Hi Pete, I am lucky I have been using the same engineer/machinist for many years, and I guess he looks after me, for both the reel and bedknife, $80.00...which is not expensive, to achieve a quality cut.
The engineer I use does both surfaces of the bedknife, the upper surface is ground to ensure perfect flatness and soothness, to conform to the cylinder reel; and the front edge (where the cutting actually takes place) to a true straight edge.
Here is something for you to ponder:
Myth: New bedknives are �true� and don�t require grinding.
Fact: �New bedknives are certainly not true coming from the factory. Every bedknife that gets installed on a bed bar needs to be ground properly in order to achieve a consistent quality of cut. The bedknife is the single most important factor in achieving a great quality of cut. The bedknife�s job is to position the grass before the reel blade cuts it. Depending on where the position is will depend on how clean and consistent your turfs after cut appearance will look."
Bedknives will take the shape of the existing bed bar once tightened. By grinding the bed knife properly it will give you a smooth surface that you will then align to a reel that has been ground to a true cylinder. Once this is complete you will have 2 perfectly aligned surfaces that can achieve the quality of cut that everyone is looking for. It is very important that the bed knife is ground to its proper angle (manufacturer�s recommendations) in order to maintain high quality turf grass.
