I have been using the original Oneway Wolverine sharpening jigs since the 1990's, and to tell you the truth, I've been quite happy with the results I get with it......but, I'm interested in any discussion users of any of the sharpening systems have to offer.
I initially used my Wolverine outfit on a 6" grinder @3350rpm, and I see little difference in the results after switching to a Delta 1825rpm single speed 8" grinder. Both do a good job, but I'd have to give the edge to the 8" grinder for the long term, because the wider/longer lasting wheel is better for the purpose. If the 6" were the only choice, I could make that work very well. There is some increase of heat with the faster 6" wheel over the slower 8" wheel, but the grinding wheel surface speed of both is well within "workable range".
In the beginning, I did find that keeping the tool on the grinding wheel surface was an issue, but that didn't last very long. It was only a short time before this particular problem was no longer a consideration.......just have to develop some "technique" before throwing up your hands in despair.......and getting the Vari-Grind II, or Sharp-fast.
Since I've not tried any of these auxiliary sharpening systems, other than the original Wolverine w/Vari-Grind I and platform, I'm operating strictly on theory........so, you can correct me if I'm wrong about any of my conclusions.
To me, it looks like the Tru-Grind and the Vari-Grind I (which I have) operate on exactly the same principle. The only drawback I can imagine, is the Tru-Grind doesn't seem to have a platform.....the Wolverine does have an excellent platform. The Wolverine platform doesn't look like it's compatible with the Tru-Grind.........and, because of that, if one were to get a Tru-Grind, it looks like it would be a "limiting" choice to make. Both of these systems allow the tool being sharpened to slip off the edge of the grinding wheel, and it's up to the individual to develop a technique that prevents that from happening.
The Sharp-Fast and Vari-Grind II seem to also be comparable in operation and theory. I see BOTH of these specialized jigs as great on theory, but poor in practical application. The reason I say this is because it looks like both of these two apply the cutting tool to the wheel at a single point...... negating any usefulness of using the entire surface of the grinding wheel. This, it would seem, would mean that the operator will be required to dress the wheel frequently, and would result in wasting a good portion of the available grinding wheel surface.
Here's a theoretical conclusion....... If the only real advantage to the Sharp-Fast and Vari-Grind II is to solidly position the cutting tool to the grind wheel so that it won't slide off the edge, then it seems to me these two jigs are simply "gadgets" that will have little value, once the operator learns to handle the other available jigs properly. I have no doubt that either of these will produce a nicely sharpened workable edge that any turner will find adequate and appropriate.......it's just a matter of paying for something that isn't needed, or necessary, or wasteful of available grinding wheel surface, in order to overcome a perceived problem that eventually becomes a non-issue with a little practice.
On a positive note, it looks like the Wolverine platform is compatible to the Sharp-Fast system.
As usual, there is no "right vs wrong"......it's all what one gets used to, and opinions. In the end, there is only results, and I am satisfied with the results I'm getting with the Vari-Grind I. I am well aware that others are perfectly satisfied with their own jigs and methods.......so, please don't consider my opinions to overrule anyone else's.......
Am submitting to further comment and discussion..........😀
ooc
PS: Now is the time to bring up other available sharpening jigs for discussion, too. I know of one very nicely made jig from England that looks very good......can't remember the name of it off-hand, but it looks like a good one.
Also, you "free-style" platform sharpeners should tell us of the advantages you see in your style of sharpening, as well......what can you do, that you can't do just as well with one of these specialized jigs? 😕
Photos, L to R: My old 6" grinder/Wolverine, Delta 8" grinder/the same Wolverine, Sharp-Fast, Vari-Grind II, Tru-Grind
I initially used my Wolverine outfit on a 6" grinder @3350rpm, and I see little difference in the results after switching to a Delta 1825rpm single speed 8" grinder. Both do a good job, but I'd have to give the edge to the 8" grinder for the long term, because the wider/longer lasting wheel is better for the purpose. If the 6" were the only choice, I could make that work very well. There is some increase of heat with the faster 6" wheel over the slower 8" wheel, but the grinding wheel surface speed of both is well within "workable range".
In the beginning, I did find that keeping the tool on the grinding wheel surface was an issue, but that didn't last very long. It was only a short time before this particular problem was no longer a consideration.......just have to develop some "technique" before throwing up your hands in despair.......and getting the Vari-Grind II, or Sharp-fast.
Since I've not tried any of these auxiliary sharpening systems, other than the original Wolverine w/Vari-Grind I and platform, I'm operating strictly on theory........so, you can correct me if I'm wrong about any of my conclusions.
To me, it looks like the Tru-Grind and the Vari-Grind I (which I have) operate on exactly the same principle. The only drawback I can imagine, is the Tru-Grind doesn't seem to have a platform.....the Wolverine does have an excellent platform. The Wolverine platform doesn't look like it's compatible with the Tru-Grind.........and, because of that, if one were to get a Tru-Grind, it looks like it would be a "limiting" choice to make. Both of these systems allow the tool being sharpened to slip off the edge of the grinding wheel, and it's up to the individual to develop a technique that prevents that from happening.
The Sharp-Fast and Vari-Grind II seem to also be comparable in operation and theory. I see BOTH of these specialized jigs as great on theory, but poor in practical application. The reason I say this is because it looks like both of these two apply the cutting tool to the wheel at a single point...... negating any usefulness of using the entire surface of the grinding wheel. This, it would seem, would mean that the operator will be required to dress the wheel frequently, and would result in wasting a good portion of the available grinding wheel surface.
Here's a theoretical conclusion....... If the only real advantage to the Sharp-Fast and Vari-Grind II is to solidly position the cutting tool to the grind wheel so that it won't slide off the edge, then it seems to me these two jigs are simply "gadgets" that will have little value, once the operator learns to handle the other available jigs properly. I have no doubt that either of these will produce a nicely sharpened workable edge that any turner will find adequate and appropriate.......it's just a matter of paying for something that isn't needed, or necessary, or wasteful of available grinding wheel surface, in order to overcome a perceived problem that eventually becomes a non-issue with a little practice.
On a positive note, it looks like the Wolverine platform is compatible to the Sharp-Fast system.
As usual, there is no "right vs wrong"......it's all what one gets used to, and opinions. In the end, there is only results, and I am satisfied with the results I'm getting with the Vari-Grind I. I am well aware that others are perfectly satisfied with their own jigs and methods.......so, please don't consider my opinions to overrule anyone else's.......
Am submitting to further comment and discussion..........😀
ooc
PS: Now is the time to bring up other available sharpening jigs for discussion, too. I know of one very nicely made jig from England that looks very good......can't remember the name of it off-hand, but it looks like a good one.
Also, you "free-style" platform sharpeners should tell us of the advantages you see in your style of sharpening, as well......what can you do, that you can't do just as well with one of these specialized jigs? 😕
Photos, L to R: My old 6" grinder/Wolverine, Delta 8" grinder/the same Wolverine, Sharp-Fast, Vari-Grind II, Tru-Grind
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