Lapping must be done with the reel spinning backwards, or you will round the leading edges of the blades and set yourself back rather than making much progress. Also, if your bedknife angle is wrong (which it probably is) the cutting geometry is hopeless and lapping can't fix that. I had hopes that your machinist had at least done the reel properly, but it sounds as if it was a rough job. All in all, you need to go to a specialist to get the situation put right, and get some instructions on adjustment while you are there. Proper adjustment technique is essential.
