Flail Mower Hammer Sharpening

[Oldtoad]

Bought it 5 years ago, Maine rocks are a bumper crop and the Hammers needed attention.
Got on my back, full face shield, ear plugs, grinder in hand, mower on jack stands and had at it.
Only ground the thumb a little because I did not wait for the wheel to stop spinning, ow.
Cuts ok, better in the morning when the stalks are a little damp.
Next year gonna flip it on its back and spend some quantity time dressing the cutting edges. Hit two rocks already.

 

[oosik]

Did you have any problem with your grinding - throwing the unit out of balance??

 

[Tinhack]

I raise mine as high as I can on the 3PH and put jack stands on each side. I pull the flails off to sharpen them but, for me, it's just a bolt and nut holding the link and flail on. Mine uses the folded cup knives with a hole in the top for the triangle link. I only remove the ones that need work or replaced. I try to keep a stock of them ready to install so it goes pretty quick. And they are a heck of a lot easier to grind when they're in a vice.

 

[sandman2234]

I pull mine up on a trailer hooked to my truck to where if it drops, it will catch the edge of the trailer. Gives me more room to work and a little safer.
David from jax

 

[Oldtoad]

For balance, try to grind them all the same amount.
Lots of ways to skin a kat.
Probably should have a spare set on hand, but going to try flipping on it's back next time to grind.

 

[leonz]

The best way to grind the flail mower knives and cast hammers is to use a wet well grinder.
It prevents the knife from overheating and in the process losing its tempering properties.

 

[Oldtoad]

GrOOgled up the wet well grinder, got a bunch of cooking stuff.
When in machinists school, years and years ago, we had cups with water to cool off the bits while sharpening..
Could you please give an illustration

 

[diesel85]

Leonz told me to get the Micro Mark Sharpener: https://us.amazon.com/Micro-Mark-Wet-Dry-Utility-Sharpener/dp/B06XH7FW1Q

Doesn't look like it's offered anymore. I'm glad I bought mine!

Leonz: Do you/can you find have a substitute?

 

[leonz]

Leonz told me to get the Micro Mark Sharpener: https://us.amazon.com/Micro-Mark-Wet-Dry-Utility-Sharpener/dp/B06XH7FW1Q

Doesn't look like it's offered anymore. I'm glad I bought mine!

Leonz: Do you/can you find have a substitute?

www.micromark.com

Go to the home page and click on the digital catalog and flip the pages until you see the wet well slow speed grinder
on Page 65 of the Micro Mark Catalog listed as "wet dry utility sharpener"

It is $99.00+tax and shipping to your home.

 

[kthompson]

Bought it 5 years ago, Maine rocks are a bumper crop and the Hammers needed attention.
Got on my back, full face shield, ear plugs, grinder in hand, mower on jack stands and had at it.
Only ground the thumb a little because I did not wait for the wheel to stop spinning, ow.
Cuts ok, better in the morning when the stalks are a little damp.
Next year gonna flip it on its back and spend some quantity time dressing the cutting edges. Hit two rocks already.

In flipping it backwards consider if you have an oil bath for the drive that will drain.