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Robert Sorby Pro Edge bits and pieces

M

MattS

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Got myself a Pro edge second hand, very excited to get sharpening! Can’t find very good info on what should have come with it, no drawings or images of what was in the box. I’ve worked out the 3 bars are for belt tracking adjustment, and there’s part of a fingernail jig which is missing a part. I probably won’t use it anyway. I suspect everything else is bits which have been swept up, bought from a son clearing his Dads workshop.

Any help from those owners current and past of this machine on the forum?
 

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Thanks Andy I saw that manual. It doesn’t show “what’s in the box” from a video on their YouTube I worked out the steel bars are for tracking adjustment. Which has a section in the manual that doesn’t really tell you how to do it.
 
I can’t remember the last time I changed the belt or need to adjust the tracking. I’ll be in the workshop this pm will have a look and see if I can help
 
I've had one for years as well Matt, great bit of kit I wouldn't be without so happy also to answer questions if I can. Tracking is a little fiddly as it tends to move a little as you tighten but you soon get used to it and I found that once adjusted I rarely need to touch it.
I'm not recommending you do it ;) but because I change belts fairly often I removed the side guard plate which means I can do it in seconds. It's pretty safe imo but I'm sure others will disagree.
Reasons for the belt change is that I also use it to shape metal not just sharpen tools and I use old belts for that purpose.
 
Lons said:
I've had one for years as well Matt, great bit of kit I wouldn't be without so happy also to answer questions if I can. Tracking is a little fiddly as it tends to move a little as you tighten but you soon get used to it and I found that once adjusted I rarely need to touch it.
I'm not recommending you do it ;) but because I change belts fairly often I removed the side guard plate which means I can do it in seconds. It's pretty safe imo but I'm sure others will disagree.
Reasons for the belt change is that I also use it to shape metal not just sharpen tools and I use old belts for that purpose.
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Thanks Bob, it came with a lot of belts, aluminium oxide and ceramic and I assumed I'd be changing them relatively frequently depending on the task, and going through the grits. Just about to go away for a week so no experimenting until I get back. I've got a big bag of chisels and gouges, which were left out for the scrap man by someone! I'll be using these to get familiar with the machine and hopefully make back a few pennies on the Pro Edge purchase.
 
MattS said:
Thanks Bob, it came with a lot of belts, aluminium oxide and ceramic and I assumed I'd be changing them relatively frequently depending on the task, and going through the grits. Just about to go away for a week so no experimenting until I get back. I've got a big bag of chisels and gouges, which were left out for the scrap man by someone! I'll be using these to get familiar with the machine and hopefully make back a few pennies on the Pro Edge purchase.
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I have various belts Matt, did what most people do and indulged in a selection when in reality I normally use 240g which give a great edge for touching up turning chisels and 120g is re shaping. I never buy Sorby belts either as there are cheaper alternatives around.
 
I have the Axminster UJK version which is the ProEdge vastly improved. Same belt sizes but it will also accept a few of the Tormek jigs; I generally use mine for regrinding 5mm thick Veritas plane blades with the 60g ceramic belt; what took days on the Tormek with a coarse diamond wheel is now done in about 10 mins - Rob...who once upon a time also owned a ProEdge
 
I have had one since they were first released. I too leave the side guard off. I have never had a problem with the belt tracking, runs consistently and if adjustment is required it is easy to correct.
I have many belt types and a number of add on's, however I tend to use it mainly for Bench chisels, primary bevels on plane blades, and turning chisels.
The coarse ceramic belts can quickly remove metal when required. I also like the finer Trizact belts for finishing turning chisels.
I don't know the Axminster alternative, but I don't think you will be disappointed with the Pro Edge.
Good luck with it
David
 
Looks an interesting bit of kit, and I can imagine easy to get the right angle without blueing. I always used a grinding service back home which was really inexpensive and included collection. But now I’m retired and over here I shall be doing it myself. I was considering one of those CBN wheels on a bench grinder, what’s anyone’s opinion as to which way to go?
Ian
 
Cabinetman said:
Looks an interesting bit of kit, and I can imagine easy to get the right angle without blueing. I always used a grinding service back home which was really inexpensive and included collection. But now I’m retired and over here I shall be doing it myself. I was considering one of those CBN wheels on a bench grinder, what’s anyone’s opinion as to which way to go?
Ian
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I've got a CBN wheel on a medium speed (about 1400 rpm) grinder with the Tormek BGM mount and it works really well. I've never used a Sorby Pro Edge so I can't say how it compares.

I'd be surprised if you find many people who can really compare the two as most will buy one, find it works & stick with it.
 
Cabinetman said:
Looks an interesting bit of kit, and I can imagine easy to get the right angle without blueing.
Ian
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Not used a CBN wheel but the blade grinding angle jig that fits the UJK 'Ultimate Edge' is a very precise bit of kit. Having tried the same thing on the Pro Edge, it's a very 'hit n'miss' sort of affair as the jigs are difficult to use with any degree of accuracy. When I was employed by Ax, they purchased a ProEdge, took it apart, analysed it and then made their own version which is much better - Rob
 
Cabinetman said:
Looks an interesting bit of kit, and I can imagine easy to get the right angle without blueing. ........
Ian
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Caution on the 'No Bluing' assumption using the Pro Edge.

Knife sharpening for instance is in my experience very fraught with risk where there is so little blade material to dissipate heat.

The Pro Edge became my 'go to' system for 90% of my turning gouge sharpening with no problems (with a couple of bench grinders set up for specific tools and other workshop tasks) but put a knife anywhere near a belt of 320 grit or finer with its lack of coolant or speed control is very risky.
 
Good point @Dr.Al don’t suppose people need both, @CHJ yes that’s no doubt correct, I guess it’s like a lot of things, care needs to be taken and experience adds up.
@Woodbloke on the proedge do you mean that it’s difficult to keep the chisel at one angle - it can move about? Or that it’s difficult to set it to an exact degree? If it’s the latter I could probably live with that unless it’s way out of kilter.
Thanks Gentlemen.
 
Cabinetman said:
@Woodbloke on the proedge do you mean that it’s difficult to keep the chisel at one angle - it can move about? Or that it’s difficult to set it to an exact degree? If it’s the latter I could probably live with that unless it’s way out of kilter.
Thanks Gentlemen.
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Both as I recollect. I was so pi$$ed off with the ProEdge I sold it pretty sharply!

IMG_6444.jpeg

This is the jig that holds both plane and chisel blades for regrinding; once set nothings going anywhere in a hurry:ROFLMAO: - Rob
 
Oh right, yes I see your point very sturdy! Thanks.
I shall have to investigate as Axe have it priced in Dollars but say it can’t be shipped to my country.
Perhaps it’s a supply problem?
 
Cabinetman said:
Oh right, yes I see your point very sturdy! Thanks.
I shall have to investigate as Axe have it priced in Dollars but say it can’t be shipped to my country.
Perhaps it’s a supply problem?
Click to expand...
Odd? I asked Google AI whether Axminster Tools still now ship to the USA?

"Yes,
Axminster Tools ships to the USA, offering international delivery for their range of tools and machinery. They utilize Global-e for international checkout, which includes prepaid local duties and fast shipping options. They have a dedicated US website and export to over 200 countries.
Key Details for Shipping to the USA:
  • Logistics: The company uses Global-e to manage international orders, currency conversion, and duties.
  • Availability: Many products are available for direct shipment, though some large machinery might have restrictions or high shipping costs.
  • Alternatives: Some customers also purchase Axminster products (specifically UJK brand) through retailers like Lee Valley.
  • Customer Service: The company has a dedicated export section".
If you want further clarification Ian, I can give them a ring on Monday - Rob
 
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