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Having both a Pro-edge and a Tormek

John Hicks

John Hicks

Joined
Jan 23, 2020
Messages
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Location
Shingletown CA
I recently got a great deal on a Pro edge system for 25% off. I couldn't resist another impulse buy. I already have a tormek T7 and the turning set; but I found the tormek is not for shaping, so I thought this pro edge would be a good addition, it's got to be better for shaping gouges and sharpening scrapers. At least that's the reason I used. Does anyone use both of these sharpeners?
 
Hi John. I have a Rikon version of the Tormek style wet stone system used with a Tormek stone and jigs and I just purchased a Pro Edge also. The wet stone system puts a very nice edge on my tools but I found the system a bit fiddley for me. I'd rather be making chips. :) You are right the wet stone is VERY slow if trying to reshape a tool. It probably wasn't designed for the task. I've found that the Pro Edge can be used to reshape a tool if used carefully. If trying to remove a lot of material like putting a radius on wide skew I find that patience is required to prevent overheating the metal or the abrasive belt. It's not like a belt grinder that knife makers favor. But it does get the job done in a reasonable amount of time and I find it very easy to use for touching up the edges of my tools. I like the Pro Edge and I plan to sell the wet stone system. I will miss the stropping wheel. It's a nice feature.

Disclamer: I am a new turner so you can take my opinions with an appropriate dose of salt. :)
 
I think there is a honing wheel now for the pro edge. Or a buffing wheel anyway....
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I don't have the Sorby Pro Edge, but I have a Tormek that I bought in 1999. I use it to sharpen all my turning tools including scrapers. I prefer sharpening scrapers on the Tormek and then using a burnishing tool to form a strong solid bur. It's much more durable than the bur created on a grinding wheel. My guess is that the bur raised with a burnishing tool is also more durable than the bur produced by the Sorby Pro Edge.
 
Bill, that's probably a good a good idea for any sharpening system as burnishing actually hardens the metal which would create a more durable burr/edge. I may give that a try if I ever get some decent tools. I think the ones I have are made mostly of peanut butter. :) I know that my scrapers don't hold an edge more than about 2 seconds. Could you share with us the type of burnishing tool you use?
 
Jim Boissier said:
Bill, that's probably a good a good idea for any sharpening system as burnishing actually hardens the metal which would create a more durable burr/edge. I may give that a try if I ever get some decent tools. I think the ones I have are made mostly of peanut butter. :) I know that my scrapers don't hold an edge more than about 2 seconds. Could you share with us the type of burnishing tool you use?
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You have to be careful not to work harden the metal so I just make one pass with the burnisher.
 
I have them both; the Pro-edge was an impulse buy at AAW. I have the diamond wheel on the Tormek and use that for my gouges mostly. The Pro-edge is set for my flat shear scraping tools. I love them both!
 
I use a Grizzly wet grinder with Tormek jigs - great for sharpening, worthless for shaping. I use an 8” slow bench grinder with the Tormek bgm-100 bench grinder tool rest for gouges. Use the gouge jig on the bench grinder to get the shape the go directly to the wet grinder for final sharpening. All of the jig settings work the same on both grinders. Scrapers get shaped w/80 grit and sharpened with 120 grit, using platforms, on the bench grinder, honed with diamond then burnished with carbide. Cant help you with the Pro Edge.
 
For serious reshaping of tools, I have the Jet 1 hp belt/disc sander with a 36 grit belt. I have never played with the pro edge. When it first came out, I glanced it, but just wasn't impressed, maybe because of a prejudice against belts for sharpening woodturning tools. I have several grinders, all with different grit wheels, and I do prefer to have different grit grinds for different tools and uses. Not sure if I would want several of the Pro Edge tools so I don't have to change out belts. Only use I really have for my Tormek is the honing wheel.

robo hippy
 
I have a 1"strip sander and a 2" belt sander and a Tormek. I have used all methods of sharpening. I prefer a CBN wheel. I do.still have an old grinder with a course gray wheel.that I use for reshaping tools. Then I have a 180 and 360 CBN for general sharpening. For raising burrs on scrapers it seems to depend on the steel. Some raise a great burr right off the 180 CBN. Others seem to do better with a diamond hone or ceramic stone.
 
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