Sharpening Chisels etc.

[Tarheel]

Is there anyone out there that have had any exposure to this relatively new sharpening system? - Worksharp?

http://www.worksharptools.com/

I was pretty impressed with the video demonsration. Looks like a mechanized "ScarySharp" method of sharpening. It's a lot more reasonably priced than a Tormak or Jet system.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Wayne

[Pappy]

UI looked at it when it was first introduced but decided against it when the Tormak/Jet knock off showed up it the HF line up. Still waiting for some reviews of that one.

[TheRic]

I agree it does look like a mechanized "ScarySharp" system. At $200 for the unit, and $15 for replacement kits (2, 8, 9 pads depending on which kit you get) seems a little on the high side. I'll wait for the prices to drop, and the knockoffs to come out.

Would like to see what one of our members have to say about it.

[Anna]

I agree it does look like a mechanized "ScarySharp" system. At $200 for the unit, and $15 for replacement kits (2, 8, 9 pads depending on which kit you get) seems a little on the high side. I'll wait for the prices to drop, and the knockoffs to come out.

I'm kinda blushing because I ordered this earlier today. I just ordered my new planes, and I am worried about sharpening. I watched the video and saw how easy it looked. Figured it's probably worth it to short-circuit the sharpening learning curve. Just in case it's not obvious, I'm a complete noob at sharpening.

I'll post a review and pics when I get it. For what it's worth.

[TheRic]

I'm kinda blushing because I ordered this earlier today. I just ordered my new planes, and I am worried about sharpening. I watched the video and saw how easy it looked. Figured it's probably worth it to short-circuit the sharpening learning curve. Just in case it's not obvious, I'm a complete noob at sharpening.

I'll post a review and pics when I get it. For what it's worth.

Don't feel bad about it, what you spend your money on is different from what I would spend my money on. Neither one of us is right or wrong, we just have different priorities.

You have a Starrett straight edge, and soon a Worksharp, and you have a benchtop jointer.

I don't have a Starrett anything, or the Worksharp, I do have a Ridgid jointer (still in it's box ). You buy the things you need / want, and I buy what I need / want.

Am looking forward to reading your review!!

[LarryG]

Anna, if you don't already have it, and in case no one has mentioned it to you in some other thread ... pick up a copy of Leonard Lee's terrific book, The Complete Guide To Sharpening. It's the sharpening bible, and when he says complete, he means COMPLETE. It covers chisels, planes, scrapers, knives, axes, scissors, and much more.

Sidebar to Ric: You just bought that Ridgid jointer as part of your $2000 spending spree, right? You still have a ways to go to beat my dad, who has a JET jointer still in the box that he bought about ... um ... six years ago. No, I'm not kidding.

[cabinetman]

From watching the video it looks easy and predictable. Maybe it is easy. I too would like to hear a review. Maybe these types of products would do well if there was somewhere one could go to try it out, like a test drive.

[TheRic]

...Sidebar to Ric: You just bought that Ridgid jointer as part of your $2000 spending spree, right? You still have a ways to go to beat my dad, who has a JET jointer still in the box that he bought about ... um ... six years ago. No, I'm not kidding.

Yep, that's the one. I believe you about your dad. Mom got dad a Craftsman tool cabinet all three pieces since he needed one so bad he kept saying. It sat in it's boxes in a shed for about 5-7 years. When we (his sons) cleaned out his garage/shop we setup the tool cabinet in the garage so he could start using it. It now sits in the same place, you can almost see it behind the ladders leaning against it, used oil bottles on it, and other junk stacked on and around it. Last time one of us look it was still empty. We took it out of it's boxes about 2 years ago.

[foneman]

here is a review on lumberjocks

I ran across this review a few weeks ago on Lumberjocks forum.

http://lumberjocks.com/jocks/WayneC/blog/1113

It is not my review but Wayne seems to provide good opinions on his tools.

[Anna]

Larry, I just ordered that book. About half-a-dozen people must have mentioned it in one of the threads and that's peer pressure enough for me.

Ric, as long as that jointer is still in the box, it doesn't count.

As for the Work Sharp, anything that will keep me away from the high speed grinders or having to spend hours on the wetstones (tried that once, haven't had the inclination to pull them out again) is probably worth it to me. If it's easy to setup and use, and it produces really sharp edges, I'd be happy. Will let you guys know how it goes. I think it should get here by Monday.

[TheRic]

...Ric, as long as that jointer is still in the box, it doesn't count. ....

Try telling that to my credit card company!!

[gsmittle]

From watching the video it looks easy and predictable. Maybe it is easy. I too would like to hear a review. Maybe these types of products would do well if there was somewhere one could go to try it out, like a test drive.

I've seen this displayed at both Rockler and Woodcraft. Haven't asked for a demo yet, though....

g.

[Russianwolf]

funny thing is I have a VERY similar system that cost $25.

It just doesn't thave the fancy guide.

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/lcm5.html
(this is the 5" version, I have the 6")

Same basic setup just mounted to a lathe. It's a clear plastic disc and I have a 60 grit and 120grit mounted on it at the moment. It works very well for the cost, but I need to slow it down a bit more when I use it.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

They had the Worksharp machine on display at Grizzly in Muncy PA when I was there today. It was the "focus point" when you walk in through the front door. I spoke briefly with a Grizzly employee that was well versed in the machine. Looked pretty decent to me. $200 does seem a bit steep for a flat platter turning sand paper. I'd probably be inclined to go with the Jet Slow Speed Wet system for around the same $ on sale at Amazon.

A complete system is a pretty decent way to go. For example the Worksharp is $200. I just put $50 into a Veritas MkII and $100 in Norton Waterstone Kit (this of course to sharpen my $60 chisels!!!!). So you can see the gap is pretty narrow there. However, I absolutely love the Veritas MkII and the waterstone set. I honed, sharpened, etc all 6 of my German chisels and am very happy with the results. But again it was $150 for a jig and some rocks.

[SwingKing]

Hobbyist version coming in July

FYI, I was doing some research on this since my current sharpening setup is in desparate need of some help. I found an interesting reference to a WS2000, which is supposed to be the hobbyist version of the setup. It's hard to tell what the differences are from the picture, but it may be worth waiting until July for some details. See the picture at: http://www.tylertool.com/ws2000.html

BTW, you don't need to buy their replacement sanding pads, at least for sharpening flat tools. It is supposed to work with standard 6" ROS pads, so you're not tied to their refills.

-- Ken