Thank you for this great idea! I used to take my blades to a local hardware store or a mower shop every season. They weren’t too expensive, but both have closed their doors. I started sharpening my own blades, but one has that six-point star hole. Thanks to you, I can now balance that blade. * I seldom bother to “like” UA-cam videos or hit the Subscribe button, despite all the begging from most UA-camrs. You, however, are an exception! I owe you that much, buddy! 😊
I have a Cub Cadet. And I'v been looking for A LONG time, for a way to balance my 6 star blades. Without having to spent $10-$20 on a cheap plastic, 3D printed adaptor that only costs $.03 to make. You sir, are a gods send!! Thanks For Sharing.
Great way to balance those blades! I like to check the balance before I sharpen blades to know where I'm at. Here in Nova Scotia it can be very rocky and people beat the crap out of blades so quite often I have to put whole new edge on a blade. Balancing is super important.
Great Idea Steve. As an old structural engineer you used one of the laws of physics concerning the center of gravity of an object when hung from two different points. since the two hanging points on the star are symmetrical and both ends are geometrically the same, you achieved symmetrical balance when both ends weighed the same.
That’s a good technique! I’m glad to see they have the grass side of the blade marked for ya… mine aren’t marked and I have to stop and think every time 😂
Good tip Steve, I use a 4.5" grinder to sharpen and have found these discs to work the best: Walter Flexcut Premium Performance Flexible Grinding Wheel, Type 29, Threaded Hole, Aluminum Oxide, 4-1/2" Diameter, 3/16" Thick, 5/8"-11 Arbor, Grit A-60-X-FLEX
The way I've sharpened blades is with a grinder making the same number of passes to each side and then to the heavy side when balancing. You've stimulated my brain and I've thought of something to make and sell that would make balancing these blades easier and highly affordable
Once ran into an article suggesting use a deep well socket that matches inside diameter of the star shaped cutout. OR, any smooth finished shaft item, and a pinch of grease. Sharpening with an angle grinder presently. But when I had a pnuematic high speed sander with 80 grit (think), yeow! how that would sharpen! Happy Motoring!
6 star is balanced when at a 45 degree angle. I always just marked a straight line down the middle longways with a sharpie then shot a 45 degree laser line onto the blade with a cheap laser level. When lines matched up you're balanced.
Interesting idea. I never thought to balance the blades as I just live with the vibration. I hit so many rocks that I'd be constantly working on the blades! Tennessee hills have a lot of rocks!
Hi Wyatt Wow thats a challenge with all them rocks . I cut my grass at 3 inches and the blades look like new but there is the odd spot I have to raise the deck or it kisses the tops of some huge rock outcroppings.
I use an grinder 4 1/2 inch disk with a 120 floppy disk. I’ve been doing it for 24 years. I do perfect ones every time I don’t overheat them and they’re just a cutting machine when I’m done.and there balanced when I’m done
I like your technique Steve. I’m lucky, I don’t have them five stare blade and I don’t think I want one.....if one put a small scale at the end of the blade..... that would be maybe a bit to much. I like your way of doing it......CHEERS
Good Morning Sir, ( Very Nice Ireland t Shirt ) OUTSTANDING Informative video ( nice Red laser pointer !!! ) Have a Fresh Crispy October Morning Sir Cheers 🍻🍻
Or just spend $35 for the balancer with the magnets. Taking excess weight off of the ends and shortening the blade isn't a good idea either. Just take excess weight off the back of the blade opposite of the cutting edge. Still a very good video.
This is how I sharpen my mower blades super sharp and super fast -ua-cam.com/video/NkZiqnHB7jQ/v-deo.html
Thank you for this great idea! I used to take my blades to a local hardware store or a mower shop every season. They weren’t too expensive, but both have closed their doors. I started sharpening my own blades, but one has that six-point star hole. Thanks to you, I can now balance that blade.
* I seldom bother to “like” UA-cam videos or hit the Subscribe button, despite all the begging from most UA-camrs. You, however, are an exception! I owe you that much, buddy! 😊
@@ircorva67 Thanks, very nice of you 👍
I have a Cub Cadet. And I'v been looking for A LONG time, for a way to balance my 6 star blades. Without having to spent $10-$20 on a cheap plastic, 3D printed adaptor that only costs $.03 to make. You sir, are a gods send!! Thanks For Sharing.
Glad to have helped Jason. 👍
Great way to balance those blades! I like to check the balance before I sharpen blades to know where I'm at. Here in Nova Scotia it can be very rocky and people beat the crap out of blades so quite often I have to put whole new edge on a blade. Balancing is super important.
Pat that's a good practice to check before and after . Cheers 👍
Never thought about that style of balancing thanks
Great Idea Steve. As an old structural engineer you used one of the laws of physics concerning the center of gravity of an object when hung from two different points. since the two hanging points on the star are symmetrical and both ends are geometrically the same, you achieved symmetrical balance when both ends weighed the same.
Thanks William, it's not an exact ballance but its real close as it's a mower blade and not quite the same specs as a jet turbine blade :)
Just another one of Steve's great ideas~! Very Good Steve~
Hi Annie
Thanks and now you can sharpen and balance your lawn tractor blade too 👍
That’s a good technique! I’m glad to see they have the grass side of the blade marked for ya… mine aren’t marked and I have to stop and think every time 😂
Hi Dave
My neighbor put it on upside-down and didn't notice a thing till I mentioned it 😅😅
Good tip Steve, I use a 4.5" grinder to sharpen and have found these discs to work the best: Walter Flexcut Premium Performance Flexible Grinding Wheel, Type 29, Threaded Hole, Aluminum Oxide, 4-1/2" Diameter, 3/16" Thick, 5/8"-11 Arbor, Grit A-60-X-FLEX
Thanks , I will check out the disks you use. Much appreciated 👍
The way I've sharpened blades is with a grinder making the same number of passes to each side and then to the heavy side when balancing.
You've stimulated my brain and I've thought of something to make and sell that would make balancing these blades easier and highly affordable
Well that's a great stimulation forsure 👍
Thanks Steve. Recently bought a cub cadet with the six point blades. Mowing deck shakes too much for my desire. Hopefully you tip will help.
👍
Once ran into an article suggesting use a deep well socket that matches inside diameter of the star shaped cutout. OR, any smooth finished shaft item, and a pinch of grease. Sharpening with an angle grinder presently. But when I had a pnuematic high speed sander with 80 grit (think), yeow! how that would sharpen! Happy Motoring!
Whatever works is better than never checking for ballance. Cheers 👍
Not sure if I have a five or six hole. I shave my blades and buy new ones when I need to.
Well that works too buddy 👍
Nice work Steve, a good sharp blade is important and balanced is just as important over the long haul. Cheers
Thanks Lloyd 👍
Yet another brilliant idea from the smartest dude I know! Awesome stuff Steve! 👍🏻
Hi Doug
Wow thanks bud 👍
6 star is balanced when at a 45 degree angle. I always just marked a straight line down the middle longways with a sharpie then shot a 45 degree laser line onto the blade with a cheap laser level. When lines matched up you're balanced.
That's a great idea . 👍
Good points. Good info
Hi Buzz
Thanks 👍
That’s a good way to do it Steve. I just sharpen them the least possible and only when they start ripping but next time I’m trying your method….CHEERS
What ever works Gator , it's just cutting grass. 👍
Good one Steve 👍
Thanks Joe !!!
Wondered for a while now how to balance this blade. Thank you!
👍
Smart thinking Steve. I'm sure someone will be along shortly to tell you that you're doing it wrong. 😆
Thanks Bruce and of course the balancing blades experts that never make videos will be out in full force :)
Great idea Steve, thanks for sharing. Got yourself another new sub.
Thanks much appreciated 👍
Interesting idea. I never thought to balance the blades as I just live with the vibration. I hit so many rocks that I'd be constantly working on the blades! Tennessee hills have a lot of rocks!
Hi Wyatt
Wow thats a challenge with all them rocks . I cut my grass at 3 inches and the blades look like new but there is the odd spot I have to raise the deck or it kisses the tops of some huge rock outcroppings.
I use an grinder 4 1/2 inch disk with a 120 floppy disk. I’ve been doing it for 24 years. I do perfect ones every time I don’t overheat them and they’re just a cutting machine when I’m done.and there balanced when I’m done
Hi Larry
Yes the floppy disks do a great job 👍
I like your technique Steve. I’m lucky, I don’t have them five stare blade and I don’t think I want one.....if one put a small scale at the end of the blade..... that would be maybe a bit to much. I like your way of doing it......CHEERS
Thanks Gator , something different , a great way to do something without any gadgets. Cheers !!!
Good Morning Sir, ( Very Nice Ireland t Shirt ) OUTSTANDING Informative video ( nice Red laser pointer !!! ) Have a Fresh Crispy October Morning Sir Cheers 🍻🍻
Good morning! Dave
Yes its crisp out , only the start of another long winter. Thanks Dave much appreciated.
Hey steve, i always clean my blades not sure if it matters lol interesting since i dont have a star blade but makes since what your saying.
Absolutely Jadon , clean the blades first especially if it's got a pound of grass hanging off the arse end of the blade😅😅
Would your drill bit set up be similar to using a nail ?
Yes absolutely Johnny but a smooth shank nail is not as hard or smooth as a drill bit .
Very clever! Many thanks.
Thanks , much appreciated 👍
that is genius! thanks! I could get it close but now this is much better!
Glad to have been a help.
Brilliant!
Cheers Gary 👍
What about a very large center punch in vice
I'm thinking far too much drag but I never tried it. Cheers Phillip
Good one Steve👍 I probably would drill a hole in it to shave off weight, but I don't get to technical about it 😆
HAHAHA drilling a hole , of course 😅 😆
AllWAYS learning is life’s goal and helping others
👍
Thanks god bless
👍
Or just spend $35 for the balancer with the magnets. Taking excess weight off of the ends and shortening the blade isn't a good idea either. Just take excess weight off the back of the blade opposite of the cutting edge. Still a very good video.
This is what I also do. Thanks Dave much appreciated.
ua-cam.com/video/jIWnLR3C7Ho/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/vZsdQJ3Mn6M/v-deo.html
Cool
Hi Terry 👍
I just use a nail, but couldn't you use a golf ball or something like that.
Hi Pat
I never tried it but this way does work well . I usually see mostly 5 star or perfectly round holes so this took a bit to figure out :)