Vari-Grind vs Vari-Grind 2

[Rick Cicciarelli]

I know I saw a thread on this subject once but I can't find it now. I seem to recall the original question was whether it was worth upgrading to the Vari-Grind 2 and the general consensus was that it was not worth the price to upgrade. But it seems like most folks actually liked the original better than the Vari-Grind 2. I was going to purchase one of these, but the Vari-Grind 2 seems like a better build item. Is there an argument for why the Vari-Grind 1 might actually be a better jig?

[Steve Vaughan]

Rick, here it is: http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?161145-Wolverine-sharpening-system

It was very interesting for me to read what folks had to say. For me, I'm gonna go with the original and then if I feel I need to, I'll include the VII at a later time. I'm already using the NOVA system which is similar to the original varigrind, so that learning curve shouldn't be much of a problem.

[Doug Thompson]

The Vari-grind 2 lacks adjustment because it's made to keep the tool on the wheel. The orginal you set the length the tool extends from the jig (the same everytime) then you have the freedom to roll the tool as much or little to get the grind you want. Simple is sometimes better.

[Rick Cicciarelli]

I don't understand how it lacks adjustment though. It sounds like you can set your grind angle, and then the amount of side grind is regulated by the amount that you hold the skew on either side when you move it through the arc. ???

[Jeff Myroup]

I have the original, and love it. I also use it on a 6" grinder, it is not hard to keep it on the wheel at all. I am going to upgrade it to the new teflon washer though

[John Keeton]

Rick, there have been many threads on this topic that might be of help to you, including the following:

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?161145-Wolverine-sharpening-system (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?161145-Wolverine-sharpening-system)

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?120740-original-vari-grind-vs-vari-grind-2

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?125890-Varigrind-or-varigrind-2

[Bernie Weishapl]

I have used both and wouldn't waste my money on the Vari-Grind 2.

[Doug Thompson]

On the vari-grind 2 you can set the nose angle but you don't have enough side to side movement to create the longer wings like the orginal. The other problem is you use the center of the wheel which tends to dish out prematurely.

[Rick Cicciarelli]

It looks like there are two sizes of the original Vari-grind. I guess most gouges would fall into the smaller size range (1/8"-5/8" dia. tools vs the larger one which 1/2"- 1 1/8" dia tools).

[allen thunem]

me and my gouged finger will chime in on this one. i originally bought the vg1 and it worked fine but if safety is in the back of your mind. this ain't the one for you. it doesnt take but the slightest lapse in attention and your tool slides off the wheel and boom your finger is in the wheel. yea and i know that i will be chastised for not paying closer attention to what i was doing but none of us out there are machines. so consequently i sold the originally and bought the MUCH SAFER VARI GRIND 2. that is my two cents
take it with however kmany grains of salt you wish.

[Lori Kleinberg]

Another vote for the vari-grind 1. I have to be the worlds worst tool sharpener, but using the Wolverine system and the vari-grind 1 has worked out very well. I get just the grind I am after. As a side note, I have never used the vari-grind 2. I figure if it ain't broke why fix it.

[Jeff Fagen]

Now you guys have givin me buyers remorse!I just chucked out a C-note for the Vari-grind 2.
I was tired of my home made one.

[Daniel Shaw]

I just picked up the Wolverine system and the VG2 on sale at Woodcraft, so the price was definitely right. I am quite new to gouge sharpening. The price difference between the too was not so big, so I opted for the VG2. With all the videos I've been watching, I'm sure I'll end up free hand grinding after I develop the muscle memory. I'm willing to bet you can't really go wrong either way, but I wouldn't upgrade just for the sake of it.