How to Sharpen an Electric Sheep Shearer

Shearing is the act of cutting off a sheep's heavy wool coat. Shearing a sheep doesn't hurt the animal at all --- in fact shearing actually helps keep the animal comfortable during the hot summer months. Although some farmers shear their sheep with hand-held scissors, many farmers opt to use electric shears that help do the job quickly which results in less stress for the animal. To keep the shears in top working condition, it is very important to keep them sharpened so that the shearing process goes as smoothly as possible. It is recommended that you sharpen the shearing blade after about 10 sheep or whenever the blade begins to snag in the sheep's wool.

Things You'll Need

  • Magnet
  • Diamond loaded wheel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the comb blade from your sheep shearer and attach a magnet to the back of the blade, allowing you to hold it while you sharpen the comb.

    • 2

      Float the comb blade over the diamond loaded wheel so that the surface becomes sharp again.

    • 3

      Lay the blade down on the rotating wheel, laying it down from the back towards the tip until it is flat against the stone.

    • 4

      Grind it until the blade becomes a light color which indicates the blade has been sharpened all over.

    • 5

      Repeat the same process to sharpen the other blade that moves up and down behind the comb blade.