Hi Deejay,
To answer your questions;
1. Yes
2. Back lapping was done using a 3/4 socket attachment/adaptor on a battery drill running the blades backwards against the bed knife, a medium paste was used. As far as why I back lapped it; I had a fellow here to help me (he sharpened the blades) who is a senior contractor for many golf courses around Sydney, including the exclusive NSW golf course, he was the one who recommended this course of action to me.
He explained it was required as the two blade surfaces can never really be ground to each other absolutely perfectly while they are not bolted into the machine. Due to this the blades were lightly back lapped to ensure the perfect alignment of each blade to each other. You could hear the little burrs being removed by the process and when it was done you could hear that the blades were perfectly honed and aligned to each other, the sound was sensational as the two blades came in together, it sounded damned sharp!!
3. Yes, VERY slight contact. The blades are far enough apart to allow the cutting of a post it note, no less, no more.
I hope this answers your questions.
I am certainly no expert in relation to these mowers and but I have read a lot on here and watched the videos you've mentioned. I found the fellow who helped me to be very knowledgeable in relation to this mower and further more hew was extremely enthusiastic to help me set the mower up perfectly. He stayed for 2 hrs more than he quoted me so he could ensure everything was correct and watch the mower in action!!
Regards,
Andrew
