#79 Robert Sorby Pro Edge Sharpening Woodturning Tools Overview

[@dawnmason9558]

Thank You Martin for us non woodturners it explained sharpening really well. Now I know how to do it !!

[@msabansmith]

Hello, Dawn. Thank you. Much appreciated. Martin

[@tonyrowan3192]

I bought the ProEdge a few months back and it's been a revelation. It's on the expensive side but, when you consider the importance of repeatable sharpness on all sorts of tools around the workshop, it's a worthwhile investment. All my planes, chisels, gouges, scrapers etc. are all in tip top condition. Thanks for the demo. If I can come up with a quick fit mechanism for the safety cover, I'll do a video and share.

[@msabansmith]

Hello Tony. Thanks for your comment. I hope you continue to enjoy the videos. All the best, Martin

[@geofo60]

Thanks Martin, I'm going to set mine up in the shop this week. It's been in its box 📦 since Christmas 🎄 !! So looking forward to sorting through my gouges . I've had an Ellsworth original basket for years but wanted a system that would deal with all my gouges & thanks to my lovely wife at last I can get a repeatable edge without the guesswork. Forgot says huge thanks to Ed Oliver for being so helpful & gracious to my wife. All the best Geof Harris

[@JimG31547]

Hi Martin, Just a note to say thank you for the video. It is good to see how you use the system. Jim

[@dougieyoung6536]

Thanks. Just ordered the deluxe, and excellent lesson to get me started👍😀

[@MikeWaldt]

Excellent video Martin, full of useful, relevant information, essential watching for anyone interested in getting one. Cheers Mike

[@yuvallahav]

Man, I had my eye for such a long time on this system, it's right on top of my to get list (which only seem to get longer, never shorter, I file it under "retirement" plan....). It's really nifty, especially that diamond belt. Good call on getting it. Yuval.

[@raeparker8600]

Very comprehensive and easy to follow

[@msabansmith]

Thanks Rae. I'm doing a live demonstration on using it on 7th April here on the channel if you're interested. You can join a mailing list for the love schedule on my website at www.msabansmith.com and get the detail directly to your inbox.

[@craigl.mcallester9610]

The ProEdge long grind jig has 2 “long grind” positions. Long and extra long. Which position do you use for bowl gouges yourself, and what angles do you use for the lower and upper (Re-profiling) angles? Thank you.

[@msabansmith]

Thanks for asking. It is a difficult, but st the same time, simple question to answer. The grinds I use on the ProEdge depend on what the gouge is going to be used for. Typically, I use 45° on the ProSet and the Extra long hole for a 55° bevel. That does me for most things. Occasionally, I want steeper, so set up accordingly. Spindle gouges vary as I need different angles for different things. Shallow angles for detail, steeper for stock removal. There is no set way to sharpen tools....you sharpen for the intended job of the tool and use the most appropriate settings. I do the same when reprofiing, but start with the 60grit belt and go down to the diamond one. Here is a link to a love demo I did on the ProEdge last year. They may be some more useful tips in there for you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3fKpopqlr2UkLM

[@maxforest3071]

Thanks for the video Martin, I have been using a pro-edge for some months now and I can honestly say it's the best purchase I've made for my workshop. That diamond belt looks like it's going to be my next purchase. ( negotiations with the treasury department not yet finalised ).

[@msabansmith]

Hi Max. Good to hear from you. Thank you for the comment. Good luck with the 'treasury department'. Best wishes Martin

[@Junkmeister]

Just a question I have one I just need a little help trying to find the belts

[@More-Space-In-Ear]

Cheers Martin...it'll take a very long time to save for the pro edge...I've just made a few jigs for my grinder, seems to work quite well...

[@peterleffler2062]

Hi Martin, I have a pro edge and like you I think it's great (but it's the only system I have used). Just a couple of points you may be interested in. To make belt changes even quicker, I have stuck a couple of layers of duct tape/carpet tape along the back edge of the removable guard. It acts like a hinge so you just flip it open and closed. It would be still better if Robert Sorby made the thumb bolts captive. I noticed a lot of "iron filings" building up around the machine. I've put a powerful magnet under the bottom belt roller and this helps to keep the filings in one place. When they build up I scrape them off. I have wondered whether an electromagnet would be more convenient since you could switch it off for cleaning up. Finally, The Toolpost (UK) do after market belts at a competitive price and I have found them pretty good so far. I was interested that you have never had to adjust your rollers to centre your belts - I have had to adjust every time. I use the hex wrench in the end hole as it's also a convenient place to store it. Cheers Peter

[@msabansmith]

Hi Peter. Good to hear from you. Thanks for the comments, much appreciated. Best wishes, Martin

[@michaelglackin2420]

Hello Martin i have a Robert sorby proedge i wanting to ask you what belt would you recommend for putting a good shape edge on woodturning chisels, thanks Michael

[@John_C999]

Thanks for the video Martin really useful I purchased one last week and I couldn't believe the difference in my tools after using the pro edge. I be been using a grinder with a white wheel on it and just sort of guessing angles but no more guessing now I get the same bring time after time and I can see the difference in the finished pieces I'm making. I know its expensive especially as some of the jigs are sold separately but for me it's been one of my best purchases along with Hampshire sheen of course. Regards john

[@msabansmith]

Hi John. Good to hear from you. Thanks for your kind comments. Best wishes Martin

[@brianwolfe6678]

An excellent video and demonstration. Thank you very much for this valuable information. Regards from New Hamburg, Ontario Brian

[@msabansmith]

Thanks for your comment, Brian. Glad you enjoyed the video. All the best, Martin

[@robertcornelius3514]

I have two of these belt grinders, and I am quite happy with them. Con: Won't take off a lot of material. Pros: With a little practice, expect scary sharp edges on knives and turning tools.

[@msabansmith]

Hi Robert. Thank you for your comment. Good to hear from you. All the best, Martin

[@brianbest3777]

Nice vid. I love my Sorby Proedge. Try putting a small rare earth magnet on the base at the bottom of the belt, and watch the "filing dust" being trapped. Cheers Brian

[@ЮрийФедосеев]

Thank you for your video!

[@waynejordan9636]

Brilliant. Much needed advice

[@leksey7870]

Hi Martin! Convenient device!

[@msabansmith]

Hi Aleksey. Thank you very much. Martin

[@stubrearley9220]

Hi Martin,I'd love one of the but a bit pricey for me. I hope you don't mind me ambling a comment but, when grinding the side flutes on your bowl gouge you look to rotate it well past 90 degrees to the belt. The info I have is, you shouldn't go past 90 degrees as this curves the cutting edge inwards.

[@johnchurchill786]

Is the diamond belt 240grit?thanks

[@john345ish]

does the diamond belt give a qualitatively better result or just last longer? as could buy a lot of belts for the cost of that one diamond one

[@JoeK0322]

What are you using to hold the belts on your wall?

[@TurningWorks]

Quite a few people I know have this sharpening system and it looks the one to have. One question, I'd be interested to know how it compares to your other black one. Good overview!

[@davidluna9937]

Does the process change from 3/8 to the 1/2 inch gouge

[@georgebrill3072]

Great video, thanks. How long do your belts usually last?

[@markcodling9950]

Hi. What profile do you have on your roughing gouge and why ?

[@dawnmason9558]

How do you sharpen the round & square carbide tipped gouges?

[@msabansmith]

+Dawn Mason Hi Dawn. Good question. I have no idea as I don't use carbide tools other than hollowing (which is rare atm.) There is a carbide jig for the Pro-Edge. Best bet is to speak to your distributor for more info. All the best, Martin

[@tomw5435]

I have this system. It is easy to use after some trial and error. After that it works great. My only complaint is that there is a learning curve due to the lack of a detailed instruction book.

[@geofo60]

Tom W Odd no coming with a user manual, I have one with mine. Check out Sorby channel on KZbin for videos on most of their tools. Really well worth a look.

[@rogerdorsett3753]

Hi Martin thanks for the overview do you keep your extra long grind to 45 degrees and do you find the extra wings a big plus. Thanks again

[@msabansmith]

+Roger Dorsett Hi Roger. Thanks. I love the long grind. I can get some really aggressive cuts going (carefully of course!) and it also reduces the risk of catches on the shoulders. All the best, Martin

[@msabansmith]

+Roger Dorsett .... Forgot to mention that my personal half inch gouge is 50°. I have two other 3/8 gouges, both at 45°. The one in the video was for a customer.

[@bobirwin1]

Hi Martin good review have been using my one for over a year now and get better results than using a grinder. Can I ask where you got your wall mounted belt holder? as it makes a neat way to store belts

[@msabansmith]

Hi bobirwin1. Thanks for asking. I bought the wall thingy from eBay. It's a simple workshop wall storage piece with a shelf with holes in beneath it. Pretty cheap to be honest, but it does the job. The 'belt stretcher; thing is just the long hooks hanging the right way up at the top, and upside down at the bottom. It probably cost less than £15 Hope that helps, Martin

[@bobirwin1]

@@msabansmith Thanks Martin will have a look on ebay

[@icespeckledhens]

A very good instructional video on the Pro Edge, which I think is an excellent machine and British made. Do you use the diamond belt for reshaping or just for the final edge? One thing, one of Robert Sorby demonstrators told me to only use Aluminium Oxide on carbon steel, such as plane irons and chisels, it is too soft for HSS, which is no doubt why I was changing my belts too often. Thanks, Martin, James

[@msabansmith]

Hi James, The diamond belt is only used for putting an edge back on the tool during turning. I've used all the other belts for reshaping and not experienced any issues with them once the tool is shaped, it shouldn't need doing again for ages. I do prefer the blue belts though, but I can't remember what they are made from though! All the best Martin

[@robertevans6481]

That sure does take the guess work out of grinding your turning tools...Thanks Martin

[@msabansmith]

Hi Robert. Thanks for your comment, much appreciated. All the best, Martin

[@rgeo2024]

Hi Martin, Thank you, I'm really glad you did this as I've had a pro edge for a while. Wonder if you can tell me the specs you use on this for spindle gouges. I.e do you use the plate or long grind jig and the angle etc. Many thanks, Rachel

[@msabansmith]

Hi Rachel. I use the same grind for spindle gouges as bowl gouges. I have a couple of spindle gouges at 45 degrees an a couple at 40 degrees. Bowl gouges: 1 at 50 degrees, two at 45 degrees. All the gouges are sharpened with the long grind jig. Hope that helps, Martin

[@rgeo2024]

M. Saban Smith Woodturning thank you!

[@CraftWithAfshin]

Nice overview Martine thanks.

[@msabansmith]

Hi. Thank you very much. Martin

[@dougrobins8291]

Just to balance the discussion, would you also discuss sharpening on a 6 or 8 inch wheel? And also with a CBN wheel? I purchased an 80 grit and 370 grit CBN wheel, and use the coarse wheel for scrapers and the fine wheel for bowl and spindle gouges. I use the fine wheel 10 times more than the coarse wheel. Having an easy way to get a sharp tool makes wood turning fun!

[@msabansmith]

Hi Doug, Thanks for the comment. I did a video on 6" White Wheel sharpening a while ago - you can find it in the playlists. I still have the white wheel and CBN wheel in the shop, but they are not high on the list to film again, at the moment. Perhaps in the middle of the year I'll do one....and oh yes! Sharp tools make a huge difference to the enjoyment level. All the best, Martin

[@Fingerchisel]

Thank you for the video, I have wondered about these sharpeners recently. Just one question. About how long do the belts last, and do you have to buy them direct from Sorby?

[@geofo60]

Glenys Cooke They are not 'standard' size belts as far as I'm aware. Sorby are the only source at the moment.

[@gunterschone8402]

Nice video, Martin. The device is super, but also has a very proud price. I say it is good for a professional Woodturner, but it is too expensive for a hobby Woodturner.

[@msabansmith]

Hey Günter! Thanks for commenting. I hope you continue to enjoy the videos. All the best, Martin

[@gunterschone8402]

Hey Martin, Of course, I will continue to watch your videos, because I can learn something like that (example = Turntings with Spirit Stain of Chestnut with Air-Brush spray). Property for a Valentine gift.

[@woodybailey]

so why pull off the guard every time? I get it that it's recommended or a "MUST"... but really to change the belts why do it?

[@chrisjp7937]

What is it with those labels on the machine! Mine peels off too! Come on R.S sort it out. lol

[@msabansmith]

Yeah, they are aware of the problem. Not sure if they are doing anything about it though.

[@shaunheafield5967]

I don't think you have sharpened the bowl gouge to 45 degrees,, because you put the jig in the third hole not the first!,.?.?

[@msabansmith]

+Shaun Heafield Indeed, it's not 45 degrees. It's steeper for sure. This wasn't brought to my attention till about a week or so ago. Sorby don't make it very clear that the angles on the measuring plate are only valid for the innermost hole and get steeper on holes two and three. The angle of bevel doesn't matter much to me at all, to be honest. If I can cut comfortably and safely with it, then the angle is right for me.

[@imzzaudae]

Priced one today. I'm sure it does a nice job but $700.00 Canadian. Not even close to affordable. Picked up a CBN wheel and made my own jig for less than $100.00

[@msabansmith]

Good job, Ron. I wouldn't turn with a hollow grind again now I've used the Pro Edge. I used to use a white wheel, then upgraded it to a CBN wheel about a year later. Then tried the Pro Edge and never looked back. To my mind, it is worth every penny. Each to their own though.

[@TurningWorks]

Quite a few people I know have this sharpening system and it looks the one to have. One question, I'd be interested to know how it compares to your other black one. Good overview!