sharpening systems

Ok, everyone how about some information on sharpening systems. I saw that Greg has a Burke system, I've also seen a Tormek system. Is there any system thats more user friendly then the other?

[Gergie]

Hi Mel, I have a $35.00 Coast to Coast bench grinder with a 5' home made leather wheel on one side and a 5' Buffer wheel on the other side. It works pretty well (except on those darn V tools). It's definatly the poor mans sharpening system. I'd like to upgrade too but can't see forking over the money for one right now. I saw one from out of Germany for about $500.00 at a carving show and it worked slick, but I can't recall the brand. I hope you find one to your liking. Later Gergie,

[Nancy-G]

I'm looking at the $549 Koch from Germany. It's advertised in the current (#6) issue of Carving Magazine, page 97, but no web site or mailing address is given, just an 888 phone number and that doesn't work. :P
You can order two of the wheels through the Nora Hall website but I'd sure like more information in English on ordering the entire unit.

I have the John Burke and I added a hard felt wheel to that. I have no complaints with it, but I know ... I just know ...sometime I'll find a machine SOMEWHERE that will do my sharpening for me.

Unless your doing a LOT of sharpening a couple good Arkansas stones is all your going to really need (plus something real agressive for major nicks, like a carborundum or india stone). I use a bench grinder and/or belt sander for major reshaping, but one must be careful. I've tried the ceramic stones, but have yet to find one that is truly flat and they are a bear to lap. Much prefer the Arkansas stones.

[Texas_Jim]

I have a Tormek system and can't imagine anything better than that. I spent 470.00 which included the basic unit plus a few jigs to enable me to sharpen gouges, v-tools, etc. The good thing about this system is that you can sharpen so many different types of tools. For me the saving in time spent is worth the investment.

[Nancy-G]

Now, Ed, I've got Arkansas stones and diamond stones and ceramic stones and gravel stones and ever device known to man.... they all require Work and knowledge :P. I'm looking for a MACHINE.
What I really need is a robot.

[Nancy-G]

Jim - we posted at the same time.
What sort of wheels does the Tormek have? I have the Woodcraft catalog beside me and I can look it up but I'd rather have a carver's description. Thanks.

[Folkcarver]

[quote author=Nancy_G link=board=GeneralC;num=1079587802;start=0#2 date=03/18/04 at 05:32:51]I'm looking at the $549 Koch from Germany. It's advertised in the current (#6) issue of Carving Magazine, page 97, but no web site or mailing address is given, just an 888 phone number and that doesn't work. Â*:P Â*
You can order two of the wheels through the Nora Hall website but I'd sure like more information in English on ordering the entire unit.

I have the John Burke and I added a hard felt wheel to that. Â*I have no complaints with it, but I know ... I just know ...sometime I'll find a machine SOMEWHERE Â*that will do my sharpening for me.
[/quote] you have i sharpening machine, me just mail me the tools, runt!!!!

[AlArchie]

Nancy, I would think that Burke system you have is the equal of just about anything out there; for honing, or power stropping. The Tormek, with it's water imersed wheel, is really good for grinding or resizing bevels, etc. and the composite stropping wheels are also hard to beat.

Jigs for doing just about any tool you have are available. Nothing, short of sending your tools out will sharpen them by themselves, though.

Al

I have ceramic stones, and a leather strop, they work decent. I was considering buying a Tormak system, but I wanted to know if there was any thing different out there that folks are using and liking.