HF has a Tormek-looking grinder, good price

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
redfishsc

redfishsc

Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2006
Messages
2,545
Location
North Charleston , SC
I just got this in my email, thought I'd share it here. I already have the Sheppach but I know some of you here were thinking of a wet/dry grinder.


I haven't seen this one in person, but looks basically like an 8" ripoff of the 10" Tormek.

This one does NOT appear to be made by the same Co as the Grizzly/Sheppach--- the metal housing is shaped differently.

The ways look to be the same as the Tormek variety.

But for $80, it might be just what some of you guys are looking for.

Coupon is in this link:

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/html/wkend0727/usa_cpnsave.html

Machine specs:
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=95236


95236.gif
 
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
I saw one in the store the other day and it looks really cheesy, and the leather wheel was very thin.

I have been contemplating a wet sharpening system, but I haven't physically seen or tried any yet (so far all internet research). This was the first one I saw and was not impressed....
 
I have both this and the Grizzly. This has two 8"wheels while the Grizzly has an 8" leather and 10" stone wheel. This has a plastic shell while the Grizzly has a metal shell. this runs faster, about 150RPM, while the Grizzly runs about 90RPM. Both work about the same. I prefer the bigger wheel on the Grizzly but the faster speed on the HF model. On either you want to get the Tormek jigs for doing your skews and gouges! The Tormek jigs are FAR superior to either of these and also to the Jet jigs that I have purchased.

The only cautionary note that I would say about either of these machines is that you cannot substitute the universal support arms from the Tormek or Jet or use any of their extensions on either the Grizzly or HF machines. The rod diameters are the same but the fork(?) spacings are different. And the extra mounted leather wheels have different size spindles.

With those notes in mind, let me say that I would not give up either of my machines! And I would recommend these to anyone. On a limited budget or not! The economics of these vs. the Jet or Tormek makes me wonder why anyone would pay those prices just for a name tag!? For the prices, these can't be beat........ although I still think even these are rather high.

FWIW.

Edit in:
One additional note: While the HF may look and be cheesier, it is somewhat neater in the shop due to the water bin being somewhat over sized to the grinding wheel. While the wheel spins faster there is little or no water carried over the wheel and splashed on your floor or table. the Grizzly unit may do this under some circumstances so you'll probably want to use a splash pan of some type along with that unit. I may also add that "Scary Sharp!" is no longer the figment of someone's imagination!
 
Last edited:
There are several reviews of both this unit and the Grizzly unit on the Tormekusers group on yahoo. There aren't too many positive things said about the HF unit. Ever since a disc sander from HF that was used less than 6 months caught on fire in my shop, I have been extremely leery of buying anything electrical from them.

Bob
 
bobaltig said:
Ever since a disc sander from HF that was used less than 6 months caught on fire in my shop, I have been extremely leery of buying anything electrical from them.

Bob
Click to expand...


I can certainly understand that. Then again I've seen two Makita routers, a Bosch router, a Dewalt drill, a Delta portable table saw, and my stove burner catch on fire too.


I've not read the Tormekusers group before, but if they are Tormek users and spent that much money on it, no surprise that they would criticize the cheaper models. BMW M3 owners aren't too quick to praise a little Civic but both get you from here to there, one a lot cheaper than the other (if, perhaps, slower and less comfy).


I'm quite satisfied with the Sheppach, though I'd buy the Grizzly next time simply b/c Grizzly is easier to work with (sometimes) than where I got the Sheppach. It's also $20 cheaper than I paid for the Sheppach.
 
I think the old axiom applies... You get what you pay for.

While the HF is certainly on it's best day not a Tormek, for some, it may be enough. (Hey, didn't Ahhnold say that in a movie? "It's naht a Tormek...") :D
 
Most of us didn't have much choice...

When I bought my Tormek many years ago there weren't any other options. It still gets a lot of use and works like a champ (it's on it's second wheel) so I don't exactly feel that I made a bad decision. Now that Tormek and Jet have created the market, others are jumping in. Which is a good thing. Maybe when I buy my next Tormek in 2040 it will be cheaper.

Marc

Thumbs said:
The economics of these vs. the Jet or Tormek makes me wonder why anyone would pay those prices just for a name tag!?
Click to expand...
 
I think monkeynutz is correct! Cheep and quality don't always go together. I have bought several items from HF and fins that where accuracy is required, their tools do not always come through. They have many items that are well worth the price.
 
You're right about that Scotirish. Most of their handheld power tools have the reputation of being "disposable" tools.

Some of their bigger tools do well. I have seen their air compressors last surprisingly long.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom