Axminsters Tru-Grind Sharpen System

[Jim]

The last time i was at Axminster i saw this kit, having a grinder i was thinking of setting it up instead of just leaving it doing nothing using this kit .. I know it is expensive but if it does what it says it will be money well spent .. Anyone used one of these?

 

[chas_41_uk]

Yes Jim. I have one. Once you have worked out the angle and sweep of your gouges and made a note of them it's easy to use.
However. If money wasn't an issue I would go for the Sorby Pro Edge.

 

[rayf6604]

I would have the pro edge too, however there is also the Sorby Universal sharpening jig which does the same thing as the Axminster and is cheaper. Although there are some extras needed like the skew jig and the roughing gouge jig, but it's worth a look. I can't decide whether to buy this setup for my grinder or wait until I have enough for the pro edge

 

[Chilprufe]

I have this set u[ too ... when u get the angles for the gouges set it works great ... not worth the money for what u get ... you could make it for £15

 

[brody2123]

It's a great jig for ease of setup and use. I've had one for 4 or 5 years now and it's great. I didn't pay that much for mine though. But, it's still cheaper than a pro edge or a tormek.

 

[Vic Perrin]

I have the Tormek system which I must admit is great to use and I get a constant shape and edge on my tools. However if and when I need to replace anything I think that I will go for the Pro Edge. I gave my Tormek a major overhaul last year as it required a new wheel. The old wheel had seized on the shaft and I ended up having to buy a replacement shaft with the easi lock system on it. The whole repair was the best part of £180 had I been aware of the Pro Edge at the time I would have definitely gone down that route. In your case Jim like others have said I would be tempted to save a few more pennies up and get the Pro Edge.

Vic

 

[Penpal]

Jim I have two similar products both on the shelf and I use grinders with adjustable rests determining the angle as the sparks fly works for me. there are infinite do it yourself such things on most forums. A real close friend introduced to me another method where you can achieve two important results 1.A flat grind without the undercut edge.
2. Easy to see the grind.

This is acheived by holding the chisel across the face of the wheel. Some time back I put pics of how on the forum. My mates turning was exemplary using chisels sharpened this way.

A caution with really long handles and chisels the tool illustrated places the tool a long way from the stone bounce becomes a problem, dressing the stone critical.

Peter.

 

[Grump]

Takes all the fun out of doing it by hand and nobody is gonna tell me my tools ain't sharp.
Come and cut yourself and see init?

 

[cookie21]

I agree with Vic, Jim save a little more money & buy once, the pro edge is first class used one for years

 

[Kawakers]

I have one of those Jim, it works ok but like others have said i will be putting the pro edge on my xmas list

 

[billyb_imp]

Think i'll stick with my Sorby Pro Edge, my best buy in the shed

 

[Jim]

Guys, thanks for all the comments, but i have the Pro-Edge, but i have a Creusen slow speed grinder stood doing nothing my thought was to start using this for the skews .. It was just an idea to tempt myself into using the grinder as it has been stood idle since buying it ..

 

[GeordieB]

I have the tru grind jim you could borrow it for a weekend and see if you like it and poss make a copy

 

[wm460]

I got one, then ended up getting a Tormek that the way to go.

 

[Wrongway]

Now I have the lathe, tools and other bits to get started, I suppose I will need a method of sharpening the chisels also otherwise I am going to be stuck. After reading this thread not sure which way to go. Try and get a grinder and then get an attachment or a complete system.

 

[Buckeye]

Jim, try your skews freehand, that's how I do mine now, it's not that difficult after a few attempts.

Peter

 

[Bigblackdog]

Now I have the lathe, tools and other bits to get started, I suppose I will need a method of sharpening the chisels also otherwise I am going to be stuck. After reading this thread not sure which way to go. Try and get a grinder and then get an attachment or a complete system.

if you have the budget, I would recommend the proedge. my first attempt at using it for sharpening roughing gouges, spindle gouges and skew produced very sharp results, so there is no learning curve. I like that the I can change grits within a minute and the belts are cheap. what put me off a grinder was that the wheels change size with use, so are not a constant, and the mess of bits flying around. also the fact that you are restricted to a wheel on each end. the proedge allows me to use it for knives, plane blades, chisels etc.

it isnt cheap but when i looked at replacing my cheap grinder with something better, then upgrading the wheels to cbn (cooler running and doesnt wear down), it was competitive.

 

[Jim]

Jim, try your skews freehand, that's how I do mine now, it's not that difficult after a few attempts.

Peter, i sharpen them on the Pro-edge with decent results, but i bought the Tru-Grind today after playing with Geordies a few times as he left his grinder here already setup .. I found it very easy to get on with ..

 

[GeordieB]

I,m glad you liked it Jim you need more tools in your workshop

 

[Wrongway]

if you have the budget, I would recommend the proedge. my first attempt at using it for sharpening roughing gouges, spindle gouges and skew produced very sharp results, so there is no learning curve. I like that the I can change grits within a minute and the belts are cheap. what put me off a grinder was that the wheels change size with use, so are not a constant, and the mess of bits flying around. also the fact that you are restricted to a wheel on each end. the proedge allows me to use it for knives, plane blades, chisels etc.

it isnt cheap but when i looked at replacing my cheap grinder with something better, then upgrading the wheels to cbn (cooler running and doesnt wear down), it was competitive.

I ended up at Axminster in Warrington today. I was originally going to go to G&S near Penrith but it wasnt much further to Axminster. I did ask about sharpening systems there. He advised me on the Tru-Grind with on of their Axminster grinders. I did ask about the Pro-Edge, but they dont keep them. Probably because it's produced by what they consider a rival company. I will probably pop up to Penrith next week to have a look at the Pro-Edge system. I might have a local friend who can do the sharpening until I decide what to go for.

I did come away with a few bits and pieces though. One of the main things was the Deluxe adjustable pen mandrel. Jacobs chuck for drilling the blanks and a few other sundries. I'm getting there.