his testing to be very well done.
I just did mine with a $13 blade sharpening attachment kit for a rotary/Dremel tool and it worked great! Blade was very smooth and razor sharp. That kit also includes attachments for straight, multi blade and chain saws. I found it easier when I put the tool in a vice and held the blade to run it through.
I would've liked to see the Dremel/rotozip/ryobi sharpener in comparison
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the suggestion.
I've been using the Dremel attachment for a few years now. I really like it. It's a good angle, super easy, super quick to give it a quick touch up every few cuts (I'm obsessive)
@brichardson7884 Which one did you get specifically? The all american would definitely be my choice out of all the ones he tested, but 300 dollars for what it is seems like a rip-off.
My previous comment seems to have disappeared. I have used a four and a half inch angle grinder for years. I normally have a cut off disc on it, but recently I have been using a flap disc.. Apple the starting rope until the piston feels it is at TDC. I flip the mower on its side and remove the mulching blade with a 12 volt Milwaukee impact wrench. This takes less than a minute. Sharpening is done visually and is completed in a couple of minutes. The quality of the sharpening is sufficient for the quality of our lawn.
Thank you for another wonderful video.
You are welcome! Thanks for sharing!
I just use my 90degree angle grinder with a 60-80 grit screw on sanding disk. Works great, and is very easy. Another but slower method is my Worksharp knife sharpening system. A little slower, but helps with the multi angle mulching blades. Never had any balancing problems with either method.
Thanks for the feedback.
I've had the All American for several years now. I like it a lot. It's bolted to a short piece of 2x4 wood block that I can easily clamp down with my Jawhorse vise stand under my car port. Using my battery powered Milwaukee grinder makes the system cordless and portable. I also use the Oregon magnetic balancer (also have the Mag 1000) which I believe is a real bearing saver on my mower decks. Love the whole set up. I hold a blade sharpening "party" a couple of times a year for my sons and a couple of neighbors. 🙂
Thanks for sharing.
I'm in the lawn care business. I've been using the All American sharpener for the past 3 years to sharpen the blades on my commercial mowers. I agree with everything you said about the All American. I believe it is one of the best investments you can make to keep good edges on your blades and do so in a short amount of time. As usual, thanks for the great comparison video! Also, I grease my sprockets every week when I sharpen my blades. I use the Red N Tacky after watching your grease review and am extremely pleased with it. I haven't had a sprocket bearing that I use this grease on fail in the last 3 years. I started using both products at basically the same time.
Thanks for sharing.
This guy needs a show on Discovery. Content is second to none!
Just had my blades sharpened, cost $8 a bade. My Honda mower has 2 blades so it cost me $16. Always thought about getting a sharpener and this video will help with that decision. As always, AWESOME work. Thank you!
you could buy yourself a pair of glove, muff and glasses and sharpen most of any "rought" tools with a hand grinder worth 20$ coupled with a flap disk or asphalt stone.
Thank you very much!
@@Francois_Dupontyeah, it's very easy to freehand with an angle grinder.
@@KreemieNewgattquality of cut is part of the equation. Maybe you don't care about that personally or maybe you only mow the lawn only to get it done but as a professional with over 47 years in the field I can tell you that staying sharp is paramount if a customer is involved. We cut our weedless lawns 30 times a year.
For less than $20 at harbor F. you can buy a angle grinder and an' open' 40 or 60 grit 4 /2 in disc. What did you spend in gas to get the blades sharped?
As always you do a fantastic job. I’m with you, I have the All American sharpener and love it. I run the Marbain steel blades for my lawn care business. They are tough, and I can literally run a whole season on one set of blades sharpening every 2 weeks with little time sharpening with the All American. Thank you for all you do with your channel, you have helped me immensely!!
Thanks and you are welcome! Thanks for sharing.
lots of respect for how well you use a file and how simple and effective and cheap it can be. thanks again and keep up the great work!
Thank you very much!
After watching the previous video on blade sharpeners i went to my scrap metal pile and build a sharpener like the all-American and have really been pleased with the easy of use and the consistency it provides.
Thanks for sharing!
Show off 🤣
Ive always just used an angle grinder to clean up the blemishes and finished it off with a hand file. Never had a complaint.
Thanks for the feedback.
Good comparison as usual!
Personally, I've been using an angle grinder with a flap disc on blades in a vise. Like sharpening a knife. Takes getting used to for proper angle but after a while they are perfect. Always check balance too as mentioned! It's much easier to fix an imbalanced blade then change a mandrel out! ;-)
Thanks! Thanks for sharing.
I do the same, using 40 grit flap disk and free handling the angle grinder. Very fast and easy to use.
There is no better method. Grass, sticks, stumps and rocks don't care if your blade edge is 20-45 Degrees. Resharpening will be needed regardless to get rid of chips. I like to shoot for30-40 degrees as any small rocks or branches hit will create smaller dings and make the blades last longer. You don't even need a vise. Vice grips and a piece of angle iron bolted to any suraface works perfect for sharpening even mulching blades. Flips the blade over to sharpen both edged and a single blade can be sharpened in 2 minutes with a flapper wheel.
That's all I have done too and it has worked well. Sharp, balanced, close enough to the right angle....I doubt there's much difference between a 27 degree and 30 degree sharpening...That said I would buy the All American in this video if it cost around $100. No thanks at the actual price though. I do 40 grit if there's a big missing chunk and 120 grit to finish up flap disk.
I use a 60 grit , open cut 4 1/2 inch grinding wheel. I set the blade to be a little lower than elbow height. Do not grind out the nicks. It removes to much blade.
When buying sharpeners, it's a good idea to remember that all stones are ablative, so anything that has a "set it and forget it" jig is actually selling you a ton of headache.
As the stone wears away, your geometry changes.
Thanks for the feedback.
It's that time of the week again where we learn stuff we never knew we needed to know 👍
Thank you!
That was amazing! And I am *SUCH* a butcher when it comes to sharpening the blades on my Deere LA115. I "free-hand" it with an angle grinder and a flapper disc. But in my defense, the blades *are* mulching blades. Thanks for the eye-opening review!! 👍
Thanks and you are welcome!
You might try dremel tool with grinding wheel and finish with file.
@@johnmckee7937 I use what I have... LOL And it works fine, it's just not the prettiest job. But being out of sight under the mower deck, nobody knows but me! And the lawn looks fine.
@@johnmckee7937 No way lol.
Same here. Free hand with an angle grinder. When I'm really lazy I do it on the mower.
I have a Work Sharp Knife &. Tool sharpener, Ken Onion edition, with all the attachments and extra belts. I have maybe $300 in it all in. I use it to sharpen everything in the house. With the mower blade attachment I can sharpen both sides of my mulching blades to scary sharp in about 15 minutes. It often takes me longer to get the blades off my lawn tractor deck than it does to sharpen the blades. Highly recommended and versatile tool. I love your channel!!!!!
Thanks! Thanks for sharing.
I cut grass every day as a lawncare worker. I really enjoyed this video. I think it would have been neat to see the BESS test on each blade before and after sharpening, and maybe having the blade run through water for 10 minutes or something like that. It'll dull the blades faster than grass, so it would work for video time purposes, to simulate the amount of wear each products blade. Which product do you think you would recommend for commercial use?
BESS test?
*_I did Lawn care for years and a new blade 15 dollars or less depending on where you go. I have zero time for this silliness, and any real wear the blade hasn't got enough meat to sharpen them or to thin to even think.of doing this._*
+1 for the BESS test, not sure why he didn't do that because he does that for all videos with knives and knife sharpeners in them
@@Thelongmanable It's almost as if you can throw your old blades into a pile and refurb them all in an hour during downtime, yours or the newhires. No point throwing away good blades.
@@Thelongmanable47 years plus and still going. Sharpening blades on a regular basis is what most professionals do. We have stacks of blades that we do at a time.
5" Makita grinder with a 60 or 80 grit flap wheel. Just free hand it, works perfect for me. I should get one of those balancers though just to be sure, although I've never felt an imbalance yet.
They were hard to find for a while! When I finally did, it was about $7. Definitely makes a difference on older or "abused" blades.... 😎✌️
Great feedback! Thank you
I use the All American sharpener at work. I love it. I wouldn't trade it for any other brand.
Thanks for the feedback.
I actually bought the All American about a year ago and you're right. It's fast! lol It also does a way better job than I could do by hand. Not much more I could ask for.
Thanks for sharing.
I think by the time you get the blades off and on the mower, the sharpening time isn't quite so important. None of the motorized equipment seemed to really take a long time.
Personally, I tend to try to balance "cost vs benefit" when buying stuff. Based on that, I'm probably going to look closer at the Yellow Hornet, since I can likely stick a Pittsburgh/Chicago Electric (Harbor Freight) grinder in it and still get decent enough results.
I don't use a bagger/mulcher, so I don't need to worry about the curved blades.
By the way, did any of the sharpeners have an easy way to screw/bolt them to a workbench?
About 12 hours ago I found myself in Home Depot trying to figure out what I should buy to sharpen my lawn mower blade, I quickly gave up not sure what was best and decided my blade isn't THAT dull, fast forward to this morning and here we have the answer I needed.
Great to hear!
I recently bought that Arnold kit just for the blade balancer but decided to try it on an old blade I had laying around. I used an old Craftsman corded drill rated at 3000 rpms and it worked much better than in a cordless. Still wasn't great but it was serviceable.
Thanks for the feedback.
I bought a copy of the all American on Amazon for about 60.00 and it works perfectly, since I don’t have many blades to sharpen and not mowing commercially I couldn’t justify the 285.00 price tag.
Thanks for the feedback.
Which one was it? Looks like there are quite a few clones.
@@JDSikkema They don’t sell it anymore under the name I have but there are a lot of them listed under different names but it’s the same thing. I wanted one with a metal tightening handle not the plastic. I mounted it on a board that I clamp in my jawhorse and move it outside and it works great. Make sure you clean the edges of the blade so it clamps properly.
I've been sharpening my mower blades for over 35 years using a 4" die grinder and plastic balancer. Never had a problem.
Thanks for the feedback.
Have had the All-American sharpener for two sezsons so far and it works very well. Couldn't be easier to use. Very consistent repeatable results. Very happy with the decision to purchase this american made piece of equipment.
Thanks for the feedback.
I use a 60 grit flap disc freehand with the blade clamped in a vice as long as I don't force it it's worked great.
Great feedback! Thanks!
Working in a hardware store while in high school, I sharpened hundreds of blades with a bench grinder and it was by far the best and easiest method. Even more important is a high quality blade balancer, not just the chinsy one you showed in the video.
Same! I worked at a lawn mower repair shop and I learned a lot about sharpening blades. If I had to buy one item (sharpener or balancer) I would buy a good balancer. I can get the blades sharp with an angle grinder (hopefully the angle would be close). But I would be confident that the balance would be spot-on.
Thanks for sharing.
I have the RGB 712 and it works great. I like the fact it’s dedicated to only blade sharpening and I don’t need any other tools.
Nice sharpener!
Now that it's grilling season, you should do a roundup of the best grill cleaning brushes! After a season I am hesitant to use my metal brush because I fear any of the bristles falling off!
Thank you for sharing!
I stopped using mine. Too many people ending in the hospital from ingesting metal bristles. The wood paddle is good enough and isn't going to kill me.
The best brush by far is no brush. Use a wood paddle
Look into the grill rescue. I love mine
@@francoiscaen3182 an alternative method I use for cleaning my metal grill grates is heavy duty aluminum foil. Doesn't take much, gets most of the gunk off and no harmful metal/bristles to worry about. If you have a lot of carbon/food buildup, I'll spray/soak them with vinegar prior then use the foil to remove/clean it. For porcelain coated grates, I use vinegar and baking soda soaking solution cleaning it with a soft scrub pad.
So, based on your recommendation, Todd, I bought the All-American, and I love it! Worth every penny. Once you get used to the angle and (very little) pressure you need on the grinder, it's a dream, and very consistent. Thank you!
You are welcome! Thanks for sharing.
Weird request but can you test fishing line? There are a few on UA-cam but none have the quality tests that you will come up with. As always thanks for keeping us entertained!
Thank you for the video idea!
Waits patently for the Sunday review.
I commented this on your last video yesterday, but I’ll put it here as well.
I was surprised to discover you’d not compared various corded/cordless hedge trimmers. I think this could round out your outdoor equipment section nicely.
My biggest concern is that there won't be adquate interest in the topic. I'd really like to review them.
@@ProjectFarm😄 I think your audience is now so solid you could test ballpoint pens and still draw a crowd! 😎✌️
@@gus473 Agreed!
I use your tests to help decide, and it is the truest most honest reviews ever. Your the Clark Howard of reviews neither accept sponsors or is there any bios. Just what ever it is. What got me hooked was your battery reviews between cheapest like Amazon to the top brands. You have not ever disappointed!
Lithium battery’s are starting to be recommended like alkaline batteries were in the past. Maybe someday you would consider doing a test on a range of them. Thank you for all the trouble you go through for us! So much detail!!
Thanks and you are welcome! Thanks for the suggestion.
I’m more than happy using my $9 blade sharpener. I think $1200 for blade sharpening my $200 lawnmower is just a lil too much 😂 I’ll check out the Arnold sharpener tho .
I would consider the 1200 one a professional level tool, like if you ran a shop... It gives a perfect "flat" result which i'd expect if I paid to have a blade sharpened, vs doing it myself with a grinder.
Thanks for the feedback.
Wish my mower was worth 200 bucks. I have a nine dollar mower with homemade blades 😂
@@Hammerback0 haha, my rider was free, and my push mower was free. Only the finest will do.
I bought the All-American model that is preset to 30 degrees and it works great. And I bought it after watching your previous review that tested the same model. Thanks for all the awesome and valuable videos you put out for us!!
Thanks and you are welcome! Thanks for sharing.
As always - great analysis. 80 Grit flap disk on a battery angle grinder with the blade held in the other hand resting on the edge of a garbage can when I want it good and sharp and balance it. Most of the time I just pull the spark plug wire, flip the mower on it's side, and grind it attached. Blade gets a new edge 2-3x season. Thing I like about the All American is it looks like it could be used to sharpen a lot of other things with a little modification to the jig. Yellow hornet needs adjustments and feat to bolt it down. As for files - should use whatever came out on top for your file test. Nothing says you can't use your own results.
Thanks! Thanks for sharing.
When it comes to grind time I think its important to also consider setup time. Some of the grinders were "fast" but took a good few minutes to get set up so overall not as quick as the ready to go ones.
Thanks for the feedback.
Whoa whoa whoa sir... there can be only one of us
Your tests are thorough and straight to the point. Thanks for all the time and effort you put into them. I've got a lot of light fixtures with transparent glass or exposed bulbs, and I have yet to find an LED "filament" bulb that lasts. I'd love it if you'd put some to the test, especially in varying temperatures to simulate changing seasons.
Thanks and you are welcome! Thanks for the suggestion.
I purchased a nock off of the adjustable All American on Amazon for $50,. best sharpener I have ever used. Its actually kind of fun to sharpen blades now.
Thanks for sharing.
Just got my first ride on lawn mower and this video will def come in handy later. As always thank you for the amazing videos!
Glad to help!
This video like many others can double as a “how to” video. Some valid points, tips and tricks. The learning curve statement should be in everyone’s mind when they buy a new tool so as to temper one’s expectations. It takes a bit of time to get proficient at a skill, and making a quality cutting edge on any tool is without a doubt a skill. The way he used that file…100% skill.
Really good job on this video, like every video. Awesome channel
Thanks and you are welcome!
Another fantastic video Todd! Personally what causes damage to the 2 blades I use is sticks and branches that are run over. That considered a nice file is the go to option. However if someone needs to maintain a few dozen blades on a golf course, sod farm, or local public works the more expensive sharpeners can be worth the investment.
As a second comment I have a few video suggestions. Comparisons for the following categories: pruning shears, shrub shears, lopping shears, and maybe some handheld saws. All are items that can be utilized in maintaining ornamental plants, shrubs, and trees.
Thanks! Thanks for the suggestions.
Great video. I think I would use a vise and my grinder with flap disks. As long as you can get the angle right it should be fine.
Thanks! Thanks for the feedback.
Thank you for all the work you do!
My pleasure!
Been waiting for this one. Watched the last one when I started cutting grass for a company, and now I’m ready to buy one for myself! Appreciate all the help you’ve given over the years, that you don’t even know you have, or get credit for.
Thanks! Thanks for sharing.
Great video. Will for sure investing in the All American.
Would really like to see you test different brands if files. Nichols used to be the way to go but I see a lot of people say how it just isn't what it used to be.
Thanks! Thanks for the suggestion.
Do you end up keeping many of the products you test, or do you sell them on (atleast the ones that haven't been destroyed during testing)?
If so, what's the most expensive one you've kept hold of?
Do companies ever follow up with you to improve their products or ask you to test prototypes?
Would love to see a FAQ video!
In a past video (or two), he's mentioned that he donates a lot of them on. At least, those that survive.
I found your channel last week. I've been binge watching every episode lol. Your channel is AWESOME!! Thank you!! The All American Sharpener is far and away the BEST sharpener I've used yet. I had the original model for straight blades for my Simplicity Broadmoor. I'm now going to upgrade to the All American 5005 so i can do mulching blades. Thank you again for great content!!!
Thanks and you are welcome!
Thanks for all of the great tests and reviews.
I have a suggestion for you to test. Fireproof/waterproof document bags. There's no standard for rating them like safes. So, testing an assortment may show some interesting results.
Keep up the good work and best wishes.
You are welcome! Thanks for the suggestion.
Whether I need or use a product in your vids doesn't matter. I watch them to learn. You have real-world testing that seems to be missing otherwise and it is wonderful to see your testing. The All-American is my favorite.
Thanks!
When I was a kid we used to get a new lawnmower blade every spring, and this meant a trip to Canadian Tire. One time us 3 kids were sitting in the back seat squabbling over who was going to hold the new blade in its cardboard wrap on the way home. My mother sitting in the front seat immediately took the blade away and gave my Dad an earful about us kids cutting off our hands and stuff, all the way home. I bet he wished he had gone by himself :-)
lol
I'm going to be honest, I'd either use a fine file or a belt grinder
Btw I'd love too see a review for different brands of 2x48/72 grinding belts
The way I beat em up, I hit em with an angle grinder without removing them. I sharpen at least monthly and usually replace yearly lol
The belt grinder is an approach I never considered, I'll have to try removing and using that for sure for the blades on my brushhog. May be able to fit it up there without removing too haha
Thank you for the video idea!
I'm a flat file guy, but I got to admit that the guys building custom $300+ knives usually sharpen them on a belt sander. My Father uses a 2" belt sander for his riding mowers blades and it works well.
@@WisconsinEric my neighbor has a sweet Ameribrade brand belt sander for knives and such. I've used it for a couple other minor things and boy is that thing SWEET
@@goosenotmaverick1156 god, i want one of those so badly.
I built one myself and it works, but it ain't great
I use a mill file on my mulching blades (mounted in a vice); 3-4 passes and done. I sharpen them weekly. Takes longer remove and reinstall the blades than it does to sharpen them. Your blades were way more dull than they should ever get, which is why it took so long - your grass will look better, too. No special setup, no dedicated space, and no expensive jig needed.
Thanks for sharing.
The best sharpener is one that you use. I balanced and sharpened mine on a grinder last year. I ordered the 3 dollar stone you put on the drill and it worked quite well with the blade on the mower. I could see what part of the angle I was grinding and I adjusted the angle to match the blade angle. It took a few minutes and I was very happy with it. Nice and sharp in comparison to how it was
Thanks for sharing.
One test you didn't do is to see how long the edge lasts. Abrasive wheels soften the blades so the blunten quickly. For almost every blade a file is the slowest method of sharpening but holds its edge way longer. This also applies to cold chisels and centre punches
Thanks for the constructive feedback.
Perfect video for me! I'm constantly sharpening lawn mower blades. Thank you for another fantastic testing video!
Thanks and you are welcome!
I really enjoy your videos! I used to use a hand file, but recently switched to a powered hand grinder. Literally 30 sec per blade on my mulching mower blades. Worth every penny I spent on my cordless hand grinder and the 60 grit sharpening disc. Since I mow 1x/week (almost year-round since I live in FL), I don't need to sharpen that often.
Thanks! Thanks for the feedback.
I do fleet maintenance for a landscaping company. I use the all American. I sharpen hundreds if blades a week. It is consistent and easy to use. I got the simple 2 position one. I have it mounted to a harbor freight bauer run out stand to keep it mobile.
Thanks for sharing.
Great video.
My fiance and I just got a new CubCadet mower and I dread sharpening the blades later. Need to add a sharpener tool to my tool collection.
Suggestions for future videos:
1.Different brand torque wrench quality/accuracy tests. Digital ones vs other digital ones, then digital ones verses non-digital manual ones.
2. Shop vac tests...dry and wet results.
3. Trailer/Boat trailer jack tests, the ones with single wheels vs double wheels, and their different weight ratings.
4. Gas/oil hose tests, tygon vs other stuff.
5. Tow strap/rope tests.
6. Carb/choke cleaners testing, which one works best and is the best value.
7. RV/Marine Antifreeze tests..which one freezes first and do they really work to the temps they claim?
Thanks! Thanks for the video suggestions.
I do it by hand. Flap disk. Takes about 10 mins for a set of 3 blades. Start on the more worn side first. Square the outer edge first. Then square the cutting edge. Use the grinder guard to hold myself at the same distance from beginning to the end of blade trying to apply less pressure at tip considering 95 percent of the cutting is at the tip and i want to keep it sqaure. I make 5 passes to pul the edge out to the factory width and than agressively taper edge down. Fine tune by eye. And pull center of cutting edge down leaveing a small ridge to help support the cutting edge. The blades do last long this way.
Thanks for the feedback.
Good test.
I used my new 4" belt sander from Harbor Freight to sharpen my blades and it worked very well and did not take long at all. A bit difficult to use on mulching blades but is doable. I did sharpen two standard blades which was easier and did a good job.
I don't even use these tools or do lawn mowing and I found this video utterly fascinating. Excellent demonstrations!!
Thanks so much!
I use a 4.5" angle grinder and a flap wheel with the blade clamped flat on my welding table. I sharpen once a year at the end of the season. I do the rear/flat surface first and then sharpen the angle until it meets. This is all you need to do; you do not need any specialized tooling or equipment. While 30* might be optimum, the grass doesn't know if the blade is 25* or 35*, but it does like a sharp edge. I have a cheapo balancer from Ace Hardware.
Thanks for sharing.
I love my All American for doing my multi-angle mulching blades. I just do the 2 main angles and don't bother sharpening the short transition area.
Thanks for sharing.
I bought the adjustable angle All American, it's so simple and fast. I now sharpen many friends, neighbors and family's, they come over to "visit" and ask if I would mind. I actually enjoy it.
Thanks for sharing!
My mower is a battery powered Ryobi. Part of the post-mowing process for me is to tilt the mower onto its side and to sharpen the (mulching) blade in place with a file. The blade is never removed for balancing, and after three summers of doing this there's no perceptible vibration. Removing a blade is now in my rear view mirror, to be done only when replacing the blade. As little metal as a file removes, replacing appears to be "never."
Thanks for sharing.
Interesting video, I only maintain 3 mowers and 2 lawns non commercially. So I typically only sharpen the blades once per season unlike a company would do weekly. They cut as many lawns a week as I mow my yard in a whole season so sharpening is kinda just my spring maintenance. Unless I bugger up a blade hitting something or it starts performing poorly during the season I won't bother. I either free hand an angle grinder with a hard disk, bench grinder, 1x30 belt sander, or a file. Kinda just depends on what tool is easiest to get to with the mess always in my home shop. I have used my little vertical manual mill and a custom jig too on a blade that was very badly damaged and should have been replaced but I didn't feel like running to the store.
Thanks! Thanks for sharing.
All American Sharpener makes sharpening your blades fun again.
Thanks for the feedback.
I discovered 80 grit sandpaper and a power sander take about 28 seconds total to clean up the edge of a mildly dull blade. Anything more and I'd probably want some kind of a jig to guarantee the best angle. And a grinder or grinding wheel for a drill.
(I just took my blade off the mower cuz it hasnt even been looked at in almost 5 years. Edge was OK, dull but not damaged.)
Thanks for sharing.
I'd be curious to compare the best to taking a Bridgeport End Mill and mill the edge at 30 degrees. Of course, the blade would have to be mounted in a vise perfectly in order to make sure it wouldn't move, but i bet it would make a perfect edge and cut the relief perfectly.
Thanks for the suggestion.
I do use The All American and I love it.
Thanks!
I find myself watching and enjoying your videos, even if it's for a product I have no use for. Keep up the great work!!
Thanks, will do!
My mower has a bad battery so I just jump start it all the time, which got me thinking maybe you could do a jumper cable video. I use a cheap cable to jump the mower, but sometimes I use my heavy duty cables I keep in my truck and you can tell a difference.
Thanks for the suggestion.
I've had the all american for a couple of years and it really works great. Im sharpening 1/4 inch thick commercial mower blades. Makes them dangerously sharp.
Thank you for sharing!
I own the All American model 5002 for straight blades and can attest to the ease of use and the consistent sharpening of all my mower blades. This tool takes the guess work out of getting the correct angle and sharpens your mower blades in a very quick manner allowing you to get on to more important things. Highly recommended plus it's made in the USA!!
Thanks for sharing.
All American for me, been using one for a year or so, great device. I'd recommend it 100%! Thanks for the video, great job as usual!!
Thanks and you are welcome!
I typically sharpen with handheld pneumatic angle grinder and disposable disc. It works well enough for most blade maintenance.
All American just came in. This video made it the clear winner for my use.
Thanks for the feedback.
To sharpen my lawnmower blades (Honda) I use an electric plug in grinder and do my best to get a good edge. I haven't sharpened the blades for years. I haven't changed the oil for a couple of years... and I probably won't until next year.
Thanks for sharing.
I have a rigid oscillating belt sander. I put on a 220 belt and hold the mulching blade at the proper angle and sharpen the blade in about 30 - 60 seconds.
i bought a All American sharpen. The last time you test them. And i love it. Thanks.
Thanks for the feedback.
Angle grinder free hand in a bench vise and an impact wrench for removal. If I use the beam hoist to raise the tractor; I'm done in 5-10 minutes. I do use special jigs for hand knives but not the mower or even the chainsaws. I'm guessing most don't mess with a precision grind unless they are obsessively thinking it makes a big difference.
Another thing I've noticed on brand new blades out of the box...They aren't sharp. They have the angle and perfect balance but what I consider a "blunt" edge.
Thanks for the feedback.