Mk.II Power Sharpening System questions

FWW did a review a coupla issues ago

David W. Dougherty

>

I don't recommend it

bill tindall

>Sharpening something dull can be considered two step process. first there is the removal of a "large" amount of metal to get rid of the dull edge and establish a burr followed by removal of a tiny amount of metal to refine the edge to sharpness. These single purpose sharpening machines are an expensive way to remove the "large" amount of metal and you still have to do the refining by some means. My experience with abrasive belts and metal grinding (I have no experience with this machine) suggests you will be spending a lot of money on the abrasive over time. Furthermore, hollow grinding results in much faster edge refinement. So, my recommendation is to buy a cheap 7 or 8" slow speed grinder, make or buy a good tool rest for it (eg Wolverine) and buy an appropriate wheel either the white from Lee Valley or the blue from Tools for Working Wood. You will then have a cheaper, faster and more versatile means of abrading metal for various purposes.

I have come to the conclusion that it is not the machine that makes sharpening reliable and quick but experience with the process chosen.

Re: I don't recommend it

Rob Lee

>Bill -

I'd agree with you that it's not a machine for removing large amounts of metal - we don't sell at as such.

It's a machine for sharpening - not reshaping.

I've used the same abrasives on mine for more than a year... and there's plenty of life left yet.

Certainly - consider suitability to purpose - but know what the purpose is.

At $319 - it's a few fine diamond stones, or two high grade natural stones...

It's not meant to be a panacea....

Cheers -

Robin

Re: Mk.II Power Sharpening System questions

Frank Martin (Chicago, IL)

>I have one and could not be happier. As a reference point, I tried water stones (not the expensive ones, which would approach to or exceed the cost of an MKII in a set) and scary sharp using a piece of glass and sandpaper. Keep in mind I am definetly not an expert on sharpening.

I think MKII is an excellent sharpening machine. I would even say that you can use it for removing small amounts of metal (i.e., light grinding) using the blue zirconia sheet, I think it is 80 grit. I have used it quite a bit, and I am still on the first sheet of this grit. As for sharpening only, it is very quick and I consistently get excellent results. So far I have only been using the grits sold by LV. However, I plan to go a step further and use it for final honing as well. There are couple methods mentioned in the manual.

The manual is also excellent. It is more than just a machine manual, it includes lots of tips and techniques about sharpening.

I don't think the cost of abrasives is an issue. Not at least for me, given the speed at which I get results.

However, I suggest you also purchase a foot switch to operate the machine, instead of the switch on the power cord.

Rob, are you planning to include a foot switch with this machine?

All in all, I can easily say, it solved my sharpening problems. If you are really careful, you can flatten chisel backs (except for the very narrow ones) and plane blades as well.

I guess I don't need to add that like everything that has Veritas brand on it, it is well made. Plus, if you have any problems, you have Lee Valley behing it.

I know we hear this all the time here, but I have not experienced the level of service and the consistency with any other company in any other industry. Lee Valley is just excellent. This may sound like an ad, but I am just a very satisfied customer, and have no other affiliation with the company.

Good luck in your decision making process and let us know what you end up with.

I reviewed it in Canadian Woodworking

HC Sakman @ Victoria, BC

>It's fast and accurate. I hardly touched my water stones which add up to be more money than this machine. 3M abrasives last a long time.

Bottomline: It's a worthy sharpener.

It was also the best overall pick in FWW comparo test.(I think there were 6 or 7 machines in the test)

Chico...

Exactly my thoughts

Dick Schmidt, Beaufort, NC

>I have the Mk II and also have an 8" grinder, scary sharp and various stones (water and oil) and I love the Mk II. In fact if I had the money I would have four of them - each with a primary grit. As it is, the single machine is so fast that it makes all other methods I've used slow. I do not hesitate to stop work and touch up an iron or chisel and get back to work. The cost of abrasives is a non-issue.

Re: Mk.II Power Sharpening System questions

Mike in Northern Maine

>I also have a Mk.II and have been very pleased with it. It is fast and accurate. The price of abrasive sheet has not been an issue. They last quite a long time.

Although I don�t have a foot switch, I agree with Frank one would be very handy to have. Does anyone know where to find a suitable one?