Should allen scythe cutter bar be straight?

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi, just got hold of two allen scythes, A model T in poor condition but turns over and a model TS which runs although cutters corroded and out of adjustment, it will cut grass but stalls on 1/2″ twigs. Both the cutter bars are bowed about half an inch up towards the tips. Should the bars be curved or flat?
Thanks.

[charlie]

I am pretty sure they should be flat with no curve.

[ted20]

they must be flat otherwise would bind at end of travel if fingers are properly adjusted

[vhgmcbuddy]

Many thanks, I was unsure if the curve was some kind of preload, a little like scissor blades. I can now see the bend is just outboard of the three attachment bolts. Straightened out OK with a little ‘manual engineering’. Getting everything cleaned up now, cutter blades a little corroded but seem to have had little wear and sharpen up OK.
Thanks again.

[Author]

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