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Figure 27
1. Blade bolt
2. Washer
Inspecting the Blade
Service Interval: Before each use or daily
Before each use or daily
Every 50 hours
Carefully examine the blade for sharpness and wear,
especially where the flat and the curved parts meet
(Figure 28A). Because sand and abrasive material can
wear away the metal that connects the flat and curved
parts of the blade, check the blade before using the
machine. If you notice a slot or wear (Figure 28B and
Figure 28C), replace the blade; refer to Removing the
Blade.
Figure 28
1. Sail
2. Flat part of the blade
Note: For the best performance, install a new blade
before the cutting season begins. During the year, file
down any small nicks to maintain the cutting edge.
3. Anti-scalp cup
4. Blade
3. Wear
4. Slot formed
DANGER
A worn or damaged blade can break, and a piece
of the blade could be thrown into the operator's
or bystander's area, resulting in serious personal
injury or death.
• Inspect the blade periodically for wear or
damage.
• Replace a worn or damaged blade.
Removing the Blade
Grasp the end of the blade using a rag or a thickly
padded glove. Remove the blade bolt, washer, anti-scalp
cup, and blade (Figure 27).
Sharpening the Blade
File the top side of the blade to maintain its original
cutting angle (Figure 29A) and inner cutting edge radius
(Figure 29B). The blade will remain balanced if you
remove the same amount of material from both cutting
edges.
1. Sharpen at this angle only. 2. Maintain the original radius
Balancing the Blade
1. Check the balance of the blade by placing the center
hole of the blade over a nail or screwdriver shank
clamped horizontally in a vise (Figure 30).
Note: You can also check the balance using a
commercially manufactured blade balancer.
2. If either end of the blade rotates downward, file that
end (not the cutting edge or the end near the cutting
edge). The blade is properly balanced when neither
end drops.
23
Figure 29
here.
Figure 30
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