[Mottles]

Originally Posted by Tom H

Kathy, The power sharpening system that you posted the photo of, appears to be a Burke Original System.

Our carving group will be purchasing the larger Burke System within the month.

I would think that if you have access to this system, you could maintain sharp tools with a combination of hand stropping while at home, and more additional work while availing yourself to the Burke system.

But maybe you're like me! You want your own. So you can use it whenever you need to...or in your case train your husband to use it to keep your tools sharp,


Tom H

I do just what you suggested Tom, I keep my tools stropped until I go to carving club. I really would like to have my own, like you said same as you.

The unit we have is a nice one and the guys just a while back replaced the stropping and polishing portion. Lucky for me our club meets every two weeks. It's just those in between time that I might need one. I'll go look at the Burke System.

Any thoughts on the 'Work Sharp' tool sharpener I saw the ad in Chipping Away. I like the idea it's light weight for storage considerations. There are more out there, just have to hunt.

Ahhh, training hubby to keep my tools sharp what a concept probably won't work. LOL He doesn't bother my tools, except my powercarver from time to time. Course nevermind that I keep them under lock and key! LOL

Kathy

[MelNM]

Hi Kathy I have the Ultimate sharpener, it has a leather belt and thats all I ever use, Keeps my tools razor sharp. It's a little cheaper than the Burke System, which I think is the Cadillac of power sharpeners.
Mel

[RussL.]

I had one and sent it back.
After I tried it out I decided that what I really needed was to just to apply myself more to simple hand sharpening instead of trying to find a shortcut shy of a power sharpening system.

I'm still working on that, but don't think the Oar sharpener really offered much.

My $0.02

Russ

[Dan S]

I also have the Oar sharpening jig. It looks great but not so easy to use. Save your money.

Dan

Ps. It does look really cool in my drawer of nifty jigs...

[Mottles]

Thanks, guys--yep Dan I think I'll save my money. I'm going to spend more

$$$ and get a power unit. Mel, at club the only two units I use are the leather wheel and the cotton polisher wheel. Never brave enough to use the other two shapers.
I have asked various folks at club to show me how they sharpen their knives and gouges. Each one does it a little differently. I'm worried about getting the correct angle.
Anyway, thanks again folks,
Kathy
Oh will let you know which machine I buy.

[MelNM]

Kathy
Its not hard to get a correct angle mine, you may need some cheaters to follow the edge (I know I do) but its not hard at all once you have your initial edge.
Mel

[Iowa Carver]

I use the Ultimate Sharpener from Chipping away. The leather strop keeps my knives in top shape. I have also learned to sharpen or regrind knives on the sanding belts like the Ferguson that come with a bevel I don't like.

The cotton polishers... do they just make them prettier and shinier or do they actually make a difference in sharpness?

Corey

[Mottles]

Thanks Mel and Corey--LOL Mel I all but stand on my head while stropping check the bevel angle. Good thing I have short hair or I'd probably have wrapped it around the other wheels several times.

Mel have you decided on a bench work positioner yet?

Corey, don't know, but it sure makes the tools and knives shiney and pretty. Anyone else know any other reason for the polishing wheel? Corey is the Ultimate Sharpener anything like the Work Sharp that Chipping Away carries too? Must go look!
Thanks Guys,
Kathy

[BRIAN D]

I believe that POLISHING is very important, eases any resistance going thru the wood.

[Mottles]

Thanks Brian, makes sense.

OK, I've been to the Chipping Away Site here is a link to the 'Work Sharp' ($194.95) which is different from the Ultimate Sharpener ($242.95). On this site they have video's of these two units. Also they carry a product called the Ultimate Power Honer ($259.95)(video). Work Sharp Tool Sharpener

So what I got from this was I need both the Ultimate Power Sharpener and the Ultimate Power Honer.

Then there is the Work Sharp that if I understood the video correctly it will both sharpen and hone.

But I'm thinking what I'm most concerned about are my gouges and how best to keep them making clean cuts correctly. So right now I think the Ultimate Honer might be what I need.

Or for $425.00 I can get the Burke system that does look like our clubs only without the honer wheels.


I do think though I'd like to know more about the Work Sharp. Certainly would be easier to store as I'm limited for workbench space.

Decisions, decisions

OK, so any thoughts?

Kathy