Thread: Sorby Pro-Edge for bench chisels and plane blades?

In essence this is a slow-speed linisher with platform and guides. And a small gouge clamp.

I got the deluxe model from Carrolls mainly for sharpening turning tools but the big plus is that it's a versatile tool for sharpening and rehabbing chisels and plane blades as well.

I've posted under Woodturning on this but a summary would be:

1. You have access to a range of grits and abrasive types, from #60 to #3000 (equiv.) But they're a non-standard size so for the time being you source from Sorby/Carrolls. Other local suppliers are gearing up.
2. Means you can rehab backs, taking pits and unflats out and bring them up to a polish.
3. It runs cool. It's still possible eg with the tip of a SS knife to blue it but the rest ... not if you're not ham-fisted
4. No need to deglaze, true/flatten. When a belt is worn you toss it.
5. Yes, belts cost; AlOx are cheap, others not so cheap.
6. When doing a chisel bevel with the std platform and the new square edge jig, depending on the tool you may need a min. of 10cm length shaft back to grind @ 25º (tested on a Berg BE socket). Shorter than that I'm looking at using the short-tool platform perhaps with a 'depth' clamp.
7. The downside in relation to quick touch-ups is that this is a flat grind (but I've done them with diamond handheld hones; harder than hollow-ground but not impossible). No drama if you're putting on a 2ndary bevel with jig and stone and will refresh the edge that way.

Apart from the gouge jig, this system uses a platform and guides when needed. There is necessarily a bit of slop in the system and a bit of skill is needed, esp. at long overhangs. That's not a prob when you plan to take the blade to a stone with a jig for a 2ndary bevel.

I've done a deal of rehabbing with it over the last six months, chisel bevels and backs (and one M2 plane blade both sides), and having used other horsepowered methods this one is winning by a long head. I've chewed through belts but with my paws as they are I'm time- not price-sensitive.

Could this be a one-shot solution to shaping, sharpening and lapping? Dunno ... it comes close.

I'm not going to ditch the bench grinder yet. Nor the ceramic whetstones. I will ditch the Worksharp discs mounted on a lathe arbour for lapping purposes. The Sorby works so much better.

I have had two wet grinders and sold them but retain the Tormek BGM with various jigs in front of a fine grind wheel cos I'd say that sometimes it will remain important to have a jig rather than a guide.

That's my two bob's worth today. Your mileage may of course vary and finding what works for you, with your tolerance for time, fiddling and cost is what matters.