I received the HF Sharpener System last week. [95236] Only five days after my order. A new record for HF.
I have never used or seen a Tormek up close, so I can't really compare.
At first glance the sharpener looks a little tacky. Much lighter than I expected. The plastic shell seems thin. The attachments are roughly finished.
The grinding wheel had a little wobble and needed dressing. However, it doesn't seem to have any adverse affect, in use.
That said, it seems to work fine. The slow speed and water well virtually eliminate overheating. I am not a fan of hollow grinds, I usually flat grind everything. The 8" wheel minimizes the hollow.
An old used Stanley chisel, with a rounded bevel that looked like it was done with a hand file, had a serviceable edge in minutes. It cut reasonably well right off the wheel.
The leather wheel, when oiled and covered with the abrasive paste supplied, puts a nice polish on the bevel. Freehand, I honed the edges of a couple of large Japanese pocket knives I got from GW a couple of years ago. They are REALLY sharp. Cut thick leather like butter.
The unit comes with two jigs. One for chisels and plane irons and one for knives. While crudely made, they seem sufficient for the job. They also include a gauge to set bevel angles.
The "System" promises a full range of Tormek like jigs. I don't think they are ready yet as there is no listing on the HF website. I copied the side of the box to show what they promise. I can't tell if Tormek or Grizzly jigs would work. But, the support rods look to be in the same positions and the same diameter as Tormek.
Over all, I am not disappointed. It's not pretty, but it does the job. I wasn't about to spend $400.00 for the little I do. So, its a perfect match for me.
It was $99.00 with a free $10.00 gift card, that I used to buy a new dresser. [Gift card code 326-310-984]
Steve
I have never used or seen a Tormek up close, so I can't really compare.
At first glance the sharpener looks a little tacky. Much lighter than I expected. The plastic shell seems thin. The attachments are roughly finished.
The grinding wheel had a little wobble and needed dressing. However, it doesn't seem to have any adverse affect, in use.
That said, it seems to work fine. The slow speed and water well virtually eliminate overheating. I am not a fan of hollow grinds, I usually flat grind everything. The 8" wheel minimizes the hollow.
An old used Stanley chisel, with a rounded bevel that looked like it was done with a hand file, had a serviceable edge in minutes. It cut reasonably well right off the wheel.
The leather wheel, when oiled and covered with the abrasive paste supplied, puts a nice polish on the bevel. Freehand, I honed the edges of a couple of large Japanese pocket knives I got from GW a couple of years ago. They are REALLY sharp. Cut thick leather like butter.
The unit comes with two jigs. One for chisels and plane irons and one for knives. While crudely made, they seem sufficient for the job. They also include a gauge to set bevel angles.
The "System" promises a full range of Tormek like jigs. I don't think they are ready yet as there is no listing on the HF website. I copied the side of the box to show what they promise. I can't tell if Tormek or Grizzly jigs would work. But, the support rods look to be in the same positions and the same diameter as Tormek.
Over all, I am not disappointed. It's not pretty, but it does the job. I wasn't about to spend $400.00 for the little I do. So, its a perfect match for me.
It was $99.00 with a free $10.00 gift card, that I used to buy a new dresser. [Gift card code 326-310-984]
Steve
**one and only purchaser of a BT3C official thong** 
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