OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Question On Scott Bonnar Cylinder Mowers Laser cut stainless frame ?

Hi guys new to the forum . I have recently purchased two 20" solid deck machines.
One win good working order and the other I would like to fix up.
In regards to the topic has anyone looked into or thought about having the side plates and deck laser cut from stainless steel ? My thoughts behind this would be no rust problems or scratched paint problems etc . Any thoughts ?

Hi jim13, welcome to Outdoorking.

There are a few things that are made more difficult by using stainless steel: it is more difficult to drill or otherwise machine, to fold or bend, and to weld. Remember that some welding is necessary on the solid deck, in particular. I'm not saying it can't be done of course, I'm saying it would be quite a project to do it and end up with it looking good: paint can cover a multitude of sins.

On the other hand if you put in the time and effort to somehow execute it nicely, you would certainly end up with a very unusual and widely admired SB45.

Sounds like a good idea....I love working with stainless!...The other point not touched on is cost. Made in volume is fine,but a 1 off in stainless and laser cutting can become expensive for the average Restorer.

But if youve access to a Mig,cobalt drills,a bender and a laser cutter/or access to... then go fo it! And I love polished stainless so I wouldnt be painting it...although it may blind you whilst trying to mow lols.

Is this something that any SB45 owners on here would be interested in ? I could get it done for probably about $75 per side or deck (i would need to check that first but would be close that). I could have them done with no drilling required and i can't see the need for any welding either. The deck could be a two piece item bolted to make it rigid. The catcher mounts could be replaced with stainless bolts or rivnuts and the height adjuster could be laser cut / folded and bolted to the side plate. As you said a 1 off might not be worth it but if more then one would probably be ok as the draw / design fee is $50 per item. I have one of the 20" apart and could go ahead with it if anyone else is interested...

Hi Jim13,

Cannot see why stainless steel wont work. Polished 316 marine grade stainless steel will look amazing.

I have been busy designing and prototyping some new laser cut profile side panels out of 5mm Mild steel. I have been looking for a 20" solid deck Scott Bonnar for almost one year now with no luck. As I could not find one I decided to make my own. Plan on building two 20". One solid deck and only twin rail deck. Best of both worlds. All powered by Subaru robin motors.