HF Tormek knock-off, or Woodcraft 8" SS?

[BigguyZ]

I'm looking to get a better grinder to upgrade from my HF belt loop sander that I currently use. I haven't seen anything about the HF Tormek knock-off since April. Has anyone else checked it out? How does it work with the Tormek accessory's. I see that the additional jigs/etc are available now. How anyone tried these for turning gouges?

The other option would the the Woodcraft 8" slow speed grinder with the good wheels. Is it easy to sharpen with just the grinder, or would I want to make/buy a Wolverine jig to make it easy for my chisels? Is this a better solution, or just different?

What are the benefits of going with the HF unit versus the Woodcraft one, and vice versa? I'm really starting to make a thing out of pen turning, so I don't mind investing in something to make my tools sharp... I just need to figure out which direction I want to go.

Thanks!

[MikeMcCoy]

I haven't ran across any input for the HF unit but I have both the Tormek and the Woodcraft slow speed grinder. I picked up the Wolverine jigs awhile back with a Hartville sale and since then, I haven't even turned the Tormek on. The Tormek is definitely the go-to tool for finishing edges but after a minor operator error problem, the Woodcraft unit has seen 90% of the work. The Tormek is better at fixing my errors though.

[Larryl]

I haven't ran across any input for the HF unit but I have both the Tormek and the Woodcraft slow speed grinder. I picked up the Wolverine jigs awhile back with a Hartville sale and since then, I haven't even turned the Tormek on. The Tormek is definitely the go-to tool for finishing edges but after a minor operator error problem, the Woodcraft unit has seen 90% of the work. The Tormek is better at fixing my errors though.

I have been leaning toward the Woodcraft and Wolverine system myself. What features/issues make you want to use it 90% of the time?
Thanks,
LarryL

[MikeMcCoy]

Features - my inexperience might have a lot to do with it. Since I got the jig (I got the skew jig also) I am able to leave it alone pretty much through a turning session. 5 or 10 seconds at a shot and the tool is back to turning shape. I've gotten where I use the Tormek before I put everything up but I'm not sure at this point that there is an improvement. The edges seem to last a bit longer but the refresh time with the Wolverine is so short that doesn't make a lot of difference. Other than that, the Tormek gets used with scrapers during a session but there again, it's because I don't have to fool around with set up.

[Larryl]

BigguyZ, I didn't mean to steal your thred but you ask the question I have been wanting to know.

Mike, thanks for you insight. I am just getting into turning and don't want to make too many false starts and end up with tools(toys) I won't really use.

[BigguyZ]

No problem. I'm still curious is there's anyone else who has an opinion, not that Mike's is no good- I just want to b e sure I'm going the best route.

[Ken Massingale]

I don't have and have never used a Tormek (and will never pay almost the price of a cabinet saw for a grinder and accessories) but have had the Wolverine and WC slow speed grinder for awhile. I find everything Mike said about the ease of use of the Wolverine very true.
A new grinder I am interested in is the Work Sharp. If the concept proves true, to me it seems like an almost ideal solution. The local WC is getting one in soon so I'm waiting to see it in use.

[scmhogg]

BigGuy,

I got one of the HF sharpeners 3 or 4 months ago. I have only done a few old iron chisels since. But, I was very pleased with the results. I use the leather honing wheel for everything.

I have been emailing a guy from HF about the accessories they show on the case. So far no real info.

EDIT--I just checked the HF site and they now list the accessories for Sharpener No. 95236.

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...ight=sharpener

Steve