273 knife sharpening

[Tom 8N396936]

Gentlemen, my 273 often leaves ragged eadges on the bale that I have attributed to dull knives in the chamber. Is it possible to sharpen them without removing them? If so could someone please take a moment and explain the best way to do this?
thanks
tom

 

[RodinNS]

A flap/sanding disc on a 5" angle grinder works fairly well. You also need to make sure that the knives are shimmed correctly. If the distance is too far out you will also get a ragged cut.

Rod

 

[old]

Well if the knotters are like the ones on a 271 you can flip[ them up by removing one bolt then you just file them or use a small stone on them flip it back down then bolt it back down. Done that a few times on my 271

 

[Chris in SK]

I'd agree with Rod, a flap wheel on a grinder works well, a file or stone will also work, and they can be sharpened in the chamber. If you need to adjust the gap or have any real bad places on the edges, it's usually just as easy to take them out, sharpen and re shim to set the clearance. Block the plunger when you work in there.
Chris

 

[Greyhorse]

Just Don't get the knife hot, it will ruin the temper.

 

[Tom 8N396936]

Thanks to all who weighed in - have a great (safe) hay season!