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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2023 13:07:33 GMT
During my research for a belt sharpening machine I looked at several, including an Axminster Ultimate Edge (UE). With this machine, despite it having the features of having an adjustable speed control and being able to reverse the belt direction, which I like, I still chose the Sorby Pro-Edge for my straight edged tools sharpening based on more favourable reviews and user/owner forum posts for this machine.
However, I did note on the Axminster website there was a much bigger choice of sanding belts and mops, plus some accessories that Robert Sorbert don't make that are listed for their UE machine. In particular, I Iiked the Twist & Fix Arbor as it saves time in having to change mops, as well as the range of mops available. I also liked their Tomek style bar aka compound jig, to use with their comprehensive sharpening table. Axminster also have a leather honing belt for their UE machine: (See below for links):
My question for other forum members is, has anyone had any success with using UE spares and accessories on the Pro-Edge without having to modify them and share their outcomes please? This will save me wasting time in having to buy and return items to Axminster for a refund if I find something isn't compatible.
Hopefully, someone at Robert Sorby could be persuaded to have a look at the Axminster website with a view to emulating some of their spares and accessories (assuming it doesn't infringe any patents!) for use on the Pro-Edge?
Thanks in advance.
Update:
On the Axminster listing page for the leather honing and polishing belt, a reviewer states this belt is used on his Sorby Pro-Edge, so it appears that question has been answered. Not a cheap option though as it retails for £61.98.
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Post by Pete on Jan 10, 2023 15:41:22 GMT
I know the ProEdge diamond belt fits the Axminster UE as a friend is using one on his, which I guess = the leather belt would fit the ProEdge.
Compound jig won't fit without drilling and the table goes with that so no to those 2
I have the ProEdge mop and leave the arbour on all the time it is rare I use it though, so the mop itself stays in the drawer.
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Post by laymarcrafts on Jan 11, 2023 12:16:03 GMT
I had the Pro Edge and was impressed with some of the features incorporated in the Axi unit.
The Compound Jig and the fact you could use the Tormek jigs, which I already had, was an option I wanted.
I adapted the ProEdge to accomodate the Compound Jig and also made a new longer platon from a piece of RSA.
I now have the flexibility of both systems.
The Axi table will fit.
The Axi Belts although slightly differrant in length are interchangeable with the belt tensioner taking up any slack.
Richard
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Post by Deleted on Jan 11, 2023 15:23:23 GMT
Hi Richard,
Can I ask how you adapted your Pro-Edge to take the Tormek jigs please?
Not knowing the diameter of the Tormek jig support bar, I wonder if there's any chance the Tormek jigs would fit and be used on the lower bar on the Pro-Edge that accommodates the fingernail profiling jig?
Looking at the Axminster I like that they have hinged the right hand belt guard and am now wondering if this is somethinng I could do on the Pro-Edge as it would save the pfaff of having to take off and put the guard plate back on every time?
I also liked the Axminster extraction facility at the top of the belt casing and would consider putting the same on a Pro-Edge with a filter on the spout to prevent sparks being sucked into the dust extraction unit/vacuum. (I have emphysema, so need to cut down dust particles as much as is possible)
TIA.
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Post by laymarcrafts on Jan 11, 2023 15:45:55 GMT
The Tormek bar is 12mm diameter which can be used with the Axi Compound Jig bar.
The lower ProEdge Bar is I think 10mm and is fixed so I doubt if it would be suitable for use with any of the TormekJigs.
It should not be too difficult to hinge the cover.
I use magnets to catch the steel dust these are rectangular rare earth magnets one inside the top guard and one on the outside of the bottom cover.
The bottom one collects the most which should not be a surprise.
Richard
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Post by Pete on Jan 12, 2023 0:10:38 GMT
I would have to say that the advantages of using tormek jigs on the ProEdge are dubious The table set to 15, 20, 25 does the Skew and parting tools. set it to 45 for traditional or roughing gouge grinds and use the fingernail jig which was based on the Tormek jig for fingernail grinds.
I have modified mine to allow the 40/40 grind as I like playing with that.
For woodturning leather strops honing and very fine belts are kind of not needed they leave you with a too sharp and too thin edge which will break easily in the turning process meaning you then have a jagged flat rather than a nice wear from sharp to needs sharpening. Things are different for carving tools bench chisels etc. but the Proedge will get you the primary bevel and hand sharpening will quickly add a micro bevel for their use.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2023 1:48:02 GMT
Hi Pete,
I dare say your advice is entirely right and proper for a woodturner who uses the tools you mention, but I'm not a woodturner and will use a Pro-Edge for straight edge sharpening and honing of chisels, plane blades, knives and scissors, so the leather honing belt is going to be a must have for me - it will also obviate the need to buy a honing arbor and honing rubber wheel, although it's likely I'll buy the Axminster twist n fix arbor system for my metal grinding wheels and polishing mops which I need to change frequently as I make jewellery.
I've taken on board yours and others comments about Tormek jigs, although I'll keep an open mind about these until I've had some more experienece of using the Pro-Edge and/or I get a chance to have a "go" on a Tormek myself and see if I like their jigs. If I do, I'll fettle up the Pro-Edge accordingly. That's why I asked for advice/comments for other users' experience of using non-Pro-Edge accessories that didn't require any modding at this time. Having said that I'm already of a mind to add hinges to the belt guard plate to save the pfaffing around with taking it on and off every time I want to change the belt which as a straight edge sharpening user I can see I'll have to do more often than a woodturner. I'm also convinced I'll be adding an extractor port to the top of the belt casing to accommodate a dust-extraction system as well as taking up Richard's idea of using rare earth magnets too.
Thanks for yours and the other useful comments I've received so far.
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Post by laymarcrafts on Jan 12, 2023 10:35:03 GMT
Just a thought as I have never used a leather strop on my turning tools but would you not have to run the Leather Belt in reverse or hone the tools upside down?
Reversing is possible with the Ax. but not with the ProEdge.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2023 12:25:34 GMT
Why would a honing belt have to run in reverse? By reverse do you mean from top to bottom, i.e. anti-clockwise?
If the belt is running from bottom to top, i.e. clockwise, as on a Pro-Edge, then I'm imagining any sharp edge would have its bevel edge face down on a honing belt just like when sharpening the thing be that on a Pro-Edge or whetstone for that matter, or am I missing something?
TIA.
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Post by laymarcrafts on Jan 12, 2023 13:33:17 GMT
Unless Sorby have changed it my ProEdge runs anti clockwise i.e. from top to bottom.
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Post by woodster on Jan 12, 2023 13:54:59 GMT
I used the Pro Edge at work (I recommended it) but when the Axminster Ultimate Edge was released I had to have a serious look. When a special offer dropped the price to that of the Pro Edge I pulled the trigger and bought one. It’s a far more flexible machine in my opinion.
I found the specifications of the Axminster compelling.
Axminster Ultimate Edge /Robert Sorby Pro Edge
Motor 560W /375W
Belt Size 50 x 785 /50 x 780
Weight 18Kg /14Kg
Belt Speed 200-600 MPM /440 MPM
Platen Length 195mm /120mm
Forward + Reverse Yes /No
Variable Speed Yes /No
Accepts Tormek Jigs Yes, many /No
Angle Raster No /Yes
Compound Jig Yes /No
Adjustable Feet Yes /No
Dust Extraction Yes No
Holes for Bench Mounting Yes /Yes
Quick Fix Arbor Yes /No
Pigtail Arbor No /Yes
Single knob belt tracking Yes /No - 2 Tommy Bars
Digital Read Out Yes /No
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Post by woodster on Jan 12, 2023 14:05:23 GMT
My question for other forum members is, has anyone had any success with using UE spares and accessories on the Pro-Edge without having to modify them and share their outcomes please? This will save me wasting time in having to buy and return items to Axminster for a refund if I find something isn't compatible.
I have seen one guy carry out two particular modifications to the Pro Edge. The rather short 120mm long platen was removed and replaced with a much longer one. This means you don’t need the rather silly secondary platen RS sell with the knife kit.
The second modification was to buy the Axminster compound jig and bolt this on the side replacing the raster unit.
Edit: Some Mods here.
robert-sorby.freeforums.net/thread/182/quick-make-accomodate-tormek-style
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