The Tormek employs a 90-rpm, 10-in.-dia. grinding wheel that runs through a water trough. The system offers a variety of optional jigs and excellent instructions for precise sharpening of just about any tool, including planer and jointer knives, axes, and scissors.

The heart of the system is the micro-adjustable steel rest, which supports the jigs solidly in different positions. The straight-edge jig is included with the basic machine. A bevel-setting guide quickly registers the tool against the grinding wheel at almost any angle. After establishing the bevel, the tool rest can be moved to the honing wheel or honing can be done freehand. It takes a couple of minutes to grind and hone an edge-just a little slower than the Veritas.

The basic machine is $400; a deluxe system with all 13 accessories is priced at more than $900.

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