[Shop-talk] lawnmower blades

[scott.hall at comcast.net]

simple, I guess: how sharp should they be?

the new husky rider's blades are...well, you can saw your thumb back and forth pressing heavily and not even get a mark.  they're almost rounded.  yes, I'm looking at the leading edge, not the trailing edge.

I'd think that's for a reason because the thing is spankin' new, but the more I think about it, the more I think they just skipped a step in the assembly where they were supposed to sharpen them.

for every other mower I've had, I just buy a new one when the old one wears out.  these, I'll sharpen if I can.  so...uh, how?  dremel, grinder...?  I suppose razor sharp would be nice, but that'd dull pretty quick, so what am I looking for as far as cutting power?  and I don't want to take off too much meat because I assume they should also balance somehow, which brings up the next question, do I need to balance them, and if so, just side-to-side, right?

or should I leave them the hell alone and go bitch at the home depot droids?

and no, the manual does not make mention of this, save to replace the blades when they appear worn.  the manual is thus far pretty useless.

thanks.

scott