Pro Edge system

martin.pearson · Sep 22, 2019

Some time ago in a post I made about carbide tipped tools the Pro edge system was mentioned, I already had a wetstone system which I used so from a financial point of view it was something that I could really manage without.

I can still manage without buying a new system but the thing that constantly bothers me is how often should I be dressing the grinding wheel? I tend to alternate between curved & flat tools & am always aware that after I have sharpened a curved tool the surface of the wheel is no longer flat. Obviously with a pro edge then that is something I wouldn't have to think about. Which to me would be a big plus.

The wetstone sharpener I have is a reasonably cheap machine so was considering buying another one but I am already short of space in the workshop lol, the pro edge would be a better option but I already have a lot of tormek jigs so don't want to have to go buying lots more jigs for a different system.
Does anyone know if you can use the tormek jigs on the pro edge. My guess would be that you can't but thought it worth asking in here.

flexi · Sep 22, 2019

I think Axminster do a belt linisher which takes the Tormek guides, I'm not 100%.....I have the Sorby and wouldn't go back, yes I had a Tormek but it was just to much faffing for me as I couldn't leave it set up with water in. On chisels for woodworking it was so quick and a very polished edge but then meticulous clean everything so you don't get rust....nah :rolling:

flexi · Sep 22, 2019

Try this link it might help....
UKworkshop.co.uk Robert Sorby ProEdge Sharpening System : Buying Advice | Tool Reviews - UKworkshop.co.uk

21William · Sep 22, 2019

The gouge jig sold by Sorby for their Pro Edge is the same one Tormek sell for their whetstone grinders. I would expect most of the Tormek jigs would work on the Pro Edge?

One really big advantage of the pro edge is that you can fit a 60 grit belt for quick reshaping of say a gouge then quickly change to a 240 grit belt for an almost honed edge. No grindstones can match this versatility. You can get lots of different belts for the Pro Edge including a Diamond one if you have deep pockets!

wm460 · Sep 26, 2019

If you have a normal bench grinder, you could get one of these for your tormek jigs. :thinks:

21William · Sep 26, 2019

wm460 said:
If you have a normal bench grinder, you could get one of these for your tormek jigs.

Yes, good point. Tormek sell a mount to use their jigs on ordinary bench grinders.

flexi · Sep 26, 2019

21William said:
Yes, good point. Tormek sell a mount to use their jigs on ordinary bench grinders.

Here's another thought.....buy the mount and fit it to the Sorby :whistling:

21William · Sep 26, 2019

flexi said:
Here's another thought.....buy the mount and fit it to the Sorby

I don’t think you need to on the Sorby.

flexi · Sep 26, 2019

21William said:
I don’t think you need to on the Sorby.

I was trying for humour.....sorry....I posted earlier that the jigs should fit.....others have tried and succeeded

martin.pearson · Sep 27, 2019

Thanks for the replies, I am ok with the wetstone system I have but it's the wearing of the wheel that bothers me, thats why the pro edge seemed like a better idea & saves having to have 2 machines which is helpful when your short on space.
Looked at the axminster one but read a few reviews that said it doesn't compare to the pro edge & it's not a cheap machine either.

wm460 · Sep 27, 2019

21William said:
Yes, good point. Tormek sell a mount to use their jigs on ordinary bench grinders.

Tormek have two versions of this, bought one off fleabay, they sent the wrong one, after contacting them they sent the tight one.
Still waiting for answer about returning the first one. :nooidea:

flexi · Sep 27, 2019

As I said, I think the Tormek is a fantastic system....IF I had a properly heated workshop, IF I had the space, IF I had the time to sharpen, IF...IF....IF
I bit the bullet a while ago and sold the Tormek to pay for the Sorby, so fortunately for me it was cost neutral other than a few belts now and a new short tool jig(modified for very short tools).....
I also use 'Scary sharp' and DMT stones in my day to day job....I have tried ceramic stones, other wet stones and Japanese stones too, it's a minefield this sharpening lark :thinks:

21William · Sep 27, 2019

Yes agreed. There’s no one system that suits everyone. It’s an interesting point with wood working tools in that they invariably come with a flat grind from new. Something easy to replicate on a belt grinder.
One thing that may make the Tormek system more attractive are the new CBN wheels available for them. No regrading stones and no filling/draining of water. Of course the downside is grinding won’t be a cool as using traditional water wheels.

I’m a great proponent of the Sorby Pro Edge but must confess I don’t actually own one! I bought a large belt and disc sander from Record Power many years ago and have made many additions to it which enables me to sharpen tools on it as well as ordinary sanding. I therefore can’t justify the cost or even the space of a Pro Edge. These days there are other competing products from Axminster tools but unlike the Pro Edge I haven’t actually used one so can’t comment on how good they are.