Worksharp 3000

[Doug B]

I'm not saying you can't remove chips from edges with the Worksharp it is simply the fact that a small abrasive disc has limited surface area so the abrasive is quick to dull this is where the machine fails down for me & so IMHO makes the machine unsuitable for grinding.
As I said it works well for honing, but the Proedge does this & is also excellent for grinding, if I was in the market for a new machine it wouldn't be the Worksharp.

I need to get a new grinding wheel for the workshop, is this something that would withstand a workshop environment or should I just stick to a grinding wheel?

I'd get a demo Mark there will be stockists around you or have a look on YouTube.
Personally having been apprentice at a shop that used a big old cast iron linisher for grinding edges I really like the Proedge, the fact they do very fine grit belts for it are a bonus. Don't get me wrong sharpening nirvana it ain't but it's as good as I've used.

 

[Richard S]

Richard S, everyone's standards vary but you can pick up a perfectly reasonable grinder for £30 or so from Lidl or Aldi. They just had a couple of types in late last year, including a low-speed jobbie with a regular grinding wheel at the front, and one with a belt to the side instead of the water-cooled wheel.

And you can pick up sets of four diamond plates for a tenner practically anywhere, or the sets of three for about six or seven quid. They're not Eze-Laps or DMTs, but they get the job done.

As you say, everyone's standards are indeed different. But for someone with the ability to purchase a quality tool such as the worksharp I think they would be seriously disappointed with one of the bargain basement four sided diamond stones. I know, I've got one and it's rubbish.

 

[ED65]

I know, I've got one and it's rubbish.

Well unfortunately this kind of thing can be very subjective. And for all we know there could be some variation in these, with some being very poor and others a bit better. But one way or the other, there are at least hundreds of woodworkers out there who happily use theirs as numerous reviews online testify to.

I've used mine to flatten and smooth tile, take out the dish from a worn waterstone, re-flatten multiple oiltones, and grind enough metal from the edges of chisels to remove chips or to reprofile the edge. And you can get a serviceable edge directly from the fine plate. So, at least in relation to the ones I have, I think saying they get the job done is fair.

 

[Mark-numbers]

Thanks for your advice Doug - Taken on board and will have a look in the new year.

 

[phil p]

Thanks for all the info lads,

Think I'll go for it after all, well mainly positive feedback, however would you also be able to touch up router bits if you could get right on the edge of the wheel?

Phil

 

[Bm101]

Don't want to stray off topic but on the subject of grinders does anyone know if I you can replace the wheels on the lidle 2 wheel common or garden variety? I'd like to replace one of the grinding wheels with a honer if possible. Cheers
Chris

 

[Bluekingfisher]

It's a lovely piece of kit. Seen numerous posts from users on multiple woodworking forums speaking to its quality, it does exactly what it says on the tin.

But I think for the hobbyist it's hard to justify the cost and you have to be careful you're not doing the "Oh look, shiny." thing.

If sharpening is something you enjoy doing a lot of and like to experiment with and you're after a new sharpening toy then go for it. If you're more a practical sharpener though, where getting a good edge reliably and quickly is what you're after, what hole is it filling that a grinder plus a few diamond plates or good stones doesn't provide, for far less? And they could well be faster.

I'm not sure a decent grinder and a few decent diamond plates would be any cheaper let alone far less. For the record I'm a fan of the worksharp, I've had mine for about three or four years or so and find for me it is better than the Tormek it replaced. I'm not a slave to sharpening I prefer to be working wood. I tend to have a big session every few months where every edge tool that I have is reground on the worksharp and then touched up as I go with a lovely old oil stone that leaves a good enough edge to take the hair off my forearm.
Works for me.

Every few months ?? - A good sharpen whether they need it or not - Get yourself down to the bric - a - brac shop, fine old stones galore :lol: