WEN Sharpener Review & User Guide | Tormek Knock-Off

This is a detailed review of the WEN Wet Stone Sharpening System! The WEN sharpener will provide you with extremely sharp working edges for all your edged tools and knives at a fraction of the price of a Tormek (It's basically a Tormek knock-off). However, there are some drawbacks so make sure to watch this video before making a purchase!
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Subscribe Here: / @redbeardops
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✅Products Mentioned (Note some of these go in and out of stock on Amazon.. Just be patient and they'll come back):
WEN Water Cooled Sharpener (Link 1) - amzn.to/3vIWSRP
WEN Jig Kit - amzn.to/423Jd3I
Tormek TT-50 Dressing Tool - amzn.to/2pdaRx6
Tormek new KJ--45 Knife Jig - amzn.to/3SmZDRE
Tormek SP-650 Stone Grader - amzn.to/365YVOu
✅Other Similar Sharpeners (These machines were not reviewed in this video, however, the techniques shown could be applied to these units):
Grizzly Sharpener - amzn.to/2MNZrco
Triton Sharpener - amzn.to/32PAYsv
Tormek Sharpener - amzn.to/2qLuUTY
Larrin Knife Nerd - knifesteelnerd...
✅Camera Gear:
Camera - Panasonic G7 - amzn.to/2SD8ekG
Microphone - Takstar - amzn.to/36euYLP
SD Card - 128GB - amzn.to/2tmVfZW
#knifemaking
#knifemaker
#redbeardops
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Twitter: / redbeardops
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The information provided on this channel is for entertainment purposes only. Any action you as the viewer takes upon the information on this channel is strictly at your own risk, and I will not be liable for any losses, damages, or personal injuries in connection with the use of this content (including injuries, damages, or losses sustained while you were trying to emulate the actions and projects on this channel). Attempting to emulate any of the actions or projects put forth by this channel should not be done without training and even then, at your own risk.

[@RedBeardOps]

What sharpening system do yall use?! - (BTW, I apologize for my watermark being so large in the top left corner... I messed that up in editing.)

[@esnyd]

I use stones, apex, mdf system, 2x72, etc. I seem to use the belt grinder the most these days, then use my wheels for touch up. I really like these tormek systems though and will look into the wen. Thanks Brother.

[@RedBeardOps]

Eric Snyder I’ve heard good things about mdf wheels!

[@jaykees5424]

I use Record Power WG250 wet system. Tormek T-8 is too expensive, even though it might be best in the market.. Tormek T-4 is too small for butchering knives. Gap between stone and leather wheel is too narrow.

[@RedBeardOps]

@@jaykees5424 Very nice! Yeah.... Tormek is pretty darn proud of their product. Seems like the price is worth it if you're a professional sharpener maybe.

[@capnmatt41]

Thanks man, first time seeing the Wen. I have a Tormek and won't switch but good to know the other options for people who want to try but not drop all the dough.

[@everydaybladesinc]

Probably the best review of a product I’ve ever seen on KZbin. Not only informative but you didn’t just trash the product when you had an issue. You showed an easy fix. Great job brother.

[@RedBeardOps]

Appreciate that! I'm still using this guy. It's not perfect, but it can get a blade pretty darn sharp!

[@amishplumber4251]

I own the WEN sharpening system and I like your modifications. I make knives and I’m able to get a really nice edge on my knives with it. I put a baking pan under mine and it takes care of all the water mess.

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah, that's a good idea. Thanks for watching.

[@davidemillerjr]

Appreciate the video. Thought I would throw this out there to help with one of the complaints of your system. Put the Wen in a cookie sheet, drilled a hole in one of the corners and put the hole over the bench so water goes into 5 gal pail waiting below. Helps quite a bit. Again great videos.

[@RedBeardOps]

Good idea sir! I found that I don't get the table wet if I don't over fill the water holder... Sounds obvious, but I was over filling before. Now it's become a non issue. Have a great weekend!

[@diredesire]

Thanks for the informative review. I appreciate the workarounds and the layman's explanations and calling out critical accessories. This will save me a ton of time down the road.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@multifunctionalcompositesa3067]

Thank you, I've had my Wen for almost two years and wish I had seen this before Jan 2024. I figured out the attachments etc on my own and your advice is completely on the mark. 😊

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers sir!

[@tedgreen1232]

Tormek has videos on how to use a wet stone sharpener. They set up the knife holding jig different. Imagine a line from the beginning cutting blade edge (next to handle of the knife) to the blade point. Now set your jig in the middle of blade but angled to match the line described above. Seemed very effective in keeping the correct blade angle, even at the curve just by lifting the handle. Hard to describe , hope this helps

[@RedBeardOps]

Good tips and info Ted! Thanks for the comment.

[@stoneblue1795]

Well done friend. It's clear you are committed to fully digesting this sport/hobby. It's rewarding to just watch someone reach such levels of excellence, certainly.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey JP, I really appreciate that. It's a great craft for sure! Happy you liked the video.

[@LarryDMitchell]

Great video. I just purchased a WEN off of CL from a guy who used it once! Got a great deal so now I need to use it. Came across your channel while surfing about the WEN and you answered all my questions, including the towels underneath the unit. I would have never thought of that. Since I'm stuck at home that will give me some time to watch some of your other videos. Thanks

[@RedBeardOps]

Cool deal sir! I will stay that I was over filling the water tray. If you keep the water level below the line I don't have any spillage. Cheers

[@esnyd]

This is such a good video. If you're on the fence or struggling with getting consistent edge bevels, follow this guide and buy a similar system.

[@RedBeardOps]

Eric Snyder thanks sir. I still use this sharpener. I do have some issues keeping it clean when I don’t have a sharpening notch, but that could be user error. Glad you liked it!

[@ricksparozic3920]

Loving all your videos dude. Super informative and great camera quality. Came across your shop tour last night and I've been binge watching since. Keep up the great videos!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey man, thanks for your comment! Much appreciated.

[@bawrytr]

Even if it doesn't freeze, if you leave the wheel in the water for long periods of time, the water will affect the wheel and it will get out of balance. Just take the tray off the machine and let the wheel dry out as evenly as possible.

[@RoarIsaksen1959]

I have several stones for my Tormek machine. It is necessary to mount the stone in exactly the same position as when it was centered with the diamond turning tool. I use to make sure that the writing on the side of the stone is completely horizontal and facing the right way every time i tighten the nut holding the stone. If I put the stone upside down, for example, it will be thrown up and down in rotation due to the tiny clearance around the axle

[@RedBeardOps]

Good tip!

[@ShevillMathers]

My GMC version came with all the fittings, nothing else to buy, less than $100 Australian, very low cost and with practise, performs very well over many years and well worth the low price. 👍🇦🇺🔭

[@RedBeardOps]

Shevill Mathers very cool! Sounds like a hell of a deal!

[@conradaquino1406]

Great info, especially the mod. Another hack for the stone grader... A regular coarse/fine aluminum oxide combo sharpening stone does the same job at 1/2 the price (or more) of the Tormek stone.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for the info!

[@DarkArtsDeepDive]

Does it have to be a particular grit? Will 150/240 work? Thanks for any help

[@UncleSarkis]

@@DarkArtsDeepDive that's very course considering the wheel is already at 220, then you grade to 1000 then strop.

[@jawbaw6471]

Mr. Keeton, I learned to grind an edge without using a guide. Edges are excellent.

[@RedBeardOps]

Good to know! Thanks for sharing. I may need to try this out.

[@e.t.preppin7084]

I would love to own one. About 35 years ago I worked with a Scottish boat carpenter who had a delta wet wheel. That thing was awesome for sharpening our chisels and block plane blades. I was fairly new to carpentry back then but remember being impressed by the tool. For the last 5 years or so I’ve been looking for something like that wheel. I bought one from Harbor Freight but it was junk. I’m pleased with my when tools so I’ll probably buy this. Couldn’t you just free hand your drop points or any knife for that matter rather than using the tool arm ? I use the edge pro professional model for all my sharpening except my convex grinds in which case I use my edgewright system. Basically sandpaper on a semi soft rubber strip block and sharpen by hand similar to stropping followed by actual stropping with a series of compounds. 👍 thanks J

[@RedBeardOps]

You could go free hand for sure! I bet that would take a little practice. With the laser guide it would be easier. If you want the cadillac get the tormek... but if you want a cheap option this thing will do! Thanks for watching!

[@e.t.preppin7084]

I’ll probably go low budget because I will probably be using the Wen for very specific projects. My whole attitude is apt to change because I have never sharpened a knife on a wet stone(wheel). I’ll see and let you know. Thanks for the review

[@NRiggiKnives]

Great video and demo. The reference material in the links is interesting. I do "set" my initial edge on the grinder on very low speed with a 220 ceramic. I then strop. That is my standard working edge for any knife that goes out of my shop If someone wants a more refined edge, I use the KME. I also do the edge roll test with a brass rod. I have only once had an edge that deformed under that testing.

[@RedBeardOps]

Cool deal! It was the first time I'd thought about (when reading Larrin's work). Figured it gave me an excuse to buy a new tool!

[@jeffstanley4593]

You can sharpen with the wheel turning away from the edge to nearly eliminate the water mess. You can do that on the Tormek anyway, don't know about the WEN. I have the Tormek and that is a major major problem with it. I don't even sharpen knives on it anymore, it was that bad. Kitchen knives are done very well on the Chefs Edge Trizor XV. Interesting to note that you have to use Tormek tools on the WEN.

[@RedBeardOps]

That's true. I have tried that method, but I like how the bur is smaller when sharpening towards yourself. For sure Tormek items are of a higher quality and perform their task very well. They supplement the WEN sharpener well. The truing and dressing tool is a must.

[@labrat7357]

I have had two Tormek machines an old 2000 and a T7 . the 2000 motor started alternating between forward and reverse when started (someone sugested that might just be a faulty start capacitor) around the same time the the drive rubber/friction drive packed it in and would no longer drive the unit, the second wheel was down to well under 180mm diameter. So I lashed out and got a T7 plus all the jig sets on offer except the drill sharpener , shaper blade sharpener jig and planner blade sharpener jig. The best choice I have ever made. I have used a jet and a schepach knock off and they were both inferior to the Tormek by a big margin. I'm presently looking for an excuse to buy the T8, but my wife is being unreasonable.

[@RedBeardOps]

Lol, your last sentence there has me cracking up! I agree, everything I've seen points to the Tormek being an excellent machine!

[@braddblk]

Something I had on hand is a bread tray from a bakery. It has a lip of about 1/2" and it is a couple of feet square and made of fiberglass, water contained!

[@RedBeardOps]

Nice Brad!

[@jjholl3826]

Great vid👍 love the pivot pin idea!! Such a simple fix dude!! 🤙🏼

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! It makes it way better for hunters like that. Still takes a little practice... all of our kitchen knives are sharp now! LOL

[@jasonmills9158]

Thanks for this video. VERY well done, and pointed out some things about the system I hadn’t considered.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kevinwilkinson1510]

Thanks very much for taking the time to present a detailed review. My particular interest in something like this is for sharpening an American style scythe blade.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jefferyeverly9431]

JKeetonKnives has it do on karambits , recurves, etc.... for me thats one hardest knives to sharpen is my karambits that I make.... thanks AWESOME REVIEW. thinking of getting one :)

[@RedBeardOps]

I bet it would be difficult for sure to do a recurve. I haven't tried one. I have seen a guy on youtube somewhere demonstrating how to with a tormek. It seems difficult to master but doable. Thanks for the praise on the review and thanks for watching!

[@ffbrn]

Good information! You can use a baking tray or plastic tub or some kind of a container to place the sharpener in, that will make the water mess manageable.

[@RedBeardOps]

That is a great idea! I may need to do that!

[@Zerostar369]

Thanks for this review and tutorial. I just picked this one up and you have helped a ton already getting me going with it.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad I could help!

[@kirkbrooks9447]

Back in the early 80's I worked in a big hardware/tool supply store (Pre-Box store days) and we had a few Wen products. Their drills and sanders and such were garbage but they had a pretty good electric chainsaw and they had a wet sharpener that was very good. It had a horizontal wet wheel and a vertical wheel. No strop. It had a water tank on back as well. You could sharpen 12" planer blades for the big contractor grade power planers on that thing and get a really good result pretty quickly. The horizontal jig had a bit of learning curve to it but after that it was nice to have around. Plus you could buy it for under $50 I think. I'd like to find one now.

[@carlb401]

Delta also make those or used to ( 23-710), also makita make a single stone version which can be bought in the USA.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Kirk, I can't say they're the best quality, but sometimes the price is right. This sharpener is still going strong for me.

[@kirkbrooks9447]

@@carlb401 After the hardware store I was a service supervisor for Makita. It was a good product but was way overpriced imo. Plus a bit tricky to set up for planer blade sharpening.

[@kirkbrooks9447]

@@RedBeardOps Can't argue with results!!

[@watermain48]

That was a fine review. Got you a new sub.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Bill, glad you got something out of this one. Cheer sir!

[@rickhall5399]

The problem I have with the tour mock or the grizzly wet water wheel is that it creates a hollow ground cutting edge which will not last as long as a convex cutting edge or a flat ground cutting edge for that matter if you use a belt grinder you just need to put a cool mist on it when your sharpening and go at low speeds

[@RedBeardOps]

Man, I thought the same when I first investigated buying one. Then I drew out the actual dimensions in CAD to get an idea of "how hollow" the grind is. On a 10" I can tell you that it's extremely negligible. Check this out - www.dropbox.com/s/k2v8yik2ocfn8em/WENWheel.jpg?dl=0

[@rickhall5399]

Red Beard Ops Yeah I read that Article as well I always do a convex even though it’s small I would put it up against any knife with a hollow ground or flat ground edge as far as longevity this comes from lessons with Mike Quesenberry who was taught by Tim Hancock I also saw that you referenced Nick Wheeler he was also taught by Tim Hancock to do that type of an edge.

[@jackdotzman2908]

Very nice vid and your review is very well done. Appreciate your thoughts and explaining what you liked and disliked. Thanks for taking the time. From Missouri

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful! Cheers Jack!

[@joshlong1397]

Thanks for comparing the tormek and wen knife jig accessories, that's what I was looking for!

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you got something out of this one Josh!

[@briantabor7906]

All your videos have great info. Just bought a Tormek, ouch. Gonna give that pivot mod a shot.

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers Brian! Thank you! Tormek makes a hell of a machine man. I doubt you'll be disappointed! The Pivot mod is still going strong for me!

[@s.steele2806]

Excellent review of this sharpening system. Thanks so much for sharing.🤘

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you liked it!

[@Asmuk]

Damn, this was the most useful video I watched for a long time. Thanks, mate. Good idea on the laser as well.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir!

[@AereForst]

That laser hack is brilliant. You should patent it then sell it to Wen or Tormek

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! Glad you liked it!

[@RGRGJKK]

Thanks useful vídeo. You gives us critical información about that wen slow bench grinder. Thanks again

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers! Thanks!

[@AMBOSS_Silesia]

I have Tormek T8. For two reasons- first is quality and precision. It is really well made piece of a tool with a 7 years guarantee. And as a proffesional I just have to have good tool to serve. And second reason- Tormek has all the patents. Any other tool is just a copy. Some worse, some better but still copies. As an industrial designer with a degree and proffesional blacksmith I just respect copyrights. Just imagine- you work on something for let's say a year or two, finally you develop it and put it into production and some asshole just walks in and takes it. For free, without a license, without your permission. You get nothing. I can't change the world buy at least I can deny to support patent thieves.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for the comment

[@denniscraven8438]

Great review. Thanks for doing it!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@robertmunguia250]

I’m looking at the kit now and it must have been upgraded because it does not have the black knobs anymore. Look good in the picture. Knife jig.

[@richardleslie410]

I could not afford the Tormak machine so I bought this one. I think it has potential but I couldn't get repeatable results. As you mentioned the castings are not precise. after I trued the cutting wheel and set the reference bar to the height for a cut I noticed the bar was no longer level with the cutting wheel. There is a great deal of tolerance in the bushings meaning the guide bar could be as much as 3/8" out from left to right. frustration caused me to shelf the item for now.

[@RedBeardOps]

I'm sorry to hear that Richard. I still use this guy. It takes a fiddling with before getting it set the way I want. I found that when I adjust the bar I like putting even pressure down on both "legs" before tightening it. Otherwise it will tilt a little.

[@richardleslie410]

@@RedBeardOps Maybe I'll give it another try,

[@patrickgrimes8964]

Great review. Two thumbs up.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Patrick, glad you enjoyed this one!

[@pittbullcustomleather6509]

Thank you for the helpful review & tips. Much appreciated.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thirdrail9295]

Very useful. Thank you for putting this out.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BretChilcott]

Excellent video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@RedBeardOps]

Anytime sir! Thanks for watching!

[@southronjr1570]

I bought one of these 2 years ago and for its price point, it's worked good for me but the axle was severely out of round making both the stone and strop wobbled pretty bad. On the strop side, I was able to work around it but took a stone dressing tool to true up the stone. It still has a little wobble but nothing I can't work around. I freehand though and can work around it.

[@RedBeardOps]

Good to know. I feel like with these cheap machines the truing and dresssing wheel is a necessity.

[@jwilsonhandmadeknives2760]

great video! I do just about all of my sharpening on my 2x72 but have been considering some form of a wet wheel for a long time because it’s sometimes a PITA to get the belt to run flat enough at the edges so that I’m not putting that tiny bit of recurve at the choil.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hello sir! I'll say it's not perfect. I've done it both ways and currently have been liking the wheel. There's nothing wrong with a 2x72 edge though if you're careful and you set up for it. I do like having the guide so that my bevels are the same on both sides, but by hand you can get them pretty damn close on the grinder too!

[@Prixnup]

The laser idea is a keen one 👍🏻👌🏻

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you liked it!

[@thebigbang4474]

Best video! Very informative and creative. Thanks Mr. Red Beard.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you liked it!

[@libertyordeath1287]

Nice review. Just ordered one a couple days ago. I wanted the tormek and almost ordered the t-4 but people say that you can't do longer knives. I ordered the tormek accessories with it, small knife holder, stone truing tool, stone grader and angle finder. I figure if the wen turns out to be a dud I will eventually bite the bullet and get a t-8 and still have the tools for it which in this case was the biggest expense.

[@RedBeardOps]

That was my thoughts as well! You can also return it for free via Amazon if you hate it out of the box.

[@deans67pala]

Sweet vid brother! Simple and to the point.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you!

[@CougarClan]

Best one I've seen by far! TY!!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers! Thank you

[@666THUGNIFICENT666]

I just bought this system after watching your great, in depth review. Problem is NOBODY has the accessory kit available rendering it useless... any advice would be appreciated.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Dom, if you can't find the accessories I'm not sure what your options are until they come back in stock. Maybe the tormek accessories?

[@danielmiller2886]

Great info!

[@chrisreeves8037]

Red, informative video and good job. A question have you heard of anyone sharpening drill bits on the outside face of the stone.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Chris, I have heard of this but never have done it. Sorry about that

[@hardlyb]

I think I would prefer to freehand rather than try to use something to hold the blade, but the truing attachment seems like something anyone would need. Do you think I'm kidding myself about being able to hold the blade at the right angle on the wheel? I've been satisfied with the edge I get with a whetstone, and this just seems easier since I don't need to move the knife back and forth or add water (at the cost of getting water and grit all over my face and clothes). Also, I saw a video where a professional knife sharpener rate the Wen, and liked it enough to recommend it (and use it as a secondary wheel), and he said the $3 two-sided stone from Harbor Freight worked fine for conditioning the Wen. In fact, he wasn't sure the much more expensive Tormek stone was any better,

[@RedBeardOps]

I've sharpened free hand with this system and it does work pretty well. Did better than I thought. Thanks for your thoughts! Have a great weekend! Cheers

[@mihaipopa9414]

Very good video and instructions, thanks!

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dirkbaumann9398]

I have been trying to get the same machine as you have and it is very difficult to find. I per sally prefer the model you have rather than the new model. The machine you have looks very similar to other brand names. Yesterday I looked at the Canadian tire website and in my opinion it looks identical to the old wen. So if anybody wants the similar model CT has them. My question is: Do you have any problems with the arms or the stone not being straight ? I like to thank you for your excellent video

[@RedBeardOps]

Cool deal sir, I know it comes in and out of stock at Amazon... Seems to take a while to get back in stock once it goes out of stock. When the arm is seated fully before tightening down I feel like you can make it very repeatable. To true the arm with the wheel you can use the tormek truing and dressing tool. Thanks for your comment sir.

[@awesomegod91]

Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you liked it! Cheers

[@ronjones4069]

Excellent vide. Thank you, I now feel like an expert!! It is a huge help for me.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Ron, glad you enjoyed it!

[@ThekiBoran]

Have you seen Knife Grinders channel?

[@gregchapman2634]

Thank you for the awesome review

[@RedBeardOps]

My pleasure!

[@marcgosik273]

In the current model (newer) jig kit, the screw(s) (like you replaced because it would contact the wheel when you flipped to the other side) are different. No plastic knob now. All metal and lower profile.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for the update marc. Good to know!

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Fantastic job sir thanks

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you!

[@ChristopherSalisburySalz]

You could maybe put the sharpner in a long, wide, and shallowish container to catch the water slop.

[@simplemanduke7128]

Great video Sir. Just subscribed

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah! Thanks man. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@riboflavinz]

Outstanding video and review! I love that it was short and to the point. Too many people try to get cute with these things. BTW what is that knife at the 10:51 mark? Looks cool.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Here is video of me making that knife - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIPUpXWXnKetn9k

[@jamesbenic]

Your videos have been a huge help to me, what angle do you set for sharpening hunting knives vs kitchen knives? Thanks

[@RedBeardOps]

Somewhere between 18 and 20 degrees for most of my knives. Cheers James

[@TNUni167]

Hey Red Beard, first time watching videos on your channel and I love your work. Do you know if Tormek wheels can fit on this jig? Could the Tormek diamond wheel fit on this device?

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! I actually do not know. If the shaft is the same diameter I don't see why it wouldn't work. Sorry I don't know the answer to this one.

[@libertyordeath1287]

I was told that you can use the tormek wheels you just have to add washers for spacers because the tormek has a recessed area and the wen does not

[@RedBeardOps]

@@libertyordeath1287 Good to know!

[@davidbutler1825]

@@RedBeardOps I hate to bother you about this, but would you mind measuring the shaft? I've looked at lots of sources and can't find the arbor size for the Wen--most wheels are for 5/8" arbors. I don't want to buy the Wen if it can't take the CBN wheels (5/8" arbor). Thanks!!

[@Airik1111bibles]

Very cool deal..I just bought a worksharp adjust and it works great BUT ...There are flaws that are done on purpose imho, just so they can release the next best version. AKA KEN ONION. They are definitely dumbing down their designs just enough to force feedback which they pre-planned to "fix". If I a simpleton can find instant flaws 5 minutes in I'm certain their designers didn't miss it.

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers Arik, yeah the knock offs aren't perfect for sure.

[@lsittmann]

Just found your channel/video... & Tks Much...!!! Have had same model for several months & have done some of the more simpler modifications as shown after purchase.. On the OTHER: flexible really cool more elegant designs you put insert pics up on screen... Is their a place to procure/purchase??? Or were these Saturday mechanic foxfire remedies??? If so, then where might one acquire triangle aluminum stock THAT SIZE or the split shank washer with welded round stock doodad thingy??? (real names please)... Any other suggestions you may have would be even further help (more so) than you've so kindly provided already... Tks Again...

[@RedBeardOps]

Yes sir, I learned about those jigs here - www.tormek.com/forum/index.php?topic=3780.0

[@JerrySwatsell]

I've always used stones and a leather strop, but this looks like a nice system. Is it something you still use? Do you have any regrets?

[@RedBeardOps]

I do still use it! I find that it works best on knives with a sharpening choil (spanish notch). On knives without this I find that it can gum up the plunges if you're not carful. Works great on kitchen knives too. For the price... no regrets.

[@gradymcnutt2247]

Good review thank you sir

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much Grandy!

[@budchestnut9303]

Get a plant starter tray from your farm supply and position the machine in it to catch splash and water. Don't let too much water depth build up.

[@PLATINIUM1943]

Where I can by the new DIAMOND for the stone using ?

[@RedBeardOps]

Hello sir. You can search for Tormek Diamond 10" wheels on amazon. I must say though, that I HAVE NOT TRIED THIS MYSELF.... so try at your own risk. I think it will work, but i'm not 100% sure. Verifying the appropriate size hole and axle would be a good idea.

[@Feathers147]

Keeping the curve edge of the blade near the laser line seems logical but I did notice the honing angle changes considerably, does this affect the sharpness or thickness of the the edge of the blade thus changing the durability?

[@RedBeardOps]

If you have a variance in angle then the edge geometry will change. Which will change the effectiveness of cutting and durability

[@Fairchild_forge]

Quick question. How does one set specific angles for sharpening different styles of knives such as kitchen vs outdoor knives?

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Kyle, this is what I use. Works great - amzn.to/39NLzbT

[@Fairchild_forge]

Red Beard Ops thanks man that's awesome!

[@oldrustycars]

I saw your video and bought one. Got it yesterday, practicing on old knives. I have it sitting in an old half sheet baking pan to contain the water. I notice you have the wheel running towards the knife, Wen says have it going away from the knife. You opinion please? Thank you.

[@RedBeardOps]

I like it coming towards the knife... seems to produce a smaller bur - Cheers sir!

[@Tyler-ll2ic]

I really enjoyed your Wen review. I am just getting into knife making and am trying to decide whether to go with a belt grinder or a wet grinder like the Wen to grind my initial bevels on my blanks. Could I use a wet grinder for initial bevels? I like the idea of a beveling jig. Could I use a beveling jig with a wet grinder? Thanks. Ken

[@RedBeardOps]

100% go with the belt grinder for beveles.

[@johnpowers8995]

Thanks Red Beard. Great video. Question: Can I use one of my Tormek T-8 stones (SG250) on the Wen and Jet sharpening systems? Thanks for your response.

[@RedBeardOps]

I'm not 100% sure since I haven't tried it.... but I've heard that they work.

[@luizdiaz5196]

Great demo

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir!

[@jeffcarpenter1891]

OUTSTANDING !!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you Jeff, Glad you liked it!

[@RoarIsaksen1959]

It's all in the Tormek manual how to avoid the problem with the grinding angle towards the tip of the knife. You must push the knife handle a bit forward at the same time as jou lifting towards the tip of the knife. this will result in a more constant edge angle all the way to the tip of the knife. I guess you did the oposit that will make this worse.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for the comment.

[@John-xk7uo]

Is everything still good to go with this machine today 2/18/20

[@RedBeardOps]

Yep - 100%

[@John-xk7uo]

Awesome thanks

[@broken1965]

Guys if you get bad out of round wheels you can try shimming it .005 shim stock or whatever leave the shim stock in the wheel hub if changing wheels then true the wheel imo

[@Zamboni-0805]

I think if you put les water in the reservoir it won't be as messy and get you all wet. The stone just needs to skim the water to stay cool.

[@RedBeardOps]

Man, that is 100% right. I've later found that works well!

[@nhojcam]

thanks for your video! this is exactly what i needed to know. i have ordered this unit for $125 + tax from Lowes and am waiting for it to get here. question for ya: i've seen people rotate the wheel on the hard stone both into and away from the edge. intuition would suggest that it would be better to rotate the wheel away from the edge so that you could actually feel a burr developing. i noticed that you rotate into the edge. can you comment on this?

[@RedBeardOps]

Hello sir. I rotate the wheel to myself. This still provides a bur, but it's much smaller and easier to remove. Rotating the wheel away will also work, and it will produce a larger bur.

[@robertmunguia250]

I wonder if those tormek reversible base work on the WEN? Oh is there any low profile thumb screws for that bolt that interferes when you flip it over? M6 1.0?

[@RedBeardOps]

I'm not sure! Sorry about that

[@cvantwout1]

Any thoughts on the 8 vs 10 wen? Can't quite tell if the one with variable speed would be a better option

[@RedBeardOps]

I'd go for the larger wheel and variable speed if I had to make a choice today on this style of machine.

[@bctruck]

I’m giving serious consideration to getting an electric wetsone. I’d love to have the tormek but my lord is that thing pricey. You’ve had the Wen for a while now. Would you recommend it? Is there anything you’d do different? Should I save longer for the tormek or do you think the wen is adequate for a hobby knife maker?

[@RedBeardOps]

BCtruck, rebuild, repair,repurpose man, it’s been good to me. So far it’s working great still. Many of the additional attachments you’d have to buy anyway if you got the tormek (I don’t think it comes with many)? Could be wrong about that. I know that people who buy the tormek are never disappointed... but I couldn’t justify the cost personally. I do find this difficult to use on blades that don’t have a sharpening Choil and recurve blades, but I imagine it would be the same on the tormek. To make it usable to me I had to get the dressing and leveling tool.

[@RedBeardOps]

BCtruck, rebuild, repair,repurpose it won’t give you a mirror polished edge like a wicked edge will, but you can get a “working” 220 edge that will shave and cut paper easy.

[@bctruck]

@@RedBeardOps Thanks man. I have been using the edge pro,but Im going through the two lowest grits like every 3-4 knives. I may have to knock the 90 degree edges down on the belt before using the edge pro. thats where Im using up the stones is trying to knock the 90's down to a bevel.

[@RedBeardOps]

@@bctruck My method currently is to put around 0.010'' behind the edge then do all the secondary beveling on the wen. The last 15 or so passes I alternate each side each pass. That makes that burr small. Then I strop on that power strop with green compound... They come out hair shaving sharp every time... now just to reiterate, we're not talking polished secondary bevels here... but for a working/hunting knife this thing will do the trick. I've also sharpened all our kitchen knives with it and am very happy with those results. Tormek does offer that grading stone with will help you "reduce" the grit of the stone from around 220 to 1000 (so they say). I think it may take the stone to more of a 400 range. To be honest I've stopped using that b/c the 220 grit finish is fine for me. I've heard great things so far from my customers. I hope this helped... It's a hard decision to buy something like this and there really isn't a "right" answer. Being a cheap import you never know if you'll get a lemon or not.. but on amazon you do have free returns on this item if I remember right. Make sure you keep the box and the packing!

[@bctruck]

@@RedBeardOps Thanks man. Thats a big help.

[@robertmunguia250]

Just got one. Needed to know what else I needed. It did come with the jig kit. Anything else?

[@RedBeardOps]

WEN Jig Kit - amzn.to/31QSV8J

[@FrenchieFrench1555]

I have a question about the Wen; it seems to me that when using the guide bar to sharpen chisels against the rotation of the wheel, the guide bar is too short on the left side. I cannot use about 3/8" to 1/2' of thew grinding wheel on the left side because the hand plane blade support falls off of the guide . Do I do something wrong? Thank you for your help.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hello sir, I've honestly never used it on anything other than knives. Sorry I don't have any advice for you.

[@CagedSUPERMAN]

Can you bring a freshly made knife to an edge with this? Because I leave a flat edge on the knives till I finish them.

[@RedBeardOps]

Yes, I use this to bring a 0.010'' flat edge to a knife edge

[@gregparrott]

Thanks for the review. In addition to knives, would this unit work well on chipper blades? (straight edge, 3 inches long on quarter inch thick, hard steel plate) Also, in addition to the grader, truing, and tools used to hold the work piece, would you recommend multiple wheels, each built to a different grit, rather than using one wheel and altering its grit with the grading tool?

[@RedBeardOps]

I think it could work for that. I haven't tried it. The wheel that comes with it does a pretty good job. I've seen guys use finer grit wheels, but they generally have 2 machines set up

[@gregparrott]

@@RedBeardOps Thanks. It's interesting that users prefer multiple machines vs. one machine and multiple grinding wheels.

[@bobjohnson8447]

The truing tool no longer fits, I assume there were some design changes in one, the other, or both. Also, the Wen jig designs have changed to a lower profile nob. However, I just bought mine and haven't used it yet so we'll see if that issue still exists, but i suspect not as the nobs are very low profile now.

[@RedBeardOps]

Good to know, sorry about that Bob

[@UncleSarkis]

Does anyone know if the rikon, jet and grizzly versions are actually out of the same factory wen is out of?

[@RedBeardOps]

Man I don't know for sure, but I wouldn't be surprised...

[@John-xk7uo]

Have you tried there Japanese stone yet

[@RedBeardOps]

So WEN does not make a Japanese stone and I'm not sure if the Tormek stone would work on the WEN machine. If the size of the shaft is the same I don't see why not. You'd likely want to dress the new stone with the Tormek dressing and truing tool.

[@llamawizard]

How long does it take to sharpen a knife on this wet sharpener?

[@RedBeardOps]

about 15-30 min

[@haytembeddida917]

Does the wen 10 inc sharpening bug fit the tormek t8?

[@RedBeardOps]

I'm not sure!

[@keatonskorner4547]

This is crazy, I’m just starting building knives, have only made one. But can’t figure out how to sharpen it. I was looking at the WEN and clicked on your video. And then saw we had the same name!

[@RedBeardOps]

Small world! Thanks for commenting and watching, sir! Have a great day.

[@TheIntern83]

Do you know if the Wen can fit a Tormek support arm?

[@RedBeardOps]

Hello sir, I do not know the answer to this. Sorry!