Paper/MDF wheels?

[Ryansknives]

I sharpen a lot of knives on whetstones and even more on belt sanders. I sharpen knives as a side gig for “beer” money.

It’s not my career the money I make is used to replace stuff buy a toy or take the family out for a fancy dinner. But regardless I sharpen a lot more knives than the average knife enthusiast.

I’m really wanting to try out one of these MDF / Paper wheels. I can’t seem to find information on how long before you need to redress the wheels or how long before they wear out.

I’m sure the wheels last a long time but if I had to redress the wheels every 50 or 100 knives it may not be worth it. For an average homeowner or knife enthusiast that would be fine. If it lasts hundreds of knives I’m probably gonna take the plunge. I’m sure it won’t replace my belt sander but I’m curious.

 

[000Robert]

There's a sticky or two on paper wheels at the top of the forum. I haven't studied much about it but the sticky thread should help.

 

[Bill3152]

I have one. Ive used it to sharpen at least a hundred times or so. I have done nothing but add some white compound to it. The wheel is not out of round nor is it less effective than when I started using it. As was said check the sticky on it. There's a load of info there. I don't use it lately though as it's in my shed. I sharpen wherever I am. With a foldable dmt. And for the kitchen I use a dmt that I keep handy in the drawer. I don't see a downside to using one though. For you I think its the fastest method. Wicked sharp lickety split.

 

[HeavyHanded]

I sharpen a lot of knives on whetstones and even more on belt sanders. I sharpen knives as a side gig for “beer” money.

It’s not my career the money I make is used to replace stuff buy a toy or take the family out for a fancy dinner. But regardless I sharpen a lot more knives than the average knife enthusiast.

I’m really wanting to try out one of these MDF / Paper wheels. I can’t seem to find information on how long before you need to redress the wheels or how long before they wear out.

I’m sure the wheels last a long time but if I had to redress the wheels every 50 or 100 knives it may not be worth it. For an average homeowner or knife enthusiast that would be fine. If it lasts hundreds of knives I’m probably gonna take the plunge. I’m sure it won’t replace my belt sander but I’m curious.

I don't have a ton of experience, but the biggest problem is truing it up initially. I've had a go at mine a few times with a diamond dressing tool and its still not 100% running uniform. That said, cleaning off any built up compound and re-applying takes seconds, is not an issue. And you can do quite a few knives before you have to clean it up.

A lot of people swear by em but I still prefer to just do a few passes by hand for a microbevel on a finishing hone.

 

[fargo203]

I may have over waxed mine but i felt the grit wheel didnt last as long as i thought it should. I tried to regrit and ended up buying a new set. I much prefer to use the 1x30 even though i have to change belts etc. Also the harder steels bounce or jump around alot (such as k390) but i dont have a variable speed control on my motor.