Good informative vid. I just bought a Wen mini wood lathe a week ago. I'm overwhelmed with the quality and trueness.

Nice video 👍 . Bought a Tormek 2000 in 2007 and am very pleased ! Just bought a Wen for $108 Wal-Mart online & a Wen accessory kit for $50 at Home Depot online ( small & large knife jigs , scissor jig & an axe jig . Jigs are near identical to Tormek jigs and do exact job 👍 ) I can sharpen just as well with the Wen . I am going to watch the rest of your sharpening videos to see if I can improve at honing ... I can get a knife to " tree top " once in a great while 😞

Recently, got into turning. And I picked up the Wen. When I was a teen, living with my uncle. He’d often say “When in doubt, sharpen. Feeling off? Sharpen.” And this has served me well thus far. Granted, he taught me how to do it by hand, and this is my first system. So im still getting a feel for it, and I don’t really have much to compare it to. But thanks for the video. For how often you(at least I) sharpen, I was kinda kicking myself for not finding a way to splurge on something more. But really appreciated this breakdown.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

Жыл бұрын

Sometimes you can get away with stropping. It can extend the life of the chisel. But I carve not turn. Don’t you guys like a little burr?

Heck yeah sir. I have the WEN as well. It's been a great system for me sharpening my custom knives. I really like your remarks. Very insightful. I'm going to need to try some free-hand sharpening on mine.

Very good video, thanks!

Very informative video, thanks.

Bought a Wen drywall sander about a year ago. I was so impressed I figured I'd try out one of their brad nailers. Happy with it as well. Neither are perfect, but both are capable. Thanks for the review.

I'm really pleased with this! It works like a charm kzread.infoUgkxDcr-y2Pf6xdnrFHrSP7dl9kpKaCozcSQ Takes less time than my old electric sharpener because it can take more off the knife faster, and then it smooths out nicely with the finer grit polisher. I don't know how long it will last before the grit wears away, but I wouldn't mind having to replace it every once in a while.

Great video I might have to get me one

I used to take my puma white hunter to a guy that had a "band sharpener". The only time it was razor sharp straight from the knife sharpener man. Its been razor sharp lots sitting honing in front of the winter fire by me. Then i found the knife sharpenning man. I have sharpeners for knives and chainsaws and drills and most cutting tools but never got it as good as he did unless i sat and honed the edge

I never owned a Tormek so can't compare them. I got the Wen three months ago and it's been really nice to use. So nice that I now bought the Wen Planer with spiral cutters and that is a real dream, and both at a very reasonable price. I'm so impressed that I'm going to get their top of the line bench drill press next. The quality is quite a lot better than other Chinese manufacturers. I'd highly recommend their tools.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

2 жыл бұрын

I agree. Now tormek is nicer quality. A few better features. But I can buy a wen for a lot less than a replacement standard stone from tormek. Also wen has great support. The phone number is in the unit. If you need parts they are extremely cheap. The tormek also needs replacement parts from time to time. But a pair of plastic bushings cost what a $35 replacement stone costs. Tormek stones cost $200 now. I now have two wens running. One with sg250 the other with sj250.

@andydepaule3296

2 жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER Thanks, I didn't know about the parts. It was the price that got me to buy the Wen. If not for the Wen I'd have just continued to use stones. I've just also bought a couple of Shapton glass stones, 6000 & 16000 and a Trend Diamond with 300 & 1000 sides. Expensive, but really a good set. Think I may try using the Diamond Trend to resurface the Wen stone from time to time.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

2 жыл бұрын

@@andydepaule3296 when you use diamond plate to flatten or change grit remember the material that holds the diamond on will wear away so don’t grab an expensive one but instead look at harbor freight’s brand

@andydepaule3296

2 жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER After spending over $200 on the fine glass stones I want the best diamond stone I can afford to keep them surfaced flat. I already got the Trend Diamond for about $100 to do the job. I do use Harbor Freight for things that I will only use now and then, but not when I need high quality. I'm getting fairly good edges with the Wen, but not as sharp as with the glass stones from Japan.

great instructions

Keep up the videos man, great work!

You can really hear the difference in the stone after you put the flattening tool on it!

@bobbygetsbanned6049

2 жыл бұрын

Yup huge difference.

Thanks,

I have the same WEN sharpener and I've had it for 4 years now. I've had no issues with it.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

2 жыл бұрын

And if you ever do just toss it and buy new. its way cheaper than just a replacement stone on Tormek. I'm now running two, sg 250 on one and sj250 on the other. my former needed parts and had bad rust body. I moved the tool rest mounts to my wens so trueing and chisel jig works better than wens.

Peter, i can no longer find your video titled "Knives dull to razor sharp " did you pull the video?

I've had it about a week now. I've used it to sharpen a few kitchen knives and I'm happy with it. I'll use it in the future to reprofile woodworking tools, but the final finish on the edge does not support fine woodworking. I'll stick to water stones for actual sharpening of my woodworking tools. I'm pretty happy with the overall fit and function for $130.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

Did you grade the stone to fine? I get my stone to fine enough to polish out with only slight scratch left. That amount should work well unless your carving very very fine. I carve Tiki idols. Wet palm carves like a radish so I might not need the last 5 % of sharp.

@thatguythatdoesstuff7448

3 жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER Yes. Coincidentally, I already owned the Harbor Freight stone you showed in your video. It actually did a great job of regrading the stone. The wheel feels smoother than my Shapton #1000. Don't get me wrong, it put a great edge on my kitchen knives and MUCH more quickly than I can sharpening by hand. I'm incredibly picky about the edges on my tools though. I am used to polishing on a Shapton #8000 and stropping with 1 micron green compound. I do a lot of small-ish jewelry chests in softer woods, like pear, apple, poplar, pine or whatever I can find. Paring end grain in softer woods requires an insanely sharp edge.

Something else to think about--according to a couple of inflation calculation tools on the web, $600 in 2010 is worth something like $720-$760 today. So if you are considering the cost to performance of the Wen tool, you can almost consider the additional cost of a quality grading stone to be "covered" by inflation alone in this scenario

@carmineredd1198

2 жыл бұрын

wrong. if you bought gold in december 2001 it was 325 an ounce, today over 1500

love my Wen.it is GREAT

Out of the box the wheel gave me a serrated edge. Home Depot had them on sale for under $120. I jumped on it. Then ordered the accessories.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

Serrated?

When you use the strop on that machine flip it around and reverse the motor then the grinding stone won't be in your way that's most likely why it has a reverse on it.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

Join the “smarter than me club”. I show this in my “update”. Your the 3 rd to point the technique out. I learned on my Tormek with out reverse and just added a tool that is faster than the strop. I got the model with reverse for other reasons and missed the real one.

@joeylayman6622

4 жыл бұрын

Oh ok. Just trying to help.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

always appreciated.

@pantelispaspalas5048

Жыл бұрын

Plz don't nuy an tormek, they claim alot but the machine won't sharpen most knifes..

Please write the model numbers in your description. With a review like this, you might want WEN will sponsor you if you post a link.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

11 ай бұрын

The model numbers change as they make changes it seems. Just buy what's current. If the prices seem high there is probably a supply problem and the secondary sellers are overcharging. Ive noticed it twice during covid. Today (7/15/23) it's $139 on amazon in the US. I think buying on amazon is buying from WEN. But I could be wrong about this.

The only WEN tool I have is a "Dremel" aka rotary tool and it has worked perfectly for over a decade now.

I've found the biggest challenge with the Wen is the support bar. Unlike the Tormek USB, which is machined to perfection, the Wen is difficult to get perfectly aligned. It's a manageable problem, but not easy to overcome. If you're as skilled a PG at free handing, it's not an issue.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

Жыл бұрын

I had some of that with the T7 I had. But wen is worse. When I tossed my tormek and purchased a second wen I replaced the wen mounts with the tormek mounts. Useing jigs can you just leave the tool rest on? I found getting it on was the worst part. The fact I can wear the stone down about 1” farther is a big improvement the Wen offers me. Stones last about 3-4 months these days If you want to put a tormek tool rest on I can tell you the easiest way. But it will cost $100 ish.

@thoward4051

Жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER Thanks, I might ask you about the details of that workaround at some point. For now, I’m trying to utilize the Wen USB as is, and overcome any shortcomings as best I can. In spite of my few frustrations, the Wen is a tremendous value compared to what I paid for my T7 many years ago, and is worth the trouble considering the savings I’ve enjoyed by not having to purchase another Tormek. Thanks for your assistance and advice!

Hello P G, Your videos are a great help and inspiration. I own a Tormek T8 and T4. I just today received my WEN BG2470 which is the model I believe you are highlighting here. I went to true up the WEN stone with my Tormek TT50 and it does not engage with the vertical portion of the WEN universal support bar. I am wondering if your trueing tool is the new style Tormek TT50? Have you successfully trued your WEN stone with the TT50? An alternate use for this WEN is for felt wheel or coarse grinding wheel (CBN or diamond). Keep up the good work and thank you for your generosity in making these videos. John

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

I moved my sj250 from wen to tormek to true cuz I did not have the wen support with me. Finally I brought it and I had the same problem. I clamped the tormek jig where it needs to be and it held. Others have committed on wen selling a (4?) jig set that look just like tormeks with Better fit for wen for cheap. Have you looked at these. Working on the flat side would hav a great advantage. And rotating faster would be great too. But these are in Japan only (220v) kzread.info/dash/bejne/npplqsGEody_m8Y.html

@jjsoundguy

3 жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER I have seen the set of four jigs you mention but none of them is a truing tool. I will have to figure out some way of holding the TT50 on the WEN as I true its stone. Thanks again. I look forward to another video from you. John

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

@@jjsoundguy try calling wen. The phone number is on your machine

I waited for you to slice up John Legend... did not disappoint.

I just modified my wen stone to fit on the tormek. I used a angle grinder to thin the stone About 1.5” around the center hole

@firstmkb

4 жыл бұрын

Boonedock Journeyman true the wheel to concentric around the spindle after its remounted.

For stropping long knives I remove the stone and replace it with a plastic tube of the same length as the wheel thickness.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

That is an advantage on tormek quick release stones. FYI- I’m going to list a SJ250 that is used on eBay in case you wanted to try one. It’s 8” now.

Might be good as a second one set up with the Japanese stones all the time and the other one to get the edge

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

Watch my knife in a minute Sharpening video. Exactly what I have going on. Thx for comments. SUBSCRIBE, I have more videos coming out this week. Don’t miss out

@sharpen-up

3 жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER Where is this video?

I have a tormek supergrind 2000 that I love.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear. Tormek sells a stainless axle for it I think, if you ever need one.

@RodgerMyers

3 жыл бұрын

Later model 2000 came with that . Mine did

It looks like you prefer to move from left to right. So could you swap sides with the wheels,or is the water container stationary? An if so; I know it could be a nuisance,but perhaps turning the sharpener around so the strop is on your left side especially since it has forward,and reverse. Don't know if it would help,or even make a difference; it's just a thought. 😎👍 Thanks for the video, because I was about to buy a work Sharp 3000,but now I may look into this WEN a little more. I'd like to have something to help me sharpen my plane irons,and chisels a little quicker an with more accuracy.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks. The next video is on your idea. The Arborio mount the stone is unique on each side but turning and reverses gets gives freedom to do what works best. The work sharp , at least the early model is just to limited and for me the belts go too slack. I like to push hard. It’s faster. And you need adjustment to tighten belts. I use a belt sander for several items too. That information will be in next few videos. SUBSCRIBE! I’m almost at my goal. Thx

Maybe you can remove the stone before using the smaller honing wheel, so you dont bump into it?

It has reverse - work from the other side -so knuckles are not impeding you.

Very happy with my excel grinder, identical to wen. Only concern is clickety clackety noise from the bearings, sent it back and replacement is just the same! Any comments?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

5 ай бұрын

I was using two wens and the bearings were fine. No weird sounds. The only issue was a slight bend in the axel I caused. I went to order a replacement and they said it was free. Looking at replacement parts they were cheap. At that time it was $15. For the axle. I think Tormeks is $40. Replacing was very easy. Even on my old well used unit. The key was the parts were not to tight of a fit. Subscribe to see my newest wet grinder I’m editing video now. It’s deluxe!

Very interesting. This is a subject I’ve actually wanted to know more about before I bought one of these.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

New videos inc ones involving the wen in a couple days. Subscribe!

Genialll...

Great video , im really considering on buying a tormek but with this video I really don't know now , I just remember the old saying " buy cheap , cheap results " .... I'm really confused now!!!

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve sharpened over 10,000 knives on it. My tormek needed parts and had rust bad on the frame. I decided to buy a second wen instead. That said Tormek is better but the wen lasts and replacement parts are dirt cheap. Axle is only $12. Tormek I think sells their for 50

@miltonjasso5843

2 жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER Thank you for your time and effort to trying to help me out on this matter, im going with your suggestion WEN IT IS !!! im buying 2 for the price of one , with diferent disc's I am really looking forward to see more of your work and videos

Is there a lower bound to the wheel diameter? I feel like when you wear the stone down, eventually the body of the grinder may start to get in the way. Do you end up wasting the last third of the stone?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

That’s the money maker for Tormek. I get mine down to 8” and it’s becomes a pain. That’s 1/2 way. For chisel etc it isn’t a problem. I use 3 stones per year. Now that I have the Wen stone I’ll put it on next time I need one. I had to grind the middle to thin it at the arbor but. It costs far less than tormek stones by 1/3 the cost.

@ColocasiaCorm

4 жыл бұрын

Glad I got the harbor freight 1x30

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

I turn mine sideways. I like belts to be horizontal not vertical. Your muscle memory when going to finishing wheels is more similar. I have a video coming up next to reverse a bench grinder in 3 minutes. SUBSCRIBE not to miss any

@sharpen-up

3 жыл бұрын

​@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER How's the longevity of the WEN stone compared to the SG? Also, I just got the rough diamond wheel, first day, but so far so good. Want to see the longevity of it, as I do 20-50 knives a day, so will be interesting...

When you use the grading stone are you changing the grit on the wheel? Or is it still "220" or whatever grit, but just a smoother surface?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

It actually changes the grit. Or more actually it knocks off the high spots and fills the valley creating what acts like finer grit. At least that’s how I understand it. Tormek says their stone is 220ish and 1000 when you use their stone.

@Munchie85

4 жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER OK thank you. I have been a KME user for a while now. I have always admited the speed and ability of the tormec for larger knives and kitchen knives as well. Im getting into woodworking lately and I've seen a few people using the Wen for chisels and planer blades. This Wen may be my option for larger knives and my woodworking edges as well. Thank you for the great video and even more thanks for taking your time to get back to me about my question.

The nylon worm gear is intended in case the wheel gets jammed. Cheaper to replace a gear than a motor.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

I have found if I grab the grindstone it can spin when on the right rotating away from operator. Perhaps the this was all reversed it would tighten instead of loosen. Like tormeks course threaded thumb nut.

These sharpeners (both of em) are supposed to be mounted on a pedestal so you can walk around em, that way you just change the direction and work from the other side.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

I’d love it except for space

@OOTurok

4 жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER Put it on a locking turn table

Subscribed

I put cutting compound on the leather wheel before oil. Wipe it off and oil?

Awsome video👌i got a question, What is that stone you used on the grinding wheel to make it smoother? I have a similar sharpening system and can't find any smoother stones .

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

Жыл бұрын

Last one I bought on Amazon Bright star convolute wheel (9sfin) 9 is the hardness, sfine is for the grit. The brand changes as I find them but don’t change the 9sfin

Was wondering what those dalstrongs were like, and you'd be the man to ask it seems. Thoughts?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

Originally they used a blade from japan but now it from someone else. I have had a couple of these and they are ok. Just not as thin as I like. I thinned mine. The handles are very comfortable for me and nice looking. I haven’t used it enough to say they are great or just ok.

@sharpen-up

3 жыл бұрын

They make a dam fine ceramic honing rod!

Was that an ordinary whet stone that you used to dress the WEN wheel down smoother? couldn't quite get what you were saying.. Thanks for excellent video.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

2 жыл бұрын

it was the Tormek dressing stone. Course on one side smooth on the other.

I bought this after watching your video a year ago. So thank you. I have a couple of questions... are the tormek stones compatible with the Wen? Also which stones are best to sharpen chef knives? I have the standard wen stone. Do you think its ideal to get a 220 grit and an extra fine 1200 grit to get a smooth finish?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

2 жыл бұрын

I use the sg250 graded to course. Then I put on a second wen the sj250. This is shown in the videos. That said I’m sharpening other peoples knives that generally are in bad shape.

@okashyadatenshi3725

Жыл бұрын

So the big question is will any of the tormek wheels work on the wen and if so which model wheels work?

Your issue at 4:53 is where the WEN design provides a solution. Just turn the sharpener around and reverse the direction, then you can strop the other side of the blade. Yes, not a perfect solution, but still an improvement over the TORMEK

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

Жыл бұрын

Right you are. You’re number78 to point that out. Some how I missed that. Thx

Hey man, to strop your knife without hitting your hand simply pull to the left with blade down and motor running forward, then flip the blade up and reverse the motor and pull left

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

You are right but… I sharpen around a hundred knives a day in a Farmers Market with a lot of distractions. I have found keeping every step constant keeps me from making a bad mistake. I’m talking about placing a blade edge backwards on a high speed wheel running forward. For me, having to work very fast I need to not have one step reversed. I’ve never broken a blade, or been cut. I have once had a knife pulled from my hand. And a couple more where I was able to hang on. But it destroys the wheel by cutting deep into the wheel material.

Have you thought of (or tried) putting a CBN wheel on one of these? I know you'd have to take it out of the water, but was curious how well that would work over the standard wheel.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

I’ve never tried one. But I’d love to try. It’s a grit commitment though. Which will be a bummer when sharpening chisels. But that’s why Tormek has a quick release but on the t7 and t8

@jochanan2137

4 жыл бұрын

i have a 600 CBN wheel on one side of my slow speed grinder and an 80 on the other. I purchased a bundle of chisels in garage sales, many had bad ships and edged cracked off (probably used as pry bars). The 80 grit CBN made short work of renewing the face of the chisels, the 600.. well I don't really use it too much as it creates a LOT of friction. I go from the 80 grit wheel to my stone. Works Awesome. I had the JET version of these wet grinders and the inner shaft seized to the bushings... had to toss it. For chisels or plane blades I love my CBN wheels. Oh, the 80 grit actually leaves a nice edge, not a really rough edge like you'd think.

@jochanan2137

4 жыл бұрын

in my comment I meant "chips"... not "ships"!

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

I’ve never seen a grinder that can hold 2 stones. I wonder if the can can have water for the heat problem. If not they make a wax you use on cbn to help with heat. It’s kinda like chapstick. You use very little or it won’t cut.

@cperkins1924

4 жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER On the Tormek facebook page, someone is making parts for their machines and is now selling them to the public. One of the tools was an adapter to put a second stone on the machine. He obviously said it worked great, but again he was the one selling the parts.

Hey Pete, You mention you will eventually need a stone dresser for the WEN. Does the Tormek TT-50 Truing and Dressing Tool work on the WEN?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

Yes it will

@biwwdabeah

3 жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER Thanks for confirmation. I'm going to order one now.

Holy crap! I didn’t even know wen made this

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

15 күн бұрын

I used my first one for a couple years before I bought a second to replace my worn out Tormek. It has a 2 year warranty. I bent an arbor and called to order a replacement. They sent it for free even though I said I bent it. And if i had to buy it it was only $11. far less than any part on the tormeks

@liquidrockaquatics3900

15 күн бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER I was just thinking for that price point you could set up a grinder with a separate wheel for each grit if you wanted to and one for each compound if you had a sharpening shop or specialty business

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

15 күн бұрын

@@liquidrockaquatics3900 that’s the idea. I’ve got a used Tormek SJ250 for sale for your second wen.

You can sharpen freehand, I'm a beginner and will be using the tool support. One complaint I see on the Wen is the adjustment for the support is very coarse, whereas the Tormek is very fine adjustments. Will the Tormek US-105 work on the Wen? Or do you feel this won't be an issue? Thank you.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

Жыл бұрын

No this problem is one of the features where Tormek surpasses wen. Most of Tormeks jigs fit the wen but some not as well as when on the tool rest. so buy what jigs wen sells to save money and get better fit. Trueing jig is one that is better to buy wens though Im still using my Tormek version. I bought mine on amazon and you can return it if its not working for you. Just check the listing. P.S. expect your first knife to suck. but after redoing it it will be better.

The tormek is now $1300 in canada for a base setup. The Wen and similar models are regularly $229 and often on sale under $200. They aren't the same machine as far as drive quality and overall smoothness of operation but the savings is too much too ignore unless your a professional putting it to hard use every day. I could buy a good 2x42 variable speed belt/bench grinder, add a diamond wheel plate/lapping setup to the other side and fully outfit all with belts, diamond discs, leather strop etc for the same or less money. The Tormek is good but it's a very simple machine that uses a plastic drive wheel (model I used as price example) setup. It's arguably cheaper to make than the worm drive setups on the cheaper machines. I've been building machinery as a professional for over 30 years and was never impressed by the cheap rod guide systems used on all their machines.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

Жыл бұрын

check out this company. its more but far better than all other. And they have variable speed. TRADESMAN EDGE APEX - KNIFE SHARPENING SYSTEM

What is the Arbor size for the wheels? I have an old Jet JSSG-10 but they don't make these anymore and parts come from Ebay. I'm wondering if the Jet, Tormek and WEN have any interchangeable parts. Is there a good discussion group that you might recommend?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

From what I understand the other brands all setup to use the tormek supplies/ jigs. Some tool rests are not interchangeable.

Is the WEN stone same quality as the TOTMEK SG-250?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 ай бұрын

The wen stone is my second choice. Sg250 is my first even though it is 5 times as costly. It cuts faster and speeds my 1st priority. If you’re not under the gun the wen is fine. Avoid jet’s wheels

How many times do you estimate you can “change the grit” between fine and course before it starts to excessively wear out the wheel?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 ай бұрын

I can’t answer that. I used 2 wet grinders one set to course and one to fine. I used 3 stones per year. About 8,000 knives per year.

Great video.... Will Tormek wheels fit the Wen

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 ай бұрын

Yes

Thank you for the review. I have a Tomek T8, I bought the japanese stone but it is a nightmare to change the stones constantly. Do you think the Wen would be a Nice solution for the SJ-250 stone? By the way is the stone that comes with the wen good?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

2 жыл бұрын

The two wet grinder system is exactly for this second stone problem. My tormek died so I replaced it with a second wen. People have been reporting here the prices have doubled for the Wen. I think it’s a supply problem. Call wen and ask if you don’t see them for $150 or less. My second one cost $125 at Home Depot.com I tried the wen stone for one day and it seems slower but I’m going to remount it as soon as my sg250 wears out. I go thru 3 a year. Partly due to the stones getting out of round making it a bouncy tool. See my video on “trueing an out of round stone. “ it removes a lot of stone to true it On my first wen I have sharpened about 10,000 knives.

@okashyadatenshi3725

Жыл бұрын

Does this mean the tormek t8 models wheels will fit the wen?

does the tormek leather wheel fit on the wen machine?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

No but the wen comes with one. I just saw Home Depot has the wen for $122

Great video and I found it just in time. My Tormek 2000 stone cracked from center to up and I put a big dent in the honing wheel. Question, can I use my Tormek jigs on Wen? They look about the same.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

Axle probably rusted and cracked the stone. The tool support is a little different. And you have to use the wen tool rest. I have only used the truing tool and the V grove does not reach the nearest leg. You can clamp it and it works. Why not just buy another stone for your 2000? You can also upgrade the axle to the stainless with the quick lock nut.

@munawarsoomro6207

3 жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER Thanks for quick reply sir, you're awesome. The replacement stone is quite a bit more expensive than whole new Wen. And I cut a chunk out of honing wheel trying to sharpen a knife so will have to replace it too. I need to sharpen my wood turning tools and have jigs for Tormek to do those. So I may have to keep the Tormek or learn to sharpen freehand. Do you have a video on sharpening free hand :)

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

I think you can with some adjustment. The nearest upright to the stone is farther away on the wen. So the trueing tool can’t be secured as well. You can only hold it with the thumbscrew. But I find it works that way. I’d recommend buying it from an easy to return store in case you want to return it. I’m happy with mine but I only true it once in a while. I’m only running a SJ250 tormek Japanese stone on it. Freehand only. Perhaps consider buying a replacement stone from wen for $40. And change the leather out on the honing wheel. If that’s what’s cut. The wen wheel needs to be reduced around the center hole to fit on the tormek. But a angle grinder can do that in 5 minutes. These stones are not very hard.

@munawarsoomro6207

3 жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER I appreciate the suggestions. I ordered it through Lowes so should be able to return it. Once it gets here, I can see what would work. I'll reply here with what ended up with. Thank you!

@RodgerMyers

2 жыл бұрын

@@munawarsoomro6207 buy a wen and use the stone wheel . New models have the same shaft size . The complete Wen is cheaper than the stone wheel from Tormek .

Will the tormek stones fit in the Wen machine?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

2 жыл бұрын

Yes. I have two with Wen grinders. You just need to add a thick washer to compensate for the tormek stones being thinner at the center

thats what the reverse is for you can strop the long blade all off the right side switch to reverse when u flip knife.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

Correct, I missed that due to my brain was programmed to use a non reversing grinder. I did cover this in the UPDATE. I had several comment as you yours. I was surprised I missed it though!

@reality150tv

3 жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER yea i figured, I watched ur 100 day follow up video i think it was and pointed that out in that video but i had already posted my reply. Thx for sharing its people like u that help teach people like me, and also help give an informed decision on a product. It is much better than just reading a review by someone that just bought it and looked at it then wrote a review about it without every having time spent using the tool. Hope u have a Happy New Year.

You prefer this over a diamond Lansky kit or the Worksharp Ken Onion?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

2 жыл бұрын

Yes. It’s fast and dust free but I’m sure lansky works well but slower. The work sharp I tried was for novice sharpener. Perhaps they have improved but it’s probably still low production rate. I just need a process that can sharpen a very dull knife in 1-2 minutes.

Already figured out the use of the reverse?

@hamaljay

4 жыл бұрын

Lol. I guess not.

good video but don't you use the leather wheel from the other side?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

Жыл бұрын

As the stones shrink the leather strop get in the way. I run a wheel from 10” to 7” in 3-4 months. Also using a separate wheel is faster for honing.

you switch direction on the strop wheel

Can the Wen be used to sharpen drill bits as well as knives?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

Tormek jigs work on the wen. The only difference is the wen requires the wen tool rest when using the tormek jigs

What has happened to your earlier videos? I'm still learning about keeping knives sharp, and appreciated learning useful things from your presentations.JAH

@ared18t

3 жыл бұрын

RoosterKnifesharpening has great tips

Are the wheels comparable with the tormak?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

Жыл бұрын

No. Ive done a couple videos on this subject. Tormek cuts faster than wen and jet. But Tormek sg250 wears unevenly so truing is needed, wasting stone. But for me I need speed. P.S. wen isn't bad and only costs $35 last time I checked. Tormek is around $220.

Would be nice if the tormek could change direction too

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

It would be a complete design change. Don’t hold your breath.

@Mrplacedcookie

4 жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER Yeah. I know but any way it would be nice. Maybe a motor that could go in reverse? Like a powertool? Thank you. 👍

Are the support rods the same diameter so T-mek accessories can be used? My Shoppach Tiger brand is a different diameter.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

Жыл бұрын

same diameter but leg spacing and finish are different than Tormek. I am now running 2 wen. It lets me use more stone since the drive wheel is replaced with internal gears. 15,000 knives and no problems. but its missing features Tormek has. I do run Tormek stones on my wens. They cut faster.

good day, wherw can i buy that brother ?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

Жыл бұрын

Made in china but sold around the world. In US many online stores sell like Amazon for $141 USD

Wow what a nice top machine , it does a job well done , too bad we do not have this machine here in Brazil , the Lord could send me this old machine , I sharpen hairdressing scissors and knives but my machine is very rustic so changing the grinding wheel is difficult and dresar also , if you can send this used even get in touch , thank you .

Does the Tormek stone shaper work on the Wen?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

Жыл бұрын

yes it will. but the small yoke that seats on the Tormek’s upright won't reach the WEN's upright. I just give the thumbscrew a snugger twist and its fine.

has anyone pointed out that you could change the direction of the strop wheel and turn the knife blade down the to get the 2nd side of the blade?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

2 жыл бұрын

Yea, your probably the 15th. I’m surprised I missed it when shooting. I guess my mind was so used to the tormek. FYI I now have two wens. My tormek died. And after sharpening over 10,000 knives on the first Wen(estimate) no problem.

What is the name of the grading stone you used to smooth the grinding stone wheel❓ The other grading tool that is metal what is it for, there was no explanation given and where can these be purchased❓

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

2 жыл бұрын

The stone is just a hardware store sharpening stone. The one in the video was purchased at Harbor Freight. But you can find it anywhere. Tormek makes a $30 version that lasts a lot longer. The other tool was a stone truer. It flattens your wheel. Also it’s used for when the wheel gets out of round. (Tormeks stone) This is the biggest problem for me. And about 1/3 of the stones I buy go out of round fast. This wastes a lot of stone life. Perhaps 1/2 as long. Not sure if Wens stone does this too. I use 3-4 SG250s a year. Amazon sells both these items.

I am using a Tormek Japanese water stone on the Wen.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

So am I. How do you deal with the metal loading the stone. I have scotch bright in the bottom of my tray to keep the stone cleaner. It’s a balancing act to get the right pressure

@ap0lmc

4 жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER I am just a hobbyist never thought about that. I collect knives and swords because am a Martial Artist.

@ap0lmc

4 жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER excellent video and tip thanks

For the strop wheel, run the machine in reverse, flip the knife keeping the handle off to the right.. Will take a bit to gain muscle memory, but I think that's what I would do.

@thatguythatdoesstuff7448

3 жыл бұрын

Nevermind. I just watched your update video and this tip was already given. I'm really just researching this machine. I may take a chance, despite common complaints of poor materials and bent shafts.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

ThatGuyThatDoesStuff , you’re not the first to have the solution but the first to find the solution in the update. As for bent shaft, I just bent mine. It was my fault. I put back my 4000g wheel and didn’t get the nut on. After driving my trailer the wheel moved as far off the shaft it could with out falling off. It bent the shaft a bit. Not enough to cause problems but I did bend it. I wonder how many other bent shafts are by operator mistake? Buy on Amazon and returns are easy. Even after you use it.

@thatguythatdoesstuff7448

3 жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER Thanks for the reply. The shafts are not hardened I bet. There's only so much you can do at this retail price. The reviews I saw, the shafts were bent out of the box. I'm sure I can improve the machine as I go, but I'm hoping for it to be usable out of the box so that I can work WITH it for a while before needing to work ON it. Amazon doesn't sell or ship it. It's all 3rd party sellers with different return policies, so I think I'm going Home Depot with this one. They're easy to work with as well.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

@@thatguythatdoesstuff7448 Home depot has good return policy.

What dressing do you use?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

Black magic. It sticks better to felt wheel

use the reverse feature to pull away from the wheel...

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

2 жыл бұрын

Your the 21st to point that out. I missed it when I shot the video

Is it a brushless motor?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

I doubt it but don’t know. It’s just so cheap.

Hello. May I ask you how smooth WEN spindle rotating by hand? I've got my WEN yesterday and what I found was that I can rotate wheel only in one direction and to rotate it to another direction I have to push it pretty hard. It feels like it is rotating by steps. What do you think or recommend to do in this case? Thanks

@anatolipolotov9189

4 жыл бұрын

PG, I bought the model BG4270 with two direction of rotation. The User Manual says, "rotate the wheel by hand a few turns to check that it is balanced and rotates smoothly".

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

Ok, I opened my trailer and turned my unit. Much to my surprise it does turn. Easily one way, slightly more effort the other way. Perhaps mine turns easier because it’s been well broken in. It’s weird they ask you to check how it turns. Seems if they have trouble with it turning at the factory they would try it. As far as worrying I wouldn’t. I’ve run over 600 knives they mine with no problems. If your doing your knives that’s more than a 1/2 a lifetime of kitchen knives.

@anatolipolotov9189

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your feedback, highly appreciate. I've called customer service and they recommended me run sharpener in one direction for 30min, give it a break and run in another direction for 30min. Try sharpening whatever I want and if I am not satisfied I can return it with no problem and no shipping cost. Good service. PG, one more question. Does Tormek TT-50 truing tool fit to Wen jig support tool? Visually my grinding wheel bounces a bit when it's running. I guess I will need truing it for better results. Thank you.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

I let my wheels get out of round enough to hinder things. It turns slow enough that you can put up with a bumpy wheel. Tormek wheels always come true but get out of round if you’re not trueing often. If you do things like chisels you true anyway.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

I missed this question about tormek trueing tool WEN told me they didn’t make the tools because “other Brands” have all the tools already. So I’d say yes it fits

Can you not use a diamond T truing stone on the wheel? Say 120 grit?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

Жыл бұрын

When I true it it’s out of round. You need the truing jig from tormek. If you are referring to grading the stone. I damaged a plate with course grit once. The stone removed some of the plating metal that holds the diamond grit on. I have heard others have not seen this damage from the stone.

What exactly is the stone thing you used to smooth the wheel? Could you please provide a link? Thanks!

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

Harbor freight/sharpening stone.

@dewrus2153

3 жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER - Thank you!

Yeah you could hear the difference after you smoothed it

After 7 months what do you think about the WEN

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

All good. No problem and no signs of problems in the future. And I’m using it 2 days a week for 5 hr each day.

Are you still happy with the Wen sharpening tool? I don’t have one and I’m thinking I’m better off with Tormek? Use diamond plates currently.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

5 ай бұрын

The Tormek is the better machine but costs 4X as much. The wen runs just fine, No breakdowns. that said I still prefer the sg250 over the wens stone. But I am now shooting videos on my updates to my equipment and it includes new wet grinders. If you can wait a couple weeks you can see what I'm switching to. its a big upgrade. Ive been working with the manufacturer on the proper setup for the Re-sharpening business. And it's now working very well. The wheels are wet resin diamond/cbn. And can also run wet belts for heavy removal when thinning.

Does the wen wheel fit the tormek t8?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

16 күн бұрын

Yes

In case you were paying attention I just noticed I keep calling the truing tool the grading stone. Oops

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

Junior Mudd everywhere-Search “Tormek trueing tool” tormek brand items are price controls by tormek so all prices will be the same unless you find a used one on ebay

@robertsalcido8128

4 жыл бұрын

I would keep the Japanese wheel on the tormek and then the other Stone on the wen and get all the jigs for the knives so you wouldn't have to be guessing at any of the angles it takes a little longer but the results are way better then freehanding it

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

The reason I have the Japanese stone on the wen is the heavy pressure I apply to the sg250 stone. It’s about 11 lbs of down pressure. I just don’t know how the wen will take that pressure. As for jigs I agree they work well but if you do a lot of knives jigs get retired as your skills increase. Thanks for your thoughts.

Dear PG, am starting to love how to sharp my own knifes with Tormek, U would like to try with Wen. Can you suggest me where I can find this type of Wen with best price? I am in Turkey

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 ай бұрын

Sorry no. I don’t know about turkey. It seems like it’s not available in all countries. I found the best price is Amazon and Home Depot. Home Depot is a large chain home improvement store in USA. I use Google to search prices. Search words (Wet grinder sharpener)

Hello, after trying WEN , do you recommend me to buy it?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

Жыл бұрын

I now own/use 2 Wen grinders. They hold up well. I’ve had no problems and sharpened perhaps 15,000 knives. But Tormek’s jig system and the sg250 stone is better than wens. Wens works but tormek is just a bit better. I don’t use jigs except the stone trueing tool. The wens stone works but doesn’t cut as fast as sg250. The wen drives from internal gears so the tormeks drive wheel doesn’t get in the way of using all the stone as it wears down. That , and cost are why I use wen.

So which one is better? 🙂

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

2 жыл бұрын

I just replaced my tormek with a second wen. But not because it’s better designed. But because I can use more of the stone before I have to change it. I use 4 sg250 stones and one sj250 per year. I don’t use the stroping wheels. Tormeks drive uses a wheel that gets in my way of long knives. That said the tormek is better designed. I took off the tool rest sleeves and adopted them to my wens so I can use the tormek tool rest. My tormek was shot. It needed a new axle and bushings. They cost as much as the wen. It also had lots of heavy rust.

Does anyone know if the current metal Tormek Ezylock nut for the Tormek T-8 will fit the correct waterstone side & shaft of the Wen 10"?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

No. Wen uses a locknut. Off the shelf from hardware store. Too bad too. It’s one of tormek best features in my opinion. But only matters if you change wheels. And only can work if it is running the same direction as tormek. If tormek could reverse the nut would loosen.

I’ve decided to purchase this unit. Do you have a link so you get some $$ payback. Your videos are very well done. You deserve some payback. 👍🏽 I’m stuck in Mexico so no hurry in getting that link.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

I’ll look into how that works thx

Why not reverse the direction of the rotation and strop the other side of the blade with the handle on the same side and avoid busting your knuckles?

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

4 жыл бұрын

I find it hard to jump around with too many change ups. If you flip your knife over after reversing you could get the hang of it. But I’m moving fast and for me I know I’m eventually going to ether not reverse the tool or reverse tool and not the knife. Once you get busy sharpening it’s got to be as simple as possible. My personal record is 500 knives in 8 hr. I had a helper traying up the orders and whipping knives after. Thanks for the question. P.S. the felt wheel I use to strop is far faster than the leather wheel.

donde las venden y los precios

Much less expensive but you had to use some Tormek things on it. When you smoothed the stone, how much would that thing cost so if I didn't have a Tormek to borrow from, I would like to know the total cost. Also, the videos I have seen of the Tormek you have a guide so you don't have to guess at the angle of the blade. Does the Wen have a guide? Thanks for the video.

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

3 жыл бұрын

Wen does have a guide but it’s not that good. No adjustments. The wen is best for they guy who can’t justify the cost of the tormek

@leepinnguin9682

3 жыл бұрын

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER Got it. Thank you for the reply!

you can go in reverse and flip the knife for stoping I mean the knife handle is always going away instead of towards the stone so it's not as bad as the tormak

@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER

2 жыл бұрын

Yea,yea,yea. You and about 30 others pointed this out. I’m surprised I missed it when I shot the video.