Sharpening System

[crokett]

Assuming I were to ask for one for Christmas, do I want something like this?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=33867

or this?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=35098

Or would a simple variable speed grinder do the trick? I'd be sharpening chisels, lathe tools at some point and other things like lawn mower blades, garden tools, etc. Although the garden tools I might just hit with an angle grinder.

[cabinetman]

I would go for this one. I have the other one and it's very limited in configuring a tool holder. An alternative would be a Worksharp 3000.
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[leehljp]

The one that Cab linked. I have the other one and it is tolerable but not great. I had to replace a plastic gear in it. I am not impressed with it after 4 years of use. I still use it and it is better than nothing but not by much.

[headhunter636]

I'm no pro at sharpening, but I like the horizontal wheel of the one that Cab linked to as well. I was one of the lucky ones to get the Worksharp 3000 and it seems like a very capable machine but does not look as durable as the one from HF.

[Whaler]

I haveThe Jet wet sharpener and really like it. Timberline Tools has it on sale for $249.99.

[Uncle Cracker]

Sounds like a job for a $17 Worksharp at Sears... Sorry...

I have looked at the HF wet/dry that CabMan linked to. Typical HF quality, but looks workable, if it holds up. Maybe get the extended warranty on this one...

[pelligrini]

This might work:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Bench-Mo...item439acb961f

[Pappy]

This might work:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Bench-Mo...item439acb961f

My granddad had one of those in his garage. I remember playing with it when I was a kid.

I looked at the flat stone type sharpeners at one time and was told it is hard to keep the stone flat, true, and balanced. Doesn't HF still sell the Tormac rip off?

[HauntedBranch]

Doesn't HF still sell the Tormac rip off?[/QUOTE]

I was told that that HF no longer sells that version of the wet grinder but Grizzly has a very similar one (in 8" and 10" wheel size). I recently bought one and it seems to work well to me, however, I am a pretty unknowledgeable sharpener and still learning the machine. You missed the sale, though.

[luteman]

My Worksharp3000 and the wide angle attachments just arrived today. Can't wait to finally have sharp chisels and plane irons again!