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sorby proedge system

D

dotslad

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Morning all I am thinking of buying the Robert Sorby pro edge sharpening system PED01A and would appreciate forum members comments and experiences of this machine.
 
Doug

Doug

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Take a guess
I can't imagine a quicker better way of sharpening turning tools than the Pro edge, it's a well thought out easy to use machine, over the years I've tried many machines but I wouldn't go back to them not for sharpening turning tools.
 
sfurini

sfurini

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Stewart
I love it - tried a grinder before but didn't really get on with it. The proedge has made sharpening easily repeatable. The 60 grit ceramic belt is great for grinding and re-shaping and the 120 grit ceramic puts a great cutting edge on (though sometimes I use the 60 grit for this as well). Maybe I'd have got to grips with a grinder and a platform but I found it fiddly and very easy to muck up bevels - the proedge's repeatable settings, that take only a moment to set, are great for me. I wouldn't do without it now!
 
Phil Dart

Phil Dart

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I'm with the others. Mine is as indispensable as my lathe. THE best thing out there for quick, easy and repeatable sharpening in my opinion. I would have a second one but for space. Being intrinsically lazy I would ideally like one permanently set up for fingernail profiling and the other for flat work and straight grinds, but sadly I don't have the room.
 
Lons

Lons

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Yep, what the others said, wouldn't part with mine

If you do a search there's already been a thrashed out in previous threads and there's even a Grump made alternative to the machine
 
Dalboy

Dalboy

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In my eyes to expensive just to sharpen tools free hand is cheaper and I can get a constant grind all the time, A little time practicing is all it needs.
 
Doug

Doug

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Dalboy said:
In my eyes to expensive just to sharpen tools free hand is cheaper and I can get a constant grind all the time, A little time practicing is all it needs.
Click to expand...

I do sharpen freehand on the proedge you don't need fancy jigs as you say Derek practice is all it takes, but if you prefer jigs by all means use them.
 
Jim

Jim

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Oct 19, 2011
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This machine has been the saviour for many a turner, it takes just a few seconds to sharpen the tools once you have shaped it to your liking ..
 
Terry Q

Terry Q

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I am on the opposite side. I had one and did not like it. I struggled with it trying to sharpen bowl gouges. Sold it and went back to the grinder with the wolverine system and CBN wheels. CBN wheels are amazing. I am much happier with this set up.
 
Bammer

Bammer

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Pro edge all the way, like Woody never had or wanted one, but now I have it its all I use. Still have my grinder but it's covered in dust now.
 
B

bigbob

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I have the Pro Edge it is great I have only used the belts up to 120 grit which make my turning tools sharp enough might try the 240 grit belt to see if it makes much difference but like Bammer my record grinder is in repose gathering dust under the bench.
 
21William

21William

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Another vote for the ProEdge. I had a little job convincing them to buy one where I used to work but less than a day after the first one arrived they'd ordered a second one and two of all the jigs and lots of belts!

It's head and shoulders above any other system IMO because you can change grits instantly.
 
D

dotslad

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Aug 17, 2013
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Harrow Middlesex
Thank you all for your replies it seems the pro's well out weigh the con's so I shall order one tomorrow once again thank you all for your input.
 
Bill Mooney

Bill Mooney

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The beauty about the pro edge is that you don't need to practice to get a good sharp tool. You get one from day one. I've used a grinder for decades but since getting the pro edge there's no going back.:thumbs:
 
R

RodN

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dotslad said:
Thank you all for your replies it seems the pro's well out weigh the con's so I shall order one tomorrow once again thank you all for your input.
Click to expand...

You will never regret it!

Hint: Only use the belts with coarser grit for shaping a tool. Then always use a fine grit to sharpen them. Otherwise you will grind your tools shorter and shorter.
I use mine every day, and it takes seconds to turn away from the lathe, sharpen a tool and then get back to work.

Rod
 
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