Thread: Great New Toy

Thanks Swino.

Well I'm not convinced it was quite worth the hype it got but it looks quite good. I'll certainly get one (being a Vicmarc agent) and give it a good work out. I know of one company that wont be all that happy about it ie Woodcut so it will be interesting to see how it compares with the Trugrind.

Id like to say thanks Swino mate I know you had a lot on but you take time to help out another member.

id like to say thanks allso swino and the Gold Coast boys that gave in put in this new toy

thanks Marco from your a gentleman

I'm keen to see an independent review, and am curious to know how they differentiate this from the tru-grind and the one-way systems.

Cheaper than the opposition can't be bad for the consumers, but I wonder how much cheaper and if that's just the introductory price.

All-in-all I don't see myself dropping my (already paid for and working well for me) jigs to spend money on a new jig unless I'm convinced that it's going to be significantly better than my current setup.

This is the type of hype I was refering to (Dave you might recognise the comment) "its a tool no woodturner can be with out trust me it's a game changer!!"

By the looks of it is the exact same principle as a few other grinding jigs on the market so how is it a "game changer"? And how is it a tool "no woodturner can do without"? I could do without one because I have a Trugrind. What does it do that the Trugrind doesn't?

After reading the pdf link Swino provided, I don't need to see the actual article to understand what its all about, and know that it ain't no game changer. That's what I call hype, Dave and that is NOT being crtitical of the product in any way.

I appreciate your enthusiam over it and your willingness to promote it but there was a large degree of hype surrounding your initial comments.

Now I'm sure if it is Vicmarc it will be well made and if had input then it will be well designed with the bugs ironed out. I'm glad it's made in Australia and that Australian turners will have a well priced alternative to a style of jig that I like.

I will order one and will probably do a video review of it to put on my YouTube channel just as I have done with other non-Vicmarc products. And, just like other retailers of woodturning product, I will promote products I think are worth promoting, Vicmarc or otherwise, because I like to support them as best I can.

Originally Posted by brendan stemp

I will order one and will probably do a video review of it to put on my YouTube channel just as I have done with other non-Vicmarc products. And, just like other retailers of woodturning product, I will promote products I think are worth promoting, Vicmarc or otherwise, because I like to support them as best I can.

Brendan,

Can you also compare it with the Tormek turning jigs used with the bench grinding attachment on a bench grinder. I'd be interested to see if it's better as I already have those.

Peter.

First off let me say that I had no real direct input into the design of the jig but some of the modifications I have made to my jigs may have had an influence.

I was asked by Marco to say what i thought of it whilst checking something else.

It is very well made and extremely smooth and precise in operation.

It has the best tool locking and centering in the grinding jig that I have ever seen in any jig marketed in Australia. It is easy to positively lock the tool in place but easier to release the tool as well than other models.

Where the grinding jig pin goes into the arm is a much better and more positive hold than most but can still be lifted out if you are inattentive.

Like all jigs there is a learning curve but anyone who uses a similar type would have no problems adapting to this setup.

There is no numbering system on the grinding jig or sliding arm but I personally don't see that as a problem because i work off the existing bevels but a newbie may have a little trouble to get the right angles.

All in all a nice bit of equipment that should be considered if looking at a new or upmarket jig.

Originally Posted by Sturdee

Brendan,

Can you also compare it with the Tormek turning jigs used with the bench grinding attachment on a bench grinder. I'd be interested to see if it's better as I already have those.

Peter.

Peter. As you know I consider the Tormek jigs the best on the market, however they have some limitations in the size of tools that can fit in the gouge jig.

If you own the set and they do what you want and need there is no need to change.

That applies to most things in woodturning but if looking at replacements for any tool or equipment it pays to get the best that one can afford.

This jig is one such item.

Sorry Gents
But I didn't see a price
Willy

Originally Posted by Willy Nelson

Sorry Gents
But I didn't see a price
Willy

I have just received the prices from Marco at Vicmarc. Jig is $149.50 and the Station $175.50. I'll be ordering one today. Stay tuned for the video

Originally Posted by brendan stemp

I have just received the prices from Marco at Vicmarc. Jig is $149.50 and the Station $175.50. I'll be ordering one today. Stay tuned for the video

Brenden, am I correct in assuming that you need to buy both the Jig and the station or can the jig be fitted to any bench grinder?
If I have to spend $325.00 I, for one, will be in no hurry to change from the Tormek.

Brendan obviously the Hype has worked as you are now purchasing one when there is obviously no need for one as you have all the other brands of jigs and fixtures available.

This is what hype does.

Have also ordered some for me and the shop as I am keen to see how they work and if there is going to be any real benefit to the end user.

One flaw I have noticed with the skew jig is that there is no allowance for the 10 degree angle to suit the vicmac dovetail angle.

Waiting for answers on other questions.

Peter as indicated I think with the setup you have on the tormek there would be no real benefit in changing over.

This will be targeted at those that dont have any set up or are ready to improve on what they have.

At the end of the day I support product that are made here in Australia and I'm just happy that there is another woodturning product made here in Australia

Originally Posted by Jim Carroll

Peter as indicated I think with the setup you have on the tormek there would be no real benefit in changing over.

Thanks and Jim for the confirmation of what I thought.

The only improvement to the setup would be getting new CBN wheels but that will have to wait until the wide white wheels on my 6" Creusen grinder wears down enough to justify them.


Peter.

$325 does not seem that cheap. By station is that meant to mean the platform?


Dave

The Turning Cowboy

There are two different products:

- the first is the fingernail jig with the associated 'rail' that sits underneath the wheel. (This is comparable to the Woodcut Tru Grind Sharpening Station)

- the second is the sharpening platform (for skews, bench chisels, etc.). (This is comparable to the Tru Grind Sturdy Rest and base)

A simple search of one of the sponsors website will provide a price comparison for people thinking of purchasing the system (either part of both).

The products can be purchased together or separately. I posted the information so that people are aware of a new product coming on to the market. Vicmarc (in my opinion) is a great company that makes quality lathes and components and remains Australian owned and built. I personally prefer to buy Australian made whenever possible (particularly when the product is often well constructed and at a reasonable price).

Whether you wish to upgrade or whether you feel that this product is value for money is a personal choice that only the end user can make., I would be interested to see what peoples feedback is that do choose to purchase one.

Let's keep this thread focussed on the topic - that is a new product on the market and for people to provide feedback if they try it.