Sharpening hedgetrimmers

[Andy Collins]

I'm guessing that if the steel is too tough, the cutters will break off easier, at least if they are soft they will flex a little more, be more forgiving? The best "older" machine I have is the Tanaka single sider, the cutters on at are as tough as old boots, but I could never get it just right. I've re-done it yesterday and it's now superb, which has pleased me as it's a great machine for those perfectly straight formal hedges. Of course when a machine cuts well it will be more economical on fuel too.

[Andy Collins]

I'm guessing that if the steel is too tough, the cutters will break off easier, at least if they are soft they will flex a little more, be more forgiving? The best "older" machine I have is the Tanaka single sider, the cutters on at are as tough as old boots, but I could never get it just right. I've re-done it yesterday and it's now superb, which has pleased me as it's a great machine for those perfectly straight formal hedges. Of course when a machine cuts well it will be more economical on fuel too.

[likeitorlumpit]

The worst thing is when one tooth breaks off. Completely messes up the cut to the point of making the cutter useless.

[likeitorlumpit]

The worst thing is when one tooth breaks off. Completely messes up the cut to the point of making the cutter useless.

[Andy Collins]

The two times I've managed to bust out a cutter, they have been near the far end, so I've cut off that end and made do with a slightly shorter cutter, or it gets used to rougher work and I keep my best trimmers for best work. Luckily after doing client for a while you get to know where any hidden obstacles are along a hedgerow, either removing or moving them out of the trim line.

[Andy Collins]

The two times I've managed to bust out a cutter, they have been near the far end, so I've cut off that end and made do with a slightly shorter cutter, or it gets used to rougher work and I keep my best trimmers for best work. Luckily after doing client for a while you get to know where any hidden obstacles are along a hedgerow, either removing or moving them out of the trim line.

[GardenKit]

I'm guessing that if the steel is too tough, the cutters will break off easier, at least if they are soft they will flex a little more, be more forgiving? The best "older" machine I have is the Tanaka single sider, the cutters on at are as tough as old boots, but I could never get it just right. I've re-done it yesterday and it's now superb, which has pleased me as it's a great machine for those perfectly straight formal hedges. Of course when a machine cuts well it will be more economical on fuel too.

 

I agree with you on Tanaka, Andy, but of course I am a bit biased, as I sell them!

 

On the economy issue, it also helps to keep them well oiled with a 30 grade oil or similar (engine oil). This increases blade speed, lowers power (and fuel) consumption and saves on the wear between the blades (that pedroski mentioned)

[GardenKit]

I'm guessing that if the steel is too tough, the cutters will break off easier, at least if they are soft they will flex a little more, be more forgiving? The best "older" machine I have is the Tanaka single sider, the cutters on at are as tough as old boots, but I could never get it just right. I've re-done it yesterday and it's now superb, which has pleased me as it's a great machine for those perfectly straight formal hedges. Of course when a machine cuts well it will be more economical on fuel too.

 

I agree with you on Tanaka, Andy, but of course I am a bit biased, as I sell them!

 

On the economy issue, it also helps to keep them well oiled with a 30 grade oil or similar (engine oil). This increases blade speed, lowers power (and fuel) consumption and saves on the wear between the blades (that pedroski mentioned)

[BigNick]

You could always get the attachment that i have that you fit in place of the chain vice on your chain saw grinder then its very easy to use and very sharp every time

 

Nick

[BigNick]

You could always get the attachment that i have that you fit in place of the chain vice on your chain saw grinder then its very easy to use and very sharp every time

 

Nick