I've acquired a Worksharp 3000 and have some questions for those of you familiar with this sharpening tool. It came with the wide blade platform and jig, 3 glass disks, the leather pad stropping disk, and an assortment of Klingspor paper adhesive backed sanding disks (5 each of 5 different grits from 80-1000, plus one at 3600). I'll be using it for chisels and plane irons.
1. To maximize use of the glass disks (since they are $20 each) I'm thinking of mounting a different grit on each side. Will this set me up for problems when needing to replace one grit but not the other? I'm concerned that using mineral spirits or acetone to remove glue residue on one side will possibly loosen the still good sanding disk on the other side. Anyone else had this problem? Any good tips for removal of the worn out sanding pad?
2. In looking at other threads on this forum about the Worksharp 3000 as well as other sources, I've seen positive comments about switching from the paper sanding disks to either CBN disks or diamond coated flat lap disks.
The CBN disks replace the glass disks and come in three pairs of grits, one on each side of the disk (80/180, 350/600, and 800/1200) at $80 per pair. Pros - made for this tool by a company aimed at woodworking/sharpening. Cons - Only 6 grits available and cost about twice the flat lap diamond coated disks per grit. Also some cautions about being careful to avoid glazing, especially the finer grit.
The diamond coated flat lap disks come in 10 grits from 60 to 1500 at $18 per disk from Kent Supplies. They are thin and can be attached to the Worksharp glass disks with adhesive backed magnetic vinyl - allowing for easy change of grit or replacement of a worn out diamond disk (there's a link to a youtube video in another thread on this forum). Pros - 10 grits available and switching them looks simple if you use the magnetic vinyl. About half the cost of the CBN disks. Cons - these are made for lapidary work and recommended for "wet use" - although reviews on Amazon indicate they work fine on the Worksharp. Also not sure how durable they are. Potential issues with heat buildup and the magnetic vinyl?
Any suggestions or insights would be welcome.
1. To maximize use of the glass disks (since they are $20 each) I'm thinking of mounting a different grit on each side. Will this set me up for problems when needing to replace one grit but not the other? I'm concerned that using mineral spirits or acetone to remove glue residue on one side will possibly loosen the still good sanding disk on the other side. Anyone else had this problem? Any good tips for removal of the worn out sanding pad?
2. In looking at other threads on this forum about the Worksharp 3000 as well as other sources, I've seen positive comments about switching from the paper sanding disks to either CBN disks or diamond coated flat lap disks.
The CBN disks replace the glass disks and come in three pairs of grits, one on each side of the disk (80/180, 350/600, and 800/1200) at $80 per pair. Pros - made for this tool by a company aimed at woodworking/sharpening. Cons - Only 6 grits available and cost about twice the flat lap diamond coated disks per grit. Also some cautions about being careful to avoid glazing, especially the finer grit.
The diamond coated flat lap disks come in 10 grits from 60 to 1500 at $18 per disk from Kent Supplies. They are thin and can be attached to the Worksharp glass disks with adhesive backed magnetic vinyl - allowing for easy change of grit or replacement of a worn out diamond disk (there's a link to a youtube video in another thread on this forum). Pros - 10 grits available and switching them looks simple if you use the magnetic vinyl. About half the cost of the CBN disks. Cons - these are made for lapidary work and recommended for "wet use" - although reviews on Amazon indicate they work fine on the Worksharp. Also not sure how durable they are. Potential issues with heat buildup and the magnetic vinyl?
Any suggestions or insights would be welcome.
