(Pen) wrote in
om:

In regards to sharpening, I assume you do it yourself? How do you do
it?

I've also seen a sharpening kit at Lee Valley's:

http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page...page=10189&cat
egory=2,2160,40710

Is this practical for regular sharpening?


Most of the models I looked at don't need regular sharpening. The
Scotts 2000-20 (got the numbers reversed last time) is designed so you
can flip some parts around and sharpen itself. All you need is some
lapping compound. It looks like you don't need to disassemble your
mower if you use the Lee Valley kit (it is not wide enough for the
2000-20), so that may be a better option for some.

Here are the 2000-20 instructions (did not see a copyright notice for
the loiyas). There are also figures and a detailed exploded parts
diagram in case you don't know what a pawl looks like or how to reverse
one (I sure didn't). Note: I haven't actually done the procedure or even
fiddled with it at all yet.


From Scotts 2000-20 Owner's Manual Push Reel Lawn Mower Operations and
Assembly Instructions:

Sharpening the cutting blades

When the mower is properly lubricated and adjusted, sharpening should
not be necessary for several years. However, the following steps will
allow you to do the procedure yourself at relatively little expense.

* Remove the "E" rings, wheels and pinion from both sides of the mower
(refer to figure 6).

* Remove both pawls from the rectangular slots in reel shaft and reverse
their positions (refer to figure 7).

* Reverse the placement of the pinion gears.

* Place the left pinion on the reel shaft***. Replace the wheels and
"E" rings.
[*** According to the French and Spanish versions of the instructions,
this should say "Place the left pinion on the right side of the reel
shaft and the right pinion on the left side."]

* Spread a thin layer of lapping compound on the front edge of the reel
blades.

* Adjust the cutter bar blade so it has light but firm contact with the
reel blades across the full width of the cutter bar (refer to figure 8).
CAUTION: Do not overtighten the adjusting screws, as this could damage
the cutter bar. Both screws must be tight on the final adjustment.

* Push the mower backward on a smooth surface (such as a sidewalk or
paved driveway). Continue to do this until the reel blades rotate
relatively free (sic) and front edge of the cutter bar blades are
polished.

* Remove wheels: reverse pinions and pawl is on the right (sic).
CAUTION: Clean any grinding compound or debris from the cutter bar
blades, reel blades, pinion and pawl. Lubricate axle and pinion with a
light film of wheel bearing grease and replace wheels and "E" rings.

NOTE: It is recommended to use an industrial or valve lapping compound
between 100-240 grit. This is usually available at an industrial or
automobile supply store. If professional sharpening is required, consult
your local yellow pages for lawn mower repair services.