Hi Cloggy, Can you please post a photo of the cast iron soleplate.... I doubt we're on the same page here.... the soleplate carries the bedknife blade (held on by 6 screws). I would like to see it condition.
You should go to your local Bowling Club and find out who sharpens their reels and take your reel and soleplate (complete with the bedknife blade attached) and talk to the engineer. He can spin grind the reel and supply a new bed knife blade with new screws if necessary.
Please do not take it to your local mower shop....it will cost you more $$$ and they will probably send it out to be done anyway.
