The Makita model 9820-2 uses a horizontal, 8-in.-dia., 1,000-grit waterstone, spinning at 650 rpm and kept wet by a drip system. There are optional 60-grit and 6,000-grit wheels. While the tool-rest assembly is substantial and easy to adjust, it has no blade holder for chisels and plane irons. The 1,000-grit wheel flattened backs and ground bevels a bit more quickly than the other 1,000-grit wheels in this review. When working the backs of tools, however, the splash guards had to be lowered.

To get the best edge possible, I tested the Makita system with the 6,000-grit waterstone. It yielded a scratch pattern equal to a 4,000-grit (or less) waterstone, so the edge required honing on finer abrasives. Also, it took a few minutes to switch stones and readjust the tool rest.

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