Worksharp WS3000+Drill Doctor DD750X or Tormek T7+Drill Sharpening Attachment

[Kev]

Normally a Tormek T7 and all of it's accessories (including the very substantial drill sharpening attachment) would cost a lot more than a Worksharp WS 3000 and a Drill Doctor DD750X. Here in Oz, the combos come out very close together and I don't want to try and save a few dollars by bringing in 110V stuff ... so I'm left with a dilemma of choice.

There's a lot of people on this forum that have mentioned how good the WS3000 is at quickly sharpening stuff.

A chap I was speaking with today said the the Worksharp and Drill Doctor combinations suit a builder, someone that doesn't want to fuss and just needs a sharp tool. Further, that the Tormek (T7 specifically) allows for refinement and would be more typically purchased by a craftsman.

Another item noted was the range of sharpening jigs and accessories available for the Tormek.

Last point was that the Worksharp and Drill Doctor have relatively high wear consumables (where the Tormek just has one significant wear component, that's not cheap at all to replace).

I realise that several people will feel that a simple stone and practiced technique is a better and cheaper alternative for blades of most types - but I'm really after experienced opinions based on good and bad experience with both systems.

I am able to organise a demo of the Tormek, but probably not the Worksharp

So, please share your opinions and thoughts.

BTW - it doesn't have to be Tormek or Worksharp - it could be Tormek and Drill Doctor, just can't be Worksharp and Tormek drill sharpener.

Kev.

 

[Amateur]

I just unpacked my new Tormek T-7 and can not wait to start sharpening. The unit, accessories and manual are very well thought out.
Spent the money once and have a complete sharpening system.

 

[dltflt]

I have the Tormek and does a great job.  It is the sharpener that has worked well for me.  I have few accessories and they do a great job also.  IMHO you can't go wrong with the Tormek.

 

[woodguy7]

Tormek for me also.  I have the attachment for sharpening spindle moulder cutters, superb.  Can also do my turning tools on it.

 

[Kev]

I'm over the line on going Tormek then .. thanks all. Just got to choose accessories / bundle.

I'm liking the idea of the Japanese stone, all of the general jigs and the drill sharpener. Cripes ... need more space - I'll probably tidy up my grinder and set up a dedicated bench for grinding, sharpening, Dremel, etc.

 

[upscale]

I am able to organise a demo of the Tormek, but probably not the Worksharp. So, please share your opinions and thoughts.

+3 for the Tormek 7 model. Throughout the years, I've tried differently sharpening methods and I've never really liked having to go through the process. The Tormek appears to be the most versatile out of all of them. Add to that the fact that the Tormek 7 includes a warranty for commercial sharpening and I think you have your winner.

 

[woodguy7]

Don't you mean +4  . With that & the size of plywood sheets  ;D.

Just joking of course  [big grin]

 

[Amateur]

Well it happened. I sharpened my small ax just to get a feel for setting up the angle and after I was finished the bleeding started. Thank you Tormek for including a supply of bandaids.

 

[upscale]

Don't you mean +4  . With that & the size of plywood sheets  ;D. Just joking of course  [big grin]

Smart *ss !  

 

[johnmocha]

I have both the drill doctor (older 500 model) and the Tormek.  The Tormek is superb.  I'm am probably going to get rid of the drill doctor and go for the Tormek drill bit sharpening jig despite its cost.  The Tormek enables you to get extremely sharp edges on many tools without a steep learning curve.  It isn't cheap though. 

 

[upscale]

I have both the drill doctor (older 500 model) and the Tormek.  The Tormek is superb.  I'm am probably going to get rid of the drill doctor and go for the Tormek drill bit sharpening jig despite its cost.

And then the final question becomes: Will it be the T3 or the T7?

 

[Kev]

I have both the drill doctor (older 500 model) and the Tormek.  The Tormek is superb.  I'm am probably going to get rid of the drill doctor and go for the Tormek drill bit sharpening jig despite its cost.

And then the final question becomes: Will it be the T3 or the T7?

Ah that's an easy question ... the T3 is for the kitchen  [big grin]

T7 is the go - the extra 50mm of wheel diameter will be critical for sharpening my Japanese chisels!

(Though I suppose I could always go and buy a $10K chunk of Nakayama gold)

 

[upscale]

(Though I suppose I could always go and buy a $10K chunk of Nakayama gold)

Just happen to have a spare $10,000 on hand do you?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-natural-whetstone-Nakayama-GOLD-kiita-AKA-Nashiji-so-big-4569-/160649659115

 

[Kev]

(Though I suppose I could always go and buy a $10K chunk of Nakayama gold)

Just happen to have a spare $10,000 on hand do you?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-natural-whetstone-Nakayama-GOLD-kiita-AKA-Nashiji-so-big-4569-/160649659115

There was a time when I'd drool over that stuff - round about 15 years back when I developed a fetish for Japanese hand tools, but I never took the plunge (since then I've seen the price of the rock from the sacred quarries climb through the roof).

I saw that same piece you linked come up in my Ebay alerts the other day - even seen pieces for over $70K. Crazy stuff!

My next "spare" chunk will be going on Festool CMS and Walko ... and maybe something from here http://www.haroldandsaxon.com/ (after all, they're my local chisel maker ... If you can call a 10 hour drive local).

 

[upscale]

There was a time when I'd drool over that stuff - round about 15 years back when I developed a fetish for Japanese hand tools, but I never took the plunge (since then I've seen the price of the rock from the sacred quarries climb through the roof).

My only experience with Japanese tools (to date) is a Kataba saw purchase from Lee Valley Tools and a Jointmaker saw (with Japanese blades) from Bridge City Tools. The Jointmaker I sold for various reasons, but the Kataba I still have and use regularly. The noticeable thing about both these tools is their sharpness.

One of these days when I win the lottery, I'll be looking to buy an authentic Katana.  [eek]

 

[Kev]

One of these days when I win the lottery, I'll be looking to buy an authentic Katana.   [eek]

Then you'll be the person needing an authentic whetstone!

 

[upscale]

One of these days when I win the lottery, I'll be looking to buy an authentic Katana.   [eek]

Then you'll be the person needing an authentic whetstone!

Yup, and I'll hire my own personal Ninja to sharpen the Katana for me.

 

[Amateur]

Well another $139.00 and now I have an adjustable heigth stand. I was going to buy a set of casters so that I could turn the stand for different grinding positions but Tormek just announced a turntable that locks, RB-180. It is on order for mid May delivery.

 

[Kev]

Well another $139.00 and now I have an adjustable heigth stand. I was going to buy a set of casters so that I could turn the stand for different grinding positions but Tormek just announced a turntable that locks, RB-180. It is on order for mid May delivery.

You know - I've been trying to figure out a cool way of swinging the unit round without a mountain of effort ... now all I'll have to do is wave Mr Plastic. I'm very glad you shared this [smile]

Kev.