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SHARPENING
METAL
BLADES
Three styles of metal blades are approved for use on the ECHO
Brushcutter. The 8-tooth blade can be sharpened during normal
maintenance. The clearing blade and 80 tooth blade require profes-
sional service.
Before sharpening, CLOSELY inspect blade for cracks (look at the
bottom of each tooth and the center mounting hole closely), missing
teeth and bending. If ANY of these problems are discovered, replace
the blade.
When sharpening a blade, always remove the same amount of materi-
als from each tooth to maintain balance. A blade that is not balanced
will cause unsafe handling due to vibration and can result in blade
failure.
8-tooth Blade
Tool required: Flat file (preferred). Electric grinder if special care is
used. Round (rat tail) file for gullet (radius).
1. File each tooth at a 30 degree angle a specific number of times,
eg. 4 strokes per tooth. Work your way around the blade until
all teeth are sharp.
2. DO NOT file the 'gullet' (radius) of the tooth with the flat file.
The radius must remain. A sharp corner will lead to a crack and
blade failure.
IMPORTANT
If an electric grinder is used, use care not to overheat teeth, do
not allow tips/tooth to glow red or turn blue. DO NOT place
blade in cooling water. This will change the temper of the blade
and could result in blade failure.
3. After sharpening teeth, check each tooth radius for evidence of a
square (sharp) corner. Use the round (rat tail) file to renew the
radius.