Sharpener Question

[DarrellA]

I have been reviewing all the past postings of both the Burke and Tormek sharpeners. Aside from BobD who has used and wrote of his experiences, both humorous and enlightening, has any one out there actually become proficient with both of these units? Each system has its devout fans. I would like to hear from people who have used both systems enough to be able to get a tool sharpened with either one. With that in mind which one would you pick if you had to buy just one system or would you go with the SM-111 from F Dick http://users.ameritech.net/knives/dick.htm ? I don’t think that I can lift my leg high enough to buy that one but I am looking at picking up one of the other two. Thank you…



Darrell

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I have the Burke RV model, would recommend the larger model.......as for the Tormek, very expensive and not sure I like the idea of changing things all the time.....I don't have much trouble with the Burke except being the smaller version, should have gotten the larger one with the extra mandrel. imho

[mdallensr]

I haven't tried the Burke, but I've had a Tormek for a few years. It is pricey, and you need to follow the instructions and learn how to use it, but it does what Tormek claims. If you don't expect to re-grind your tools, to change the bevel angle or repair major damage, you probably don't need the best part of the Tormek, which is the low RPM grinding wheel. The leather wheel, and the optional shaped leather wheel, really work for power stropping. The shaped wheel lets you strop the inside bevel on gouges and the inside of V-tools and veiners. But, you could do just the power stropping for a lot less money than the price of the Tormek.

I've reshaped about 25 gouges and V-tools with the Tormek. I find a lot of new tools don't have proper shapes and bevel angles, and some need to be changed for harder wood. The jigs and fixtures do work well, the angle adjustment is right-on, and finishing with the leather wheel can be done at the same angle.

If you're not likely to commit the time to learn how to use the Tormek, you'll probably get frustrated and give up. If you really don't need to re-grind much, you'll spend way more time learning how than actually doing. I knew I needed to use it and forced myself to learn. Normally, I take something out of the box, plug it in and expect it to do everything with no hassles. Kind of like plug-and-play computers. On the plus side, it is amazing how well carving tools work when they're shaped properly, so it is rewarding to fix them with the Tormek. Once you do that, you'll find yourself checking all of your tools and heading for the basement with a handfull. Mike

[Tom Stiglich]

I have both the burke and the tormek sharpening systems. Both are good sharpening systems once you get used to using them. I use the burke for light touch up when I'm in a hurry. The tormek is used to reset bevels on knives,V-tools,and gouges. It is a very safe system since it goes slowly. Almost impossible to tear up a tool from over grinding. It has a whole list of attachments, but 95% of the time I only need to use one for all my tools. If you like to keep the same bevel on a tool, Tormek will enable you to do that with the jig. Burke works good for fast sharpening and setting bevels, but I found myself over doing it and eating up tools,especially V-tools. I've had the Burke about 15 years and Tormek about 5. Hopefully this will help you out. Good Luck!!!

[wade clark]

Sheesh! Who would want a $3,000 sharpener? You could have Rick sharpen your poor old gouge 1500 times for that!
I have the Tormek system AND the Burke system. I've never set up the Burke, because I'm so happy with the Tormek...but when one really gets messed up...you guessed it, I send it to Rick! Sorry about that Rick, you deserve better. If you didn't work so cheap I couldn't afford you and you wouldn't get box-fulls of screwed up tools to make perfect again! I'm glad you do it, Rick!

[Bob_in_TN]

I have the Tormek and have mixed feelings as to recommending it. If you are interested only to sharpen carving tools, you can do better, for less money. The reason it works as well as it does is there are many holders available, that hold the tool at the exact angle you want. But, most carving knives and most palm tools are too small for the holders, forcing you to "free hand". I have no full size tools but would think it would handle them just fine.

If you also do woodworking, run out and buy one. For chisels, jointer blades, planer blades, it can't be beat.

Like it for honing, and like the fact the water keeps you from burning your tools.

These are just my opinions, and as you can probably tell I have mixed emotions about it. Wish I had looked into the Burke for carving, and tried to find someone to sharpen my woodworking tools.

Bob

[Paul_Guraedy]

I use the "paper wheel" sharpening system, plus a cloth "polishing" wheel for my carving tools. Total cost is under $40.00 from Grizzly. It has served me well for several years and most of my tools have not been on anything other than the cloth wheel. If they require "grinding", I look for an expert and Rick has stepped in to make this niche his own. Last time I sent in tools, I mailed them on a Wednesday and they were returned to me on the next Wednesday. Six tools (all that I had needing work at that time) and the total cost was under $30. Why do I want to learn to use an expensive system when this time could be spent carving?

[Tom Stiglich]

Darell:
I guess I didn't answer your question, which one I would choose? I would choose the Burke unless I carve for a living, (due to cost). You can always add on!!! As you can tell from the responses, everyone has something that "works". I would figure out the amount of time I carve during the week, and how long I have carved, and go from there. I didn't get my tormek until 15 years after carving!! Being a newbie like you (on the forum) I wish I knew who Rick was???? Maybe someone can help us out! Good Luck in your Choice!!!

[Nancy-G]

I've had the Burke for maybe 15-29 years and I've added a large hard felt wheel, a Koch wheel, removed one sanding wheel to add another large leather wheel .... but I still send my stuff to RICK.

That's Rick Ferry of course.
http://littleshavers.com/rick @littleshavers. com

[FONT='Comic Sans MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Little Shavers
[/FONT]
Woodcarving Supply

423 SW 104th St.

Seattle, WA 98146-1545

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Well Nancy, just send your Burke to me...I need a hard felt wheel and a koch wheel LOL Motorcycle