I have just purchased a Robert Sorby deluxe Proedge plus Sharpening System from WestcountryMachinery4wood .
For the past year or so I have used a small grinding wheel to sharpen my wood turning tools. Whilst I was pleased that I could maintain a sharp edge using the wheel I was finding the replacement of the wheels a bit of a pain.
I also noticed that whilst sharp the ends, the tools were now out of shape.
I was thinking of replacing my tools but whilst at a turning fair I saw a demonstration of the Robert Sorby Proedge Sharpening System.
Robert Sorby Proedge Sharpening System Demonstration
I must say I was impressed.
Firstly I preferred the very simple belt arrangement which meant changing from different grades of grit was simple.
I then saw how simple it was using the extras to shape and sharpen the tools correctly every time.
The only fault I could see with this system was the cost! £327.88 including the luxury add on kit.
This demonstration was at a fair at Exeter I attended with my brother Mike. He is very knowledgeable in engineering and thought this was a good bit of kit.
It was at this same fair where I purchased my Charnwood Bandsaw another great bit of equipment.
He tried to bully me into buying the two but at the time I just did not have enough pennies to spare.
When I came home I did some research on this system. It had loads of good reviews.
I found the robert sorby pro edge video on Youtube very helpful – robert sorby pro edge instructions
So my mind was made up but I still had the issue of lack of money.
I do find it a hurdle to spend any money purely for myself. I also hate this time of year as I have two birthdays to fund, Karen’s 60th and my Son Adrian, plus Christmas and all the associated bills so I put the idea on the back burner.
It was a surprise therefore that one day whilst moaning about my desire for this tool that my darling wife offered to buy it for me! After picking myself up off the floor I was straight onto the computer and the order was placed .
Robert Sorby Proedge Sharpening System Arrives – unboxing
The new toy arrives (robert sorby sharpening jig)
Good news – they sent the right one!
Assembled on the bench
The package arrived well boxed and wrapped.
Once opened it was easy to set up. All the tools necessary to make the adjustments and tilt the angle of the belt were supplied.
The deluxe pack contained all the guides for sharpening the different tools.
I clamped it to the bench to test fearful it might vibrate and wander off the work top but I was surprised how quiet and controlled it was in operation.
The adjustments for different angles can clearly be seen on the chart on the front of the machine which is easy to use and operate.
I am now in the process of returning all my gouges back to a proper shape and sharpness. I do keep going back to watch the video as some of the techniques used I need more practice on.
Overall I am very pleased with this addition to the workshop, not least because my darling wife bought me it!!
Thanks for the review. This piece of equipment may seem expensive to some but I bet you notice how much of a difference having tools sharpened to the correct profiles.
It’s the difference in pleasure in wood turning that that I guess you’ll notice from now on. Whilst you can get an edge by sharpening by hand eventually it will lead to sharpening much more often.
Some specialists tools give better tool performance but they virtually need a course to operate successfully. The supporting video however shows simply, clearly and concisely how to get the best out of it. The designer obviously knows his ‘stuff’ and I guess that’s what your paying for in addition to the tooling itself.
Thanks for the review. This piece of equipment may seem expensive to some but I bet you notice how much of a difference having tools sharpened to the correct profiles.
It’s the difference in pleasure in wood turning that that I guess you’ll notice from now on. Whilst you can get an edge by sharpening by hand eventually it will lead to sharpening much more often.
Some specialists tools give better tool performance but they virtually need a course to operate successfully. The supporting video however shows simply, clearly and concisely how to get the best out of it. The designer obviously knows his ‘stuff’ and I guess that’s what your paying for in addition to the tooling itself.
Great review, now where’s my wife! ?
Thank you for your kind comments. I thought after writing this post I should not have been surprised at her eagerness to pay. If you have read http://www.stevefreemanonline.com/2016/11/have-you-ever-made-a-mistake-with-a-big-purchase/ you will realise I must have another £1600+ in Brownie points still stacked up. Better think of something else I need quick!!