OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Question On Scott Bonnar Cylinder Mowers Sharpening blades

Hi everyone,

I recently bought a second hand Scott Bonnar model 45 which runs well but I have noticed the blades a a tad blunt is it easy to sharpen myself or do I need to get the professionals to do it? If so does anyone know of a good place in Brisbane and how much should I expect to pay?

Thanks

Nathan

Hi Nathan, and a warm welcome to the forum.
It's great to have another Scott Bonnar owner aboard.
I have moved this topic to the correct area for archival purposes.
Please do NOT attempt to sharpen the blades yourself, your cylinder reel needs to be spin-ground. See HERE.

My advice would be to go to your local Bowling Club, ask to speak to the greenskeeper (they are usually a friendly bunch; and ask what engineer they use to sharpen their cylinder reels and knifeblades (bottom blades))
Remove your cylinder reel and soleplate (complete with the knifeblade still attached; following the instructions HERE and take both to the recommended engineers workshop.

When completed follow the instructions HERE for the re-installation and adjustment of the reel to bedknife clearance.

Don't forget to check the serviceability of the cylinder reel bearings and replace even if you are in the slightest doubt...You don't want to have to remove the reel again for the sake of a few dollars.....
Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on....any questions; please post to this thread.

Once again to OutdoorKing.

Thanks for your help Deejay. Good advice. Do you have any idea of a rough price they might charge?

Hi Nathan, the prices they charge may vary, my engineer charges between $70-$90. If necessary, he can remove and replace the bedknife ( with new replacement screws) at a reasonable price. Your machine with professionally sharpened reel and bedknife (plus serviceable reel bearings) will give you hours of mowing pleasure and your lawn will look a treat!

Hi Golfgreen! Like you I have recently become the proud owner of a SB45 and plan to use it on on old couch tennis court that now needs some TLC (pictures of my new baby will be posted as soon as I take some!). I spent some time here in the forum and decided to take the very wise advice of those experienced owners and get the reel and base plate sharpened by the professionals. I tried a few of my local bowling clubs with little success. In a last ditch hope I tried Ascot mowers and engineering on Nudgee Rd. They sharpen the reel on its own bearings to get a better result and did a great job. The sound the newly sharpened reel now makes is completely sweet!
I know this may come across as a shameless plug but they did a great job promptly and for a very reasonable price considering they did an engine service on the B&S engine-needed a new air filter as the one in there was a dodgy job I did to get the motor running)-as well as replace the reel bearings (something done at my insistence not theirs!). All up $180, 4 working days and a bottle of oil thrown in as well!! Cheers Rosco

My apologies! I was doing some more browsing on the forum this evening and have discovered I may have overstepped the mark in naming the business who did my sharpening work mentioned above. I hope I have not offended anyone and again apologise if I have done so.

It is better not to mention the business name in that kind of context, Gasman, though it is quite admissible if people can't find a vendor at all and just ask for the name of one. No problem, you are forgiven.

Hi Rosco, and a warm welcome to the forum. It's great to have another SB45 owner on board.

Glad to know that you got the reel and soleplate/bedknife reinstalled and adjusted correctly. It is a good thing that you replaced the reel bearings....you now know their history and the reel will run true.
Looking forward to seeing the pics of your Scotty.
Once again Rosco, to OutdoorKing!