Replies

1. 
   Scrit | Nov 26, 2005 08:30pm | #1

   I have a Tormek 2004. Used it to replace a Makita horizontal. The Tormek has strengths and weaknesses. It's weaknesses are (I feel) that it isn't briilaint when it comes to short fiddly tools, although they've now brought out a jig to do that (haven't tried it yet, so I can't say if it's good or bad). Also sharpening long planer knives takes forever - mine (16 inchers) now go out to a service. Finally, some of the knobs on jigs are a bit plasticy and prone to breakage if roughly used. So all that means it wouldn't do in a commercial shop.

   You won't get as good a finish off a Tormek as you'll get from Japanese waterstones..... but, I can consistently and repeatably resharpen plane irons in minutes and hone the microbevel reallu quickly. I find it especially good with nicked irons. It works for me when sharpening fingernail turning gouge ends and carving tools, too - twice to three times as quick as I can do them by hand and a LOT more  consistent. And the knife/scissor jigs keep SWMBO happy because I can and I'm willing to sharpen her needlework/kitchen/garden stuff.

   Overall I'd say it was a good purchase, albeit a bit pricey. That's why I've lived with one for 4 years now.

   Scrit

    

   (3 years old).

2. 
   Jeff | Nov 26, 2005 08:35pm | #2

    

   I have it and like it.  However, I use it primarily to hollow grind chisels and plane irons.  After the hollow grind, it is to the Nortons for honing.

   For the money spent, I'd been better off buying a slow grinder with an 8" wheel or a cheaper version of the Tormek.  I've since bought additional jigs, but the one for the draw knife simply didn't work.  I've heard from others it isn't practical for sharpening jointers and other long blades.  From my experience with the draw knife, I'd agree.

   If you have money to burn, get it.  It is a well built device.

3. 
   A35335 | Nov 27, 2005 01:46am | #3

   Ditto on the other gentlemen. Great for getting a new bevel on, but I do use a Japanese 8000 with an old Sears jig to put on a microbevel for plane blades and chisels.

   Also, you will quickly gain new "friends" when they find out you can sharpen THEIR kitchen knives. Works great for scissors, too, with the scissors jig.

   It's just like anything else, it won't do it all, but it is a great machine, very well made, really simple to operate.

   Rich

4. 
   WillGeorge | Nov 27, 2005 05:11pm | #4

   I have a TORMEK and like it.. However, if I could get a nice edge in 10 minutes I'v never have got it in the first place...

   Thinking of getting the 'water stone' for it...

1. 
   Scrit | Nov 27, 2005 09:23pm | #5

   There's a guy here in the UK doing a diamomnd stone for the Tormek. Can't say I'd use one myself, however.

   Scrit

2. 
   A35335 | Nov 28, 2005 12:11am | #6

   Going to a Woodcraft store next week to pick up a bandsaw, dust collector and belt/disk sander. I'm afraid of even going over to the "Japanese stone for Tormek" aisle........... :)I've also been looking at them hard...........Rich

5. 
   JerryLen | Nov 28, 2005 03:17pm | #7

   I have had a Tormek for about 2 years now and just use it like I would use a conventional grinder.  I use it to grind down the bevel before using my waterstones.  I ‘m not sorry I bought it but it is pretty expensive for what I use it for.  As mentioned previously, it doesn’t produce as sharp an edge as a waterstone.