Question about Tormek sharpeners

[zable9]

Hello, anybody use the Tormek slow speed sharpeners? How do you like the jigs they offer? Any pics to share? Thx

Ref site: http://www.tormek.com/en/

 

[LeeG]

I use one to do a hollow grind on all of my chisels and hand planes. It works real good, but I use a 8000 and 16000 grit water stone to do the final honing. I just use the basic jig for holding chisels. I have the large knife jig, and have used it a few times with pretty good results.

 

[paulsomlo]

I have one. I stood on the sidelines for years and watched people argue for and against on the Fine Woodworking online forum. I got mine off the local CL for $275. Although I was skeptical, it does a really good job with woodworking tools; chisels and plane blades. It offers consistency and gives a very sharp edge. I had heard that it was slow, but I haven't found this to be the case. I thought the honing wheel was a gimmick, but I can take a blade that's slightly dulled, run it over the honing wheel for a few seconds, and get back to work with a sharp edge again.

I have the knife jigs, a scissors jig, and the truing jig. I've found it easier to sharpen knives freehand, but the scissors jig works pretty well. I think the price for a new one is outrageous - if you can find a used one, go for it.

 

[zkling]

If you do a lot of fine-er wood working, primarily turning and hand planing they are great, especially fully jigged.

 

[TomB19]

I have the Grizzly clone and I'm plenty happy with it. The Tormek jigs are better than Grizzly, particularly the planar blade jig.

 

[Adam.C]

Skip it. Buy a cheap grinder and a couple stones and you will be better off. Jigs only allow to to sharpen their way. Eventually you will need to sharpen something that the jig won't hold. A belt sander can be used in lieu of a grinder.

Oh, and you don't need hollow ground edges. They are particularly strong or helpful. A knife edge is a better shaped for just about all edged tools.

 

[vertenaotne]

I have the large knife jig, and have used it a few times with pretty good results.