I started another thread ( Windfall$-Tormek?) and many in that thread indicated they would use a Tormek for initially sharpening or shaping badly nicked tools but use another method like stones for the final honing. Well, after a visit to my local Woodcraft store yesterday to check out the Tormek, I learned that Delta has a less expensive alternative for those that don’t want all the attachments or who prefer to do their honing on stones. Their Universal Wet/Dry Grinder (Model 23-700) has a 10″ 220 grit wheel that turns in water at 70 rpm ( Tormek is 90rpm). This seems virtually the same as Tormek but only costs $165. It also has a 3450rpm dry 5″ 100 grit wheel for whatever.
Thanks for all your comments on the other thread; after listening to your experience I think I will ride for awhile longer using my hand sharpening. Hope the above helps anyone who might want only the 10″ wheel aspect of the Tormek but not have to buy the whole deal.
Replies
Sailalex,
I use a Grizzly wet grinder, which looks exactly the same as the Delta you are referring to. Also they have a few attachments which makes sharpening easier.
These machines make sharpening really easy, but they are slow.
I use mine for touch up, or as an in-between machine. Means, starting with a grey wheel on a normal 8" bench grinder, then the wet grinder and finally a buffer.
For lathe chisels, the wet grinder produces a good enough finish, as a final finish.
With a jig, the wet grinder sharpens the main bevel on a plane iron real easy.
You can see the link here
The catalog says " slow speed grinder" whcih means both the wheel turns slow and it grinds slow too... :-)
Edited 4/19/2005 11:15 am ET by Jellyrug
This seems virtually the same as Tormek but only costs $165.. Model 23-700
Geeeeeeeeeee I thought MY eyes were old!
The Delta model works well, but its grinding wheel doesn't last nearly as long as the one on the Tormek, nor does it stay flat for as long.
I've never investigated whether you can upgrade the wheel on the Delta to one comparable to the Tormek wheel, and I have no idea what each kind of wheel cost, but I have run both machines side-by-side and seen the way the Delta wheel wears down rather quickly compared to the Tormek.
Something to consider - depending on how much use your machine gets.
-Jazzdogg-
Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
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