I've been turning for a few years now and still have not gotten around to getting a decent sharpening system setup. So I've started looking around and came across the Work Sharp WS2000 (smaller unit).
Work Sharp Site:
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I like the idea of being able to see the tool as I sharpen it, ergo my interest in this Work Sharp. I have looked at the Jool Tool, but I feel it is limited in it's abilities, not to mention way more costly Does anyone use a Work Sharp? If so, do you like it? Would you recommend it? While I'm mainly looking to sharpen turning tools, I hope to add more to my skills later on when I attempt furniture, so I'd prefer to have something that can grow with me a bit.
My wife bought me the WS3000 as a present this past Christmas. Although it can be used for other profiled tools, it excels at sharpening flat chisels and plane blades up to 3" wide. For sharpening gouges I still prefer my wolverine type jig. I do use the WS3000 for skews, bedans and other straight edged tools.
In early March of 2007, I received an e-mail from Jack Rubinger concerning a new sharpening system that was being introduced by Professional Tool Manufacturing, best known for the Drill Doctor drill bit sharpener and the Darex industrial sharpener. This new system, ?The Work Sharp Wood Tool Sharpener? was claimed to be good for sharpening a broad array of woodworking tools including chisels, plane irons, spoke shaves, carving tools and lathe tools.
Jack asked if I was interested in publishing an announcement on this new sharpener. I read over his description and looked at the video on their web site before responding. My comment was that it looks like an excellent system for sharpening carpenter?s chisels, but I did not think that it would be suitable for sharpening the majority of woodturning tools. He assured me that a number of woodturners were using the new sharpener and found it useful.
I finally agreed to review the new system and received a package a few days later with a Work Sharp and its many accessories. I gave it a good check out and published my report in the July 2007 issue of More Woodturning magazine. My final conclusions follow:
For someone sharpening their turning tools free hand, the Work Sharp will handle most turning tools once the user becomes familiar with how it works and modifies their method of sharpening to fit the machine. For the person who does a lot of cabinet work and a little bit of woodturning, especially spindle work, the Work Sharp should be a welcome addition in their shop. It is easy to use and provides a flat grinding surface, that is always flat.
I have found it useful to take with me when I'm demonstrating away from home over a weekend. It is small and compact and serves the purpose.
What I would recommend for a turner wishing to sharpen their turning tools in their shop is a Woodcraft Slow Speed Grinder (cost under $100) and a Wolverine Grinding jig set up to place on it. This will provide all of the capability you will need to sharpen all woodturning tools. The grinder also comes with white wheels, which is desireable for turning tools.
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