Replies

1. 
   stephenpinn | Mar 20, 2005 10:13am | #1

   I have a Makita and mot a Tormek so can't offer you a comparison.  I have successfully done jointer and planer blades but frankly I think it is better having them done by a professional. 

    

   I have modified my Makita to accept diamond wheels as well as PSA abrasives as wll as the water stones.  If I need to sharpen a single chisel or iron, I find using PSA abrasives much handier (and cleaner) than using watersones.  I have also fitted a disk with leather to use it as a power strop.  Flattening the back of a chishel or iron is pretty painless as well.

    

   I have no complaints about the Makita, especially with the verstailty of media that I can use.

    

   Good luck in your research - Steve

2. 
   galenajoe | Mar 20, 2005 06:39pm | #2

   I have a Makita sharpening machine. I use it for planer blades and it works fine. Get the green wheel for it. It taken the knicks out of the blades in no time. Then finish up with the fine stone.

   I like the idea of using PSA to do some sharpening and the leather stropp. I'll have to try them.

   Joe

1. 
   stephenpinn | Mar 21, 2005 09:34am | #5

   Just as a followup.  For my Makita, I purchased a couple of 8inch "Master Laps" from a lapidary supply house.  I drilled out the center to the same diameter as the drive shaft of the makita motor and the use a bolt to hold it in place.

   For stropping I attached the leather directly to the master lap.  For abrasives I purchased the abrasive kit from Veritas aslong with their plattens.  I lay the Veritas platen (with abrasive attached) on a plain "master lap".

   The Master Lap plates give me a heavy, true base to work from.

   BTW using the system with PSA abrasives is very very fast, both for sharpening and switching grits and not at all messy!

   Regards - Steve

1. 
   galenajoe | Mar 21, 2005 05:02pm | #6

   Steve:

         Thanks for the info. I'll order up what I need and give it a try.

   Joe 

3. 
   ESchlesinger | Mar 20, 2005 07:22pm | #3

   I have owned ( and sometimes used)  the Makita sharpener for about 10 years.  I find it  too much bother.  I send  planer  and jointer blades  to a  professional sharpening service instead.  Too bad it is so time consuming to set and use. Eric

4. 
   eloso | Mar 20, 2005 07:45pm | #4

   I have the makita and have used the tormek. Both are not for the faint hearted. They, being water based, are very messy but I think the makita is worse. It takes some tickering to get the flow rate and the water shield to the point where you get enough water but don't get a slurry shower as well.
   That said for planer and joiner blades the makita is better because it has a longer flat surface and a full length jig. You can also flatten the backs of your chisels and plane soles with the flat stone - which you can't do with tormek.
   I like the idea of using psa on the makita and converting it to a dry sharpener. That way you could quickly touchup your tools without the whole setup time of the water and soaking the stone (30 min). Veritas sells a dry sanding system now - but I'd already bought the makita and figured it out. If I had the money and space I guess I'd want both the Veritas and the Makita.
   Kevin

1. 
   Woodmann | Mar 21, 2005 07:22pm | #7

   Thanks to all for your comments regarding Makita Sharpening machine.   I went  ahead and bought it.  Private party , brand new  and never used. also includes 6 extra wheels 120 , 6000 etc.   $200.00 out the door. I figured what can I loose? If i don't like it I can sell it. 

   [email protected]

1. 
   JsHerbel | Mar 22, 2005 12:52am | #8

   How does a person deal with the stone dishing in the Makita sharpener? Do you have to flatten the stone often and how is it done?