Replies

1. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 08, 2007 06:47pm | #1

   I would call my local Woodcraft and ask!

1. 
   ctsjr | Oct 09, 2007 03:56am | #6

   I'll do it--the worst they can say is "no". Tom"Notice that at no time do my fingers leave my hand"

2. 
   BruceS | Oct 09, 2007 01:10am | #2

   Go for the Jet grinder but get tormek attachments for the most part.   Some of the Jet attachments are OK, but many of the Tormek are better at what they do.  You will see that better once you get your hands on them.  All Jet/Tormek attachments are interchangeable from machine to machine.

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

   Bruce S. 

    

   
   

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   Edited 10/8/2007 6:14 pm ET by BruceS

3. 
   9619 | Oct 09, 2007 02:04am | #3

   Chris,
   I have a part time job at a Woodcraft. This store doesn't have the Tormek and Jet ready for folks to try.

   I recommend that you search for and read the past threads on this topic. I have never seen a "head to head" competition between the two. The Tormek has come out with a new upgraded machine which cost a hundred more. I have listened to a lot of folks talk about the two. Most agree that the Tormek quality is much better, and the wheels last a lot longer.

   The real question is whether or not you want one of those machines. Ask yourself "why?" What are you going to do with it? You can grind better and faster on a regular grinder and they are very cheap. The Tormek and Jet are very slow. Also they only have two grits. With sandpaper you have lots of grits and can move up them easily. Read the recent head to head competition among the Tormek, oilstones, waterstones, sandpaper, etc for sharpening. Sandpaper won.

   There are no simple answers that are good for everybody. Everybody seems to muddle through and find something they like, eventually. I'd recommend getting a regular grinder and stones. You can use diamond, oil or water stones. I prefer diamonds. I can get good results with oilstones and sandpaper. I haven't used waterstones.

   I hope you come up with something you like. You wont come up with a good answer by averaging all of the advice you get. I believe you have to get some hands on experience before you get comfortable. Not just a demo. You have to get sufficient experience with any method to really make it work. Hope that helps.
   Mel

   Measure your output in smiles per board foot. 

1. 
   ctsjr | Oct 09, 2007 03:49am | #4

   MelI used a Jet wet grinder at school in April, and was impressed at the speed that it prepared the tools ready to hone. I don't intend to use the grinder to hone the tools per Jet and Tormek's recommendations. I use sandpaper to hone my tools, but I want to hollow grind them first. I'm afraid with a dry grinder I'll burn or ruin the temper. The new Tormek T-7 does cost $100 more than the previous/current model but you receive the truing/leveling attachment, the stone grader and something else (memory fails me here) that you don't get with the older Tormek model. I think the T-7 also comes with a micro adjust for squaring and for sneaking up on an angle. For $200 less, the Jet is tempting, but the negatives I've heard do concern me. Plus, if you buy and register the T-7 online before Jan.15, 2008, you get free wheel replacements for life--I read the fine print and it means up to 3 wheels free. I suppose Tormek doesn't wish you a long life or else their wheels last a looooong time. I would like to try both side by side to get a realistic comparison. Tom"Notice that at no time do my fingers leave my hand"

1. 
   9619 | Oct 09, 2007 03:54am | #5

   Tom,
   You have done a lot of homework.
   I hope you get a chance to compare the two, side by side. Post the info, if you do.
   If you don't get that chance, my tendency is to go with the Tormek.
   Have fun.
   MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot. 

1. 
   ctsjr | Oct 09, 2007 03:58am | #7

   Thanks, Mel. Wish you worked at the Woodcraft in Houston. Tom"Notice that at no time do my fingers leave my hand"