Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I took a lot of time comparing the Tormek and the Jet (had both at Woodcraft). A web site found with a Google search did a terrific job in comparing both and gave the nod to Jet. I ordered the Jet which came without the base and cover (Amazon quickly sent me a new unit). Here's my assement:
Cons:
1) Putting it to use I found the support arm was not true with the stone and sharpend chisels with an angled face. I measured the support arm and found it to be a little more than 1 degree off square. I stuck it in my bench vise and gave it a couple of pulls and it then measured 90 degrees and the chisel faces then ground square. I later bought a Tormek support arm for the leather honing side and found it to be a true 90 degrees. It is, however, a bit larger in diameter than the Jet arm requiring any Jet jig used to be slightly enlarged.
2) The instruction book is really little more than a parts list so I bought the Tormek book. Since the two machines are essentially equal and the sharpening jigs are interchangeable that problem was solved cheaply.
3) I wanted to be able to sharpen my jointer and planer knives, but Jet does not make this jig, but Tormek does.
4) Tormek now has a diamond truing jig that uses a screw to move the diamond across the wheel whereas Jet's jig is just moved by hand.
5) One of my only Jet jigs (the one that came with it) had plastic bushings that soon started slipping out of the jig allowing whatever was attached to crash on the wheel. I'm also into metal work so I turned a new bushing out of brass with a good tight fit. It may be possible to use "Goop" or some other such glue to firmly attach the bushings, but I enjoyed making them from brass. This problem may occur on other Jet jigs, but I have bought all tormek jigs.
Pros:
1) The Jet has a much better water capturing system than the Tormek which means less mess to cleanup when finished.
2) The speed control is an advantage when a fair amount of material needs to be removed. It also makes honing on the leather wheel faster.
3) When I did receive the new unit from Amazon to replace the missing base and cover, I must say the added height and storage were a real advantage. Note worthy is the fact that the support arm in the new unit was off square by the same amount as the first one received.
I found no problems with the supplied Jet jigs(note item 5 under cons) and have since bought several Tormek jigs and find them to be of equal quality.
My recommendation is to buy the Jet; use a carpenter square to true-up the support arm; buy the Tormek instruction book; and save about $85 while getting the free base and cover.
I have sharpened everything in the house and shop and couldn't be happier. My wife is so impressed with the paper thin slices of tomato she can make that she's as happy with it as I am. I bought the long knife jig and find it also does short knives while the short knife jig doesn't do long knives.
I would give the Jet 5 stars if the support arm came properly squared. The Tormex support arm does not have this problem but is slightly larger in diameter than the Jet, so Jet bushings will have to enlarged.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Jet 708015 JSSG-10 Slow Speed Wet Sharpener
Offering woodworkers an advanced combination of innovative features not currently available on any other sharpening system, the Jet 708015 JSSG-10 Slow Speed Wet Sharpener boasts enclosed motor housing to keep debris and water from the interior of the tool. It also comes equipped with a tool storage tray and eight of Jet's most popular accessories.
Jigs and other accessories add versatility to your setup.Array of Powerful, Unique Features to Boost ProductivitySpecially designed to offer a unique array of powerful, efficient features you simply can't find on other models, the JSSG-10 provides torque adjustment for consistent pressure to drive the shaft, variable dial speed control to maintain outer wheel speed regardless of the sharpening stone diameter (a real advantage when removing large amounts of material or honing on a leather wheel), and a unique reservoir design for improved water management that helps prevent spills and messes. All of these additions save you time to help boost productivity.
Diameter Scale and Built-In Storage Keep You OrganizedThe JSSG-10 also comes equipped with a diameter scale that provides a quick reference for the stone wheel diameter. And to help keep your tools organized and at your fingertips, Jet has equipped the JSSG-10 with a built-in storage tray--a convenient place for all your sharpening accessories.
Continuous Stream of Water Prevents OverheatingThe lower portion of the stone operates in a bath of water. As the stone revolves, it carries the water continuously over the grinding surface, which cools it and thereby eliminates the risk and potential damage of overheating.
Variable Speed Switch for Greater FlexibilityThe grindstone runs at 90 to 150 RPM and is driven by a quiet yet powerful motor controlled by the variable speed switch. When the grindstone diameter is 250 millimeters, the grinder can--and should--be set at the lower 90 RPM setting.
Over time and with frequent use, the grindstone will wear down, and then the speed can be increased to compensate for the diameter loss. This ability to increase and decrease the speed makes it a snap to maintain the desirable surface speed at all times, giving you a greater measure of flexibility.
Helpful Accessories for a Variety of JobsThe JSSG-10 comes with a host of accessories including a dual surface stone grader that dresses the wheel for both fine and course sharpening; a straight edge jig to sharpen chisels, spokeshave blades, and planer blades; an angle measuring device to establish the angle of the tool being sharpened in relation to the stone; an existing angle measuring device to establish the angle of the tool's cutting edge; a support arm that mounts directly to the front or back of the sharpener and can be used with a wide assortment of Jet sharpening jibs; and a honing compound tube that gives your newly sharpened tools that final, polished edge.
About JET: A History of Sharing New, Feature-Rich ProductsOpened in 1958 after the founder of the company, Leslie P. Sussman, took the first Boeing Jet Airplane trip from Seattle, Washington to Japan, JET began as a small dealer that sold air hoists and trolleys out of a single hardware store in Seattle. Over the years, JET has carried everything from snowmobiles, transmitter radios, and forklifts to nylon stockings, but by the early 1970s, metalworking had become the base of their business line. And by the 1980s, JET had expanded into the realm of woodworking. Today, you'll find that JET offers a wide range of popular woodworking tools that are backed with best-in-class features and excellent service.
What's in the BoxJet JSSG-10 wet sharpener, stone grader, straight edge jig, angle measuring device, existing angle measuring device, support arm, honing compound tube, and instructional DVD.
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