How to edge with a curved shaft trimmer? A string trimmer is one of the most important tools for the lawn, and it brings a better and manicured look to your lawn. When you are using a string trimmer on your lawn, the job of edging automatically comes forth for you, and the beauty of a lawn largely depends on the edging work. So, you must learn some techniques about the edging task, how it works finely with your string trimmer.
Why edging?
Edging is the most effective technique to have a beautiful evergreen and well-decorated lawn. It allows you a fine visual look at your lawn.
When will it become more effective?
Edging becomes more effective by turning the trimmer on edge with the spinning away from you and placing the shaft on your shoulder. String trimmers are also commonly known as weed eaters or weed whackers, and so on. Some rumors are found that trimmers are not effective for your job when it comes to edging. But it is not true at all.
I have seen many homeowners in real life and review that they use a trimmer and get their job just fine while edging. It is not an easy task for beginners. Still, if you follow some techniques, you will be able to edge your lawn very firstly, carefully, and according to your desired goals as well. When you use a curved shaft trimmer, you have to keep up a safe angle during edging.
Why choose a curved shaft trimmer?
A curved shaft trimmer has a slight curve at the end, while straight shaft trimmers’ strings are longer and completely straight. From all kinds and brands of string trimmer, a curved shaft trimmer is most effective for your lawn when looking for edging. It offers you the proper shape and size of your lawn. A curved shaft trimmer is ideal for small to medium-sized lawns; it is not for commercial purposes, so you will get the job done with a better balance.
How to edge with a curved shaft trimmer?
In this article, I will tell you some of the demonstrative methods and techniques of how this is done easily. If you do care, I will give you detailed information about edging with a curved shaft trimmer which will become more effective and beneficial. This is also requisite for all string trimmer you are using and the same techniques regardless of the brand. So, let’s go…
Step-1: Direct debris away from you
Firstly, you have to follow some techniques, turn the trimmer on edge and reduce its built-in capacity to protect you away from flying debris directly. The weed guard is designed to be used in horizontal orientation, not vertical. That’s why you need to make sure that debris is directed away from you. Generally, you have seen that a trimmer rotates clockwise, so check it first and make sure.
Step-2: Safety equipment:
Before starting your job, you have to make sure about your safety. You have to wear safety glasses, goggles, ear muffs, hand gloves, and other safety equipment. Hearing protection tools is a good idea while you are using a gas-powered engine.
Step-3: Trimmer should rotate into an edging position:
You have to hold the trimmer in its normal position. Look at the shaft till the guard is up and clear the line of sight to the string. You have to notice that when you rotate the trimmer, make sure that the angle of the trimmer head changes. You are recommended to keep your trimmer head close to a 90-degree angle with the surface. When you rotate it simply, you may see that you don’t get a true 90-degree angle. To get the proper angle, you have to raise the back end of the trimmer.
Step-4: Mount the trimmer shaft on the shoulder:
This is a fairly hard task if you have to mount the trimmer shaft on your shoulder before or if you are not experienced. On the other hand, if you don’t do this, you will not get a proper edge. Rest the trimmer shaft on your shoulder, hold the shaft on your hand, and rest your upper arm near your shoulder.
Be careful when you use a gas-powered engine. You must make sure that you don’t put the engine too close to your head to avoid burning your hair and hold the trimmer right next to your ear. After following this, you will notice that your trimmer is at a 90-degree angle which you are looking for. Though it may look awkward, it is surprisingly comfortable for you.
Step-5: Move slow but steady pace:
In the beginning, when you are learning, make slow movements, don’t get in a rush to get a good result. You have to move slowly but steadily as we know, “Slow and steady wins the race,” and stay carefully on your desired path. Move your trimmer slowly from left to right along the edge of your lawn bed. When it cuts excess grass and debris, you notice that it creates a nice vertical edge.
Tips for better edging:
Why mount a trimmer shaft on the shoulder? When you follow the shoulder-mount approach, you will simply rotate the shaft and complete the edging task according to your need. When it is your first time or at the beginning, the one problem is that it can result in more back stains. So, to avoid this problem, rest the shaft on your arm and reduce back stains. You need to raise the back end of the trimmer to get the proper angle, so avoid simple rotation.
Flying debris: When you are ready to start your job, bear in mind that you must avoid nearby cars, windows, peoples, children’s, domestic pets, and other important things because the trimmed doesn’t offer you the same level of debris control and small rocks, sticks, broken bricks, and other hard metal can cause serious damage to your important things. Ensure that the plastic debris guard is turned up while edging to prevent some debris from flying directly up. You have to wear safety equipment as small rocks and sticks can be thrown away by the string.
Is gas trimmer better than electric?
Though it is a common question of many homeowners, there is also a common answer that it largely depends on your physical condition, comfort level, and lawn position. We know the gas-powered is generally weighty while electric power is less than gas-engine. The common weight of most gas-powered trimmer is 8-12 pounds, while an electric trimmer is 5-6 pounds. If you feel that the weight may be an issue, then avoid a gas-powered edger.
A gas-powered trimmer is more powerful than an electric or cordless trimmer. The majority of the gas-powered engines are two-stroke engines that are still more powerful than electric or cordless. If you have a shortage of time, you can use the gas engine to complete your job very fast. In the area where there is no scope of accession of electricity, then you can’t imagine your task without a gas-powered trimmer.
Final thoughts:
You need to keep some practice, and you can edge your lawn perfectly with a curved shaft trimmer. So, you have to take your time and keep your work running. After a certain period, you will be an expert in edging with the trimmer. The more you practice, the more you become experts. So, don’t be so hasty at the beginning; keep patient and do your job silently and carefully. If you follow the article, I’m sure that you will do your job perfectly. So, keep following and seeing you next time in other articles with some other special tips.
