Replies

1. 
   mwenz | Jan 10, 2007 11:29pm | #1

   Hi Andrew,

   I have both a Tormek and a Jet. I run the heck out of them. The Tormek is the better machine in many respects, but the Jet for normal people [hey, I never claimed to be normal!] will work wonderful for what I think will be a long time.

   They haven't been out long enough for anyone to determine how long they will last. If I don't break the thing in a year's time, most or nearly no one will be able to in many, many years, short of parts malfunction.

   Take care, Mike

2. 
   shopteacher | Jan 11, 2007 03:12am | #2

   In my school shop we have the Tormek (it is about 8 or 10 years old).  It has been used by hundreds of students and I have had no problems with it.  Its a great machine.  My machine tools are Jet.  When we purchased them I was concerned about the "Taiwan" and "China" thing, however all have performed perfectly (Milling machine, Surface Grinder, Geared Head lathe, Vertical Bandsaw and Horiziontal Band Saw).  Because of cost, Jet gets high marks from me - I would not hesitate to buy any of their tools.

3. 
   BruceS | Jan 11, 2007 03:39am | #3

   Santa brought me a Jet Grinder  and I'am enjoying it a lot.  Just a reminder to ALL who may purchase one,  I work in a woodworking outlet store and we've had a few complaints from "Woodworkers" who don't read the instruction manual.   There is a warning in the manual about removing the Styrofoam shipping block that keeps the motor from banging around.   If not removed you may have a FIRE or the motor may not run.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

4. 
   tom21769 | Jan 11, 2007 04:23am | #4

   I bought one and it came with a couple bugs.
   The plastic bushings on the tool rest popped out, so I've had to epoxy them into the metal frame. The leather honing wheel did not spin true, so I shimmed it up in a procedure sorta like balancing a ceiling fan.

   It was quite a bit cheaper than the Tormek and has some design improvements such as better water management. The customer service was easy enough to reach and free with advice. Be sure to watch the DVD. And don't throw away your sandpaper and glass.

5. 
   Ray | Jan 11, 2007 07:56am | #5

   I bought one when Woodcraft first got them, it works fine.  Watch the DVD and by all means, get the diamond "truing tool" and use it to make sure the stone's perfectly round and parallel to the tool bar. 

   Sharpen all SWMBO's kitchen knives, she'll love you for it.