Newbie ? on sickle bar mower

Here is a pic. Over the wx I also created myself a MS WORD file from the archives (Thanks to all for all the shared wisdom there).

Upon reading the archives on sharpening, I see 2 camps: a) V-stone if you can find one or carburendum
b) 4" grinder if you keep speed down not to rmv temper.

At this point I do not have a stone so sharpening is looking like 4" grinder with sanding disk or hand file. Maybe I can rig a jig to maintain the angle if using grinder?

As to blades it appears that under-serrated blades are the blade of choice for the widest options in cutting.

Now then, do all blades interchange? Is there a std size or do I need blades specific to my sickle?

I have also read the about how to verify the "register" & need to ensure blades are centered under guard, also about fwd. pitch of entire mower assy. to ensure it perpendicular to tractor when in use.

Any other words of wisdom I should be aware of other than common sense safety?

I have a Moline mower and they are way different than any other section. Rivot holes are spaced 1/4" less than regular ones.

I just losen the wear guards at the pitman and pull the sickle out and run the 4" grinder lightly over both sides, just to get an edge on it and put it back. Takes 10 min.

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