In my Carving Bench post, I mentioned I bought the Ultimate Shapening Machine by Chipping Away. Kenny_S wanted to know what I think of it so I decided to start a new thread so everyone could chime in. I know everyone has their own ideas about sharpening. Its one of the most contested topics at our carving club. What follows is my first impression of this particular machine.
I picked it up when I was there for the International Carver's Conference so I haven't had it very long. It is a breeze to set-up. But, like any new tool, it will take some time to get used to. I found that, like most power sharpeners, it can overheat a tool unless you are quite careful. Easy on the pressure and time against the belt helps, along with some water. I'm not opposed to cooling the tool with water because I don't let the tool get to a very high temperature before cooling.
Some skews are a little difficult to sharpen because the base of the sharpener intrudes a bit on the left side of the belt. I didn't encounter any problems with #3 through #11 or with V's. I've sharpened palm tools through full size.
The Trizact belts are great but I recommend using the conventional abrasive belts (supplied) for reshaping. The Trizact belts are a finer grit and do a nice job getting out the scratches from coarser grits.
It creates nice flat bevels and its easy to rotate the tool to round the bottom heel of V's and shape U's.
I loaded the leather strop belt with Yellowstone and have been rewarded with mirror finishes.
The belt direction is upward, which allows the user to see the cutting edge when sharpening. However, it also sends sparks upward when grinding. Its not a huge problem but eye protection is a must!
On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the best) I'd rate it about a 4. It works well, is solid, quite, and, I believe, fairly priced. However, I'm just not sure about it being the Ultimate.

I'm thinking about ordering one, do you think if the machine had a slower motor it would be less likely to over heat and maybe you'd have more control. I'm not a fan of fast moving abrasives. I use a Stephens grinder now and thought it was the ultimate, love sharpening on a flat surface, thinking the belt would be better for knives. Thanks Al Longo

[BobD]

BTW, Kettlecarver,
Did you stop by the WCI booth while you were at the show? I was there meeting and greeting most people, so I'm not sure if we met or not.

Bob

[Colin_Partridge]

Likewise Kettlecarver I was at the show but I dont think we met unless in one of the seminars. But then I guess you didnt go by the name of Kettlecarver at the show. . I have the same machine and dont have any problem with it heating up the tools but then I use a 1/6hp motor also I quench my tools with water while sharpening you will soon know if you heated them too much they will turn blue on the tip. If this happens you have to grind them down as the temper will be out of the steel.
Colin

I bought a small delta belt/disk sander for something like $75 (not really sure was so long ago) and other than running in the other direction, does the same job. Key to not getting tools overheated is not too much pressure and replacing your belts when they become worn (a little water helps also). Actually, the real reason I bought it was for golf club repair, but seconds nicely as a sharpener. Do all my final work on arkansas stones and a strop though, just a little more exacting not to mention forgiving.

I don't think its necessary to run the motor slower, its just a matter of getting used to the equipment. Gentle pressure yeilds good results. I think the speed just right for stropping.
The machine works well when sharpening knives. I was able to get a consistent angle and straight edge on short and long knives.
Bob & Colin, I'm sorry but I missed both of you. Â*My personal schedule only allowed me to attend the seminars on Sunday and I was in a bit of a fog after driving 15 hours Saturday to get there. Â*I think I really missed out on some of the good stuff. Â*I didn't get to meet and get to know the other carvers and wasn't able to attend the evening carves. Â*I would have loved to see what others are into and hear their stories. Â*If I am able to attend again, I'll have to plan better.
The main reason we made the trip was so my wife could attend Sue Walters' classes on Monday and Tuesday. Â*She says it was definately worth it.
Maybe we'll meet at a future event. Â*Anyway, thanks for all the info. you've shared in my posts and others.
Jim

[Grindstone_Cowboy]

I have used this machine and find it easy and simple to use. Motor speed was fine. This machine is available without a motor from Lee Valley Tools.They have an internet site at
www.leevalley.com
The price is $54.50 U.S. or $74.50 Can. It can be driven by a small motor 1/8th hp or more. Sharpening belts cost from 2 or 3 dollars{U.S.}. The leather belt for honing is the one used the most and it ia $18.95 {U.S.}