Sharpening machine

[davidtu]

Any thoughts about this or ones like it? Do you use these or prefer by hand? Is this a good price?

http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/11733

[bthere]

I hear that this is a knockoff of the Tormek. The rumor I heard was that it was developed by a distributor of the Tormek. I understand that some, but not all of the Tormek accessories work with this. It is probably a pretty good machine for the price. I think Hartville Tools has cleared those out and isn't selling the machine any more. It may be worth a call to them if you are interested.

I wanted to add that I would really love to have a Tormek but can't justify the cost. I use stones and sandpaper for most sharpening.

[Thom2]

You do realize that the price listed is only for a replacement wheel for that machine????

[mpauly]

While I don't have one (yet ) I keep reading that the woodcraft slow speed grinder is widely considered a great machine for the money at $95. It comes with two 8" grinding wheels that alone retail for over $60.

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=4605

Michael

[dlminehart]

I couldn't find any discussion of the woodcraft except comparing it negatively to something costing 4 times as much. Does anyone have any reviews?

[mpauly]

There are a ton of threads over on woodnet, just search for +woodcraft +grinder and you'll find more than you want to read. Here's a few from this past week or two. Most not reviews, just endorsements. There seem to be better grinders/wheel combo's out there, but not for the same money. The only real complaint I've seen is the quality of the wheels and them sometimes being out of balance, causing vibration.

http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthr...v=#Post2945290
http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthr...v=#Post2845814

[cabinetman]

I've had really good luck with this HF model:

It has a slow wet speed of 180 RPM. Does a good job and easy to use.

[davidtu]

You do realize that the price listed is only for a replacement wheel for that machine????

I do now. Was wondering why it seemed so inexpensive. Boy what a misleading page! I guess the machine itself is usually listed there too but fell off because they are out of 'em.