Sorby Pro Edge put to the test

Well took my pro edge in the workshop before Walter tried to get his hands on it again LOL

I got the basic set up no fancy jigs and to be honest I don't think I will bother but I can see were some people will benefit from them it is a very solid bit of kit runs very quiet I started with it set at 45deg and the first gouges I tried was two roughing gouges my angle was a bit out but it soon sorted that out and within seconds they were both very sharp then my bowl gouges and the angle on them was out as well so I changed the belt to 60 grit two wing bolts and the flick of a lever job done metal was removed very quickly on all 8 bowl and spindle gouges change the belt back to 120 grit and a quick flick all sharp even the fingernail profile on my bowl gouges next 3 parting tools reset the tool rest angle which again only takes seconds undo a finger grip nut ans flick the locking lever move to the appropriate position and do the lever and nut up no spanners required and sharpened in no time
In my opinion this is the ideal machine for those of you who have problems sharpening normally I sharpen free hand with no problems at all but as I am refitting my workshop I thought id give this machine a go and to be honest I had no problems at all with it if you set the table at the right angle then you cant go wrong I know because I tried the tool lays flat on a substantial table and if you really want a sharp edge you will get one the jigs from what I can see can only enhance the use of this little beauty
The small booklet is quite good as well it tells you all the angles you need and all the jigs you may need also there are some different belts that will polish your edge if you want to like for carving chisels and knives and it will take a mop or strop wheel on the side
I am one happy bunny and I hope this will be of some help to someone

Thanks for that Woody, i bought a couple of used tools at the Harrogate show the other week and this machine had them reshaped and sharpened in no time ... Tis a good tool to have in the shed ...

Thanks for that Woody, you're spot on with your evaluation. I've not gone near my oilstones since I got the proedge

Well, I'm convinced! Now if only I could get Woody to speak to SWMBO and convince her ...

A nice write up dad and I am glad you are happy with your new toy.
I am still unsure that I could justify the cost when I get the edge I require as is.
Maybe some kind person will leave one in their will for me and I will forever tell of the luxury.

Grump said:

A nice write up dad and I am glad you are happy with your new toy.
I am still unsure that I could justify the cost when I get the edge I require as is.
Maybe some kind person will leave one in their will for me and I will forever tell of the luxury.

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If I still had my old set up Brian then I wouldn't have got one either but I had to get something and this appealed to me a Creusen slow grinder which is what I once had would have cost about the same

I just bought a new bench grinder with the whetstone on it for doing the knives with.
Must admit it's a nice toy as it is a slow grinder and don't chew the metal to pieces in seconds and overheat as soon as it touches.
All part of getting old and lazy I spose I used to enjoy sitting and polishing / honing but not these days I wanna see it done before I start now init?

Grump said:

I just bought a new bench grinder with the whetstone on it for doing the knives with. ... I used to enjoy sitting and polishing / honing but not these days I wanna see it done before I start now init?

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So you DO get it, Brian!!! I'm proud of you!

I think I'll stick to my Axminster 8in slow speed grinder as it does what I want but thanks for the writeup Woody!!!!

Spot on Woody.

The choice I have is a planer / thicknesser or one of these - undecided.
I have a Scheppach wet grinder which is good in its own way but a lot of ar$ing about getting & storing water in the shed.

Saved some of my birthday / Christmas fair / Christmas present money.

decisions decisions

stevenw1963 said:

The choice I have is a planer / thicknesser or one of these - undecided.
I have a Scheppach wet grinder which is good in its own way but a lot of ar$ing about getting & storing water in the shed.

Saved some of my birthday / Christmas fair / Christmas present money.

decisions decisions

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It will knock a wet stone grinder into a cocks hat Steven

Really glad you like the Pro Edge Woody, not that I ever thought you wouldn't, it really is a great bit of kit for turning tools, saves me hours not having to dress the Tormek stone every time I want to grind a flat blade

Doug said:

Really glad you like the Pro Edge Woody, saves me hours not having to dress the Tormek stone every time I want to grind a flat blade

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That is one point I picked up on Doug I stopped using wet stones years ago for that very reason

Woody,

I am impressed with your users stamp of approval using the Pro Edge tooling it must be very satisfying to achieve such accuracy with such a variety of tools you described. I have bought a couple of special devices and a horizontal water wheel to acheive much of this but because of difficulty in my organisation of large space locating everything occasionally is difficult. I feel for you as you describe your previous set ups/workshops but get excited when as you have described new tools give you great satisfaction.

All the best for New Year 2014 mate. Look forward to your products. Also how you relocate your stuff from your Christmas Stall using your special vehicle.

Kind regards Peter.

Penpal said:

Woody,

I am impressed with your users stamp of approval using the Pro Edge tooling it must be very satisfying to achieve such accuracy with such a variety of tools you described. I have bought a couple of special devices and a horizontal water wheel to acheive much of this but because of difficulty in my organisation of large space locating everything occasionally is difficult. I feel for you as you describe your previous set ups/workshops but get excited when as you have described new tools give you great satisfaction.

All the best for New Year 2014 mate. Look forward to your products. Also how you relocate your stuff from your Christmas Stall using your special vehicle.

Kind regards Peter.

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Thank you Peter it has been fun investigating and acquiring new equipment and of course getting used to new methods some times us old uns need a bit of a nudge LOL Peter I hope you and your family have a wonderful 2014 I to look forward to seeing some more of your masterpieces