Replies

1. 
   gochiefs | Oct 23, 2021 02:24pm | #1

   I have the T4 and it does do a good job. The problem I have is everything is sold a la carte. It comes with a jig to sharpen chisels, but if you need to sharpen turning tools, you will have to buy specific jigs. This is also the case for scissors, axes or for anything else. It can get very expensive.

2. 
   bobr2 | Oct 23, 2021 02:45pm | #2

   I have the T8 and most of the accessories. It is a major investment. I do use it and I do like it for some jobs. I primarily end up using it to sharpen jointer knives as well as axes, scissors and some other items around the house. For my chisels and plane irons I like my Veritas Mk II sharpening jig and a series of diamond plates most of the time instead. I think I get better, more consistent results with the veritas jig. The jig and diamond plates are also expensive. If I were only going to have one. I would choose the diamond plates, but that is just my preference. Both will get the job done.

   I've also used the float glass plates with various grits of sandpaper (scary sharp system I think they call it) and that can give excellent results with little up front investment. I use the veritas jig with that system as well. I still use that method for the last couple of grits that I use. Taytools sells a starter kit with the glass plates and sandpaper to start (about 25 USD). I buy the wet/dry silicon carbide paper myself. As I said, this method works great, but over time the cost of sandpaper adds up. That is what motivated to buy the diamond plates over time. With a veritas Mk II guide and the scary sharp system it is right at about 100 USD to get started that way.

3. 
   user-3736035 | Oct 23, 2021 05:15pm | #3

   Hey John, used to be a neighbour in Hudson, I love my T-8, never burns my expensive chisels and plane irons or anything else I sharpen on. Expensive, yes, worth it? to me very much.

1. 
   user-7565791 | Oct 23, 2021 09:13pm | #6

   Hello USER 3736035 where are you living now.

1. 
   user-3736035 | Oct 25, 2021 11:36am | #7

   Prince Edward County.

4. 
   john_c2 | Oct 23, 2021 06:19pm | #4

   I sold my Tormek after collecting dust for ages. It's just horribly slow. I do everything on diamond stones and an ultrafine ceramic to finish. It's wuick and easy for me.

5. 
   jim_hall | Oct 23, 2021 07:11pm | #5

   I still use my Tormek for re-grinding kitchen knives, scissors, plane irons and chisels. They are terribly slow though and the jigs are sometimes complicated to use. I've been switching over to a low speed (1750 rpm) 8" grinder with a CBN grinding wheel and Wolverine grinding system. The CBN wheel sharpens much faster and doesn't burn. Its particularly great for sharpening high speed steel lathe tools quickly, while you're turning on the lathe. The Tormek jig I have for sharpening lathe skews only allows the standard straight across angled sharpening. I put a curve on the toe of my skews and that jig won't work for that purpose. Also if you have any of the small lathe tools for making pens you may have a problem sharpening those with the jigs since they really seem designed for full sized lathe tools. Keep an eye out for used ones. They don't seem to be as popular as they once were. You might be able to pick one up used much cheaper. I've seen a couple for sale on Craigslist over the last year or two. Good luck..

6. 
   user-7168223 | Oct 25, 2021 02:38pm | #8

   I have the t4 got really lucky and bought it used with all the jigs i love it!!! I suggest that if you did buy one consider offering a sharpening service like kitchen knives scissors ect it will end up paying for itself over time

7. 
   [email protected] | Oct 30, 2021 08:35pm | #9

   In my 80 years I have gone from hand cranked grinders,water immersed wheels from LV,horizontel powered water stoned,sanding power disks and other variations.In retrospect learning to use a 1800 rpm grinder with friable aluminum wheels is my go to start to sharpening.With a LV guide for chisels and plane irons,with your fingers close to the edge to prevent burning,you cant go wrong when the tool needs a reset.Follow that with sandpaper on glass or diamond stones or water stones with the tool in the fantastic LV jig and you are ready to do some serious work.Using that LV jig with the wheel that allows curving plane blades is an added bonus.

8. 
   jdstreet | Oct 30, 2021 09:47pm | #10

   I have had a T8 for a couple years now. Yes it is pricey. I do like it. I find it very helpful establishing a new or refreshed grind on plane knives, chisels, and turning tools. I also use it for my 8” jointer knives and have even refreshed my DW735 knives.

   There is definitely a learning curve and set up can be tricky. Get it right and it does a great job. I still use my water stones for day to day free hand honing. Go for it if you can afford it.