Stocking Stuffer: The Work Sharp

Posted by Kelly Smith Dec 6, 2007

Just recently I penned (rather keyboarded) an article for you on popular power tools for Christmas gifts. One of the tools I mentioned was that old all-around favorite – the bench grinder.

Well, as often happens, just as soon as I sing the praises of one, I find another tool that does some of its tasks even better. The bench grinder will always be more adept at some jobs, but not at some tool sharpening, as I found out.

So what tool could I possibly be speaking of? The Work Sharp Tool Sharpener, model WS2000. Where a grinder spins vertically and presents a narrow grinding surface, the Work Sharp spins horizontally at a respectable 1750 RPM.

The WS2000 comes with a nice wide tool rest to give you complete control over the tool you're sharpening, whether it's an ax or cold chisel. Although it comes with a nice assortment of abrasive disks, Work Sharp isn't one of those companies that lock DIYers into proprietary replacement parts. Any adhesive backed 6” disk will work.

One nice feature is the Edge Vision Underside Port, which, when used with the slotted wheel, allows you to keep an eye on your progress when sharpening small tools such as screwdrivers and lathe knives.

The Work Sharp eliminates another of the bench grinders drawbacks: tool overheating. How does it do this? By using a dry cooling system of routed airflow and a heat sink. No more over-tempered chisels.

Speaking of chisel sharpening, in my eyes that is the one thing that sets the WS2000 apart from any competitors. It sports the Chisel Sharpening Port which puts a precise 25 degree angle on your steel!

And yes, the WS2000, or its cousin the WS3000, makes a dandy Christmas present for your DIYer... or yourself!