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You will be creating incredibly sharp knives and tools with this sharpener.
Please handle them with care. Use caution to avoid cutting yourself.
General Power Tool Safety Warnings
Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference. The term "power tool" in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
CHOKING HAZARD!
Small Parts - Not for children under 3-yrs.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
Darex, LLC
210 E. Hersey St.
Ashland OR 97520
USA
Tel.: 1 (800) 597-6170
Fax.: 1 (541) 552-1377
E-mail: techsupport2@darex.com
Internet: www.worksharptools.com
Langevin & Forest
9995, Pie-IX Blvd
Montreal, QC H1Z 3X1
Canada
Tel.: 1 (514) 322-9330
Fax.: 1 (514) 322-8140
Internet: www.langevinforest.com
More service centers at www.worksharptools.com
Specific Safety Rules
ALWAYS use proper safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses are NOT safety glasses. Also use face or dust mask if operation is dusty. ALWAYS WEAR CERTIFIED SAFETY EQUIPMENT.
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals, work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
Use of this tool can generate and/or disperse dust, which may cause serious and permanent respiratory or other injury. Always use NIOSH/ OSHA approved respiratory protection appropriate for the dust exposure. Direct particles away from face and body.
Wear appropriate hearing protection during use. Under some conditions and duration of use, noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss.
SAFETY GUIDELINES — DEFINITIONS
It is important for you to read and understand this manual. The information it contains relates to protecting YOUR SAFETY and PREVENTING PROBLEMS. The symbols below are used to help you recognize this information:
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION: Used without the safety alert symbol () indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.
The label on your tool may include the following symbols.
V Volt
Hz Hertz
min minutes
A amperes
W watts
alternating current
direct current
no no load speed
Class II Construction
earthing terminal
safety alert symbol
rpm revolutions or reciprocations per minute
Motor
Be sure your power supply agrees with nameplate marking. 230 Volts AC only means your tool will operate on standard 50 Hz household power. Do not operate AC tools on DC. This information is printed on the nameplate. Lower voltage will cause loss of power and can result in over-heating.
Extension Cords
When using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. The following table shows the correct size to use depending on cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Minimum Gauge for Cord Sets | |||||
Volt | Total Length of Cord in Feet | ||||
120V | 0 - 25 (0-7.6 m) | 26 - 50 (7.6-15.2 m) | 51 - 100 (15.2-30.4 m) | 101 - 150 (30.4-45.7 m) | |
230V | 0 - 50 (0-15.2 m) | 51-100 (15.2-30.4 m) | 101-200 (30.4-60.9 m) | 201-300 (60.9-91.4 m) | |
Ampere Rating | American Wire Gauge | ||||
More Than | Not More Than | ||||
0 | 6 | 18 | 16 | 16 | 14 |
6 | 10 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 12 |
10 | 12 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 |
12 | 16 | 14 | 12 | Not Recommended |
Noise and Vibration Measurements:
Noise (measured values per EN 60745-1 and EN 60745-2-4)
A-weighted sound pressure level Lpa 73 db(A)
Uncertainty factor K 3 db(A)
A-weighted sound power level Lwa 84 db(A)
Uncertainty factor K 3 db(A)
Intended Uses:
Unintended Uses:
What edge angle and why?
Our recommendations are based on our extensive testing and driven by three primary factors:
Why is a convex edge superior?
Our blade use and sharpness testing have taught us that a convex edge is a superior edge. The smooth radius edge type does not have 'shoulders' like a flat grind and creates less friction or resistance when cutting. A convex edge provides more steel behind the edge to support it, so the edge stays sharper longer. Lastly, our convex method thins the bevel when you sharpen the blade, while flat ground blades get thicker and thicker as you re-sharpen.
The Sharpening Process
Factory
Most knives are flat ground and have a smaller bevel height or surface area.
In Process
Re-sharpening to a lower angle and a convex grind takes time.
Continue to Next Grit
Sharpen until a burr is raisedbefore switchingto a finer grit belt.
Angle Changes - what to expect with a decreased angle:
Duration: If you are sharpening a knife to an angle lower than the factory grind (example: factory 25° sharpening to a 15°), you should expect this process to take longer. This is due to the amount of material being removed to 'thin' the edge. Expect this reduced angle edge to be more prone to damage and edge rolling.
Bevel height: You should also expect the look of your edge to change if you are decreasing the edge angle. The height of the bevel will increase as the edge angle is reduced and create more surface area. This also increases sharpening time since the surface area of the blade being sharpened is higher.
Definitions of sharp:
The fastest way to a sharp edge: Toothy Sharp
Outdoor Knife: Angle = 25° | Speed = Low/Med
X65: 6-10 strokes, then X22 (2 strokes)
Kitchen Knife: Angle = 20° | Speed = Low
X65: 4-8 strokes, then X22 (2 strokes)
For a more refined cutting edge: Shaving Sharp
For the ultimate cutting edge: Shiny Sharp
Note: Stroke count is for each side of the blade.
Knife Sharpening Guide Adjustment
15° - 30° in 1° increments. Included (total) edge angle is 2 x the angle selected. Align desired angle with the indicator line on top of guide.
Speed Control Adjustment
Low speed (+/-) is 1200 SFM
Mid speed (+/-) is 2000 SFM
High speed (+/-) is 2800 SFM
SFM = Surface Feet per Minute
Belt Information
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |
Belt Name | Extra Coarse | Coarse | Medium | Fine | Extra Fine |
Grit | P120 | X65 | X22 | X4 | 6000 |
Size | Norton SG | Norax 65µ | Norax 22µ | Norax 4µ | SiC 2µ |
What it Sharpens | Tool Sharpening | Knife | Knife | Knife & Scissor | Gut Hooks |
Uses | Knife Repair | Shape | Sharpen | Hone | Serrations |
Abrasive Belt Wear
Belt discoloration is not an indicator of wear. Engineered belts expose new abrasive as they break down. Used belts may take extra strokes but will continue to remove material. These belts will keep going longer than you think.
Keep using them as long as they cut.
Slide guide onto cassette (A)
Snap into place. Pull firmly to release.
Cassette Lock Lever (B)
Push & hold to rotate cassette from sharpening to grind mode.
Edge Guide: Pull & Rotate (C)
Clockwise to use, Counterclockwise to raised position.
Bench Mounting (D)
Use 1/4" 20 fastener to secure tool.
Belt Change:
Lift & hold Belt Change Lever to remove belt. Route belt around all 3 pulleys, then release the lever. Be sure belt is within pulley flanges. Lay tool onto its back for easier belt changes.
Belt Tracking Lever
Push lever inward, then slide up or down to track belt onto the center of the top pulley.
Trigger Lock
Pull trigger & push button in to lock "on" position. Pull trigger to release. Not intended for use when knife sharpening, use for grinding applications only.
Sharpening Guide:
Rotate knob to select angle. Align number with mark on top.
Removing the Sharpening Cassette:
Kitchen Knives
Pull rate: 1"/sec • Use Edge Guide
Angle | Speed | X65 | X22 | X4 | 6000 | |
Western | 20° | L | 4-8 | 4-8 | 10 | 0 |
Asian | 16° | L | 0 | 4-8 | 10 | 0 |
Paring | 20° | L | 4-8 | 4-8 | 10 | 0 |
Cleaver | 30° | H | 4-8 | 2-8 | 0 | 0 |
Bread | X | L | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Number of strokes per side |
Outdoor Knives
Pull rate: 1"/sec • No Edge Guide
Angle | Speed | X65 | X22 | X4 | 6000 | |
25° | L/M | 6-10 | 6-10 | 10 | 0 | |
Hunting | 25° | L/M | 6-10 | 6-10 | 10 | 0 |
Fillet | 20° | L/M | 6-10 | 6-10 | 10 | 0 |
Serrated | X | L | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Gut Hook | X | M | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Number of strokes per side |
Best Techniques:
Position belt at the very start of the edge with motor off.
Place blade in guide then simultaneously power up and pull the blade.
Reference Sharpening Reference Chart for recommended angle settings, belt selection, stroke count, speed and choice of edge type.
Best Techniques:
Pull and Rotate
When and why to use the Edge Guide:
Continue sharpening on right side of guide. Check for a burr every 2-3 strokes (see picture).
Sharpen only until a burr is created along the entire length of the edge or you reach the recommended stroke count found in the Sharpening Reference Chart.
If burr is not yet raised, See"Knife not getting sharp" in Troubleshooting section.
Repeat same number of strokes on other side of blade / sharpening guide.
Once the edge is shaped / formed, continue with finer grit belts using alternating strokes. Alternating strokes removes the burr and refines the edge faster.
See Sharpening Reference Chart for recommended belt use and stroke count based on the edge you want (Toothy, Shaving, Shiny).
Best Techniques (Avoid Rounding the Tip):
Maintain factory blade profile / shape:
Follow the curve of the blade so the edge remains perpendicular to the belt. Stop on belt.
Use this technique for these blade types:
Pull straight through the guide and stop on the middle of the belt. Do not lift the blade handle. Turn power off as knife tip contacts belt.
Use this technique for these blade types:
Most serrated knives have a flat side and a bevel side on the blade; Sharpen only the flat side.
Only use the finest grit 6000 belt (purple, narrow) for serrated sharpening.
Place flat side of blade at the bolster / handle against the fine grit abrasive belt. Set to low speed and squeeze the power switch and pull knife steadily across the belt from bolster to tip. An 8" blade should take 8 seconds.
Repeat until no burr remains on flat side of blade and serration 'teeth' are sharp.
Best Techniques:
Serrated knives can be sharpened with or without the Knife Sharpening Guide installed depending on height of serrated knife.
Only place serrated blades on downhill - right side of belt. Otherwise you risk cutting the belt.
Reference the Sharpening Reference Chart for recommended angle settings, belt selection and speed. Otherwise sharpening a fillet knife is the same as other knives.
Use the Edge Guide to help support these long, flexible blades during sharpening to ensure a consistent sharpening along the entire edge.
Only use finest grit 6000 belt (purple, narrow) for sharpening gut hooks.
Place curve of gut hook over the belt on downhill side; allow belt to conform to blade's curve. Squeeze power switch; hone 2 to 4 seconds. Repeat on other side.
Best Techniques:
Only place gut hook on downhill - right side of belt. Otherwise you risk cutting the belt.
Reference the Sharpening Reference Chart for recommended angle settings, belt selection and speed. Otherwise sharpening a kitchen knife is the same as other knives.
Most kitchen knives should be sharpened with the Edge-Guide.
Sharpen only the beveled side of your scissors. Marking the beveled side with a black marker will make it easier to see when the cutting edge has been sharpened.
Use the X22 belt at medium speed to sharpen scissors.
Once scissor blade is properly placed in Sharpening Guide, squeeze power switch and simultaneously pull the scissor blade steadily through the guide.
Repeat 1-2 more times or until marker is removed from cutting edge.
Repeat on other scissor blade.
Test scissors for sharpness. Continue sharpening as needed.
Remove Sharpening Guide. Pull up firmly.
Ensure the Edge Guide is in the raised position and that the Knife Sharpening Guide has been removed before grinding.
Push Cassette Lock Release Lever to rotate cassette to grind mode.
Use the P120 belt and high speed for light sharpening and grinding tasks.
NOTE: Tools such as these do not require sharpening to a precise angle; just let the belt conform to the edge of the tool. It will take longer to restore an edge to severely damaged tools.
Best Techniques:
Push lock release lever and rotate knife sharpening cassette to position shown, pull outward to remove cassette.
Belt Information:
![]() | P60 |
Norton ZA | |
Grinding |
Belt Selection and Education:
P60 grit Zirconia Alumina belt from Norton is designed and intended for grinding tasks in metal.
Best Techniques:
Belt Information:
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||
Grit | P120 | X65 | X22 | X4 | 12000MM |
Size | Norax SG | Norax 65µ | Norax 22µ | Norax 4µ | SiC 1µ |
Use | Blade Repair | Shape | Sharpen | Hone | Strop |
For reference, belts are equivalent to: X65 (P220) | X22 (P1000) | X4 (P3000)
Installation
Push lock release lever & rotate knife sharpening cassette to remove cassette.
Install Blade Grinding Attachment by aligning the chassis to the keyed 'on / off' position then rotate into 'sharpening position'.
Install Hub Fastener onto drive shaft.
Optional: Use a clamp to secure to work bench.
Push in and turn tensioner clockwise to install / uninstall belt.
Use tracking knob to center belt on pulley.
Best Techniques:
Be mindful that accommodations will need to be made for every blade such as thumb studs, pocket clips, blade profile or handle design. Test run the blade through the process on both bevels without power first to ensure accommodations can be made before sharpening.
Do not over tension belt or it may negatively affect belt tracking.
Knife not getting sharp?
Best Techniques:
Only use P120 on blades with edge damage, thick / wide edges or very hard blade steels (D2, S30V, 154CM, etc.). This belt will remove material and raise a burr very quickly. Use sparingly and check for a burr after every stroke.
Accessory List:
Replacement Belts:
WSKTS-KO Belt Kit (¾" x 12" belts): WSSAKO81113
Individual Extra Coarse P120 Grit Belt (¾" x 12" belt): PP0002934
Individual Coarse X65 Grit Belt (¾" x 12" belt): PP0003206
Individual Medium X22 Grit Belt (¾" x 12" belt): PP0003207
Individual Fine X4 Grit Belt (¾" x 12" belt): PP0002938
Individual Extra Fine 6000 Grit Belt (½" x 12" belt): PP0002409
Tool Grinding Attachment:
WSKTS-KO Tool Grinding Attachment: WSSAKO81111
WSKTS-KO Tool Grinding Belt Kit (¾" x 12" belts): WSSAKO81114
Individual Extra Coarse P60 ZA (¾" x 12" belt): PP0003110
Blade Grinding Attachment
WSKTS-KO Blade Grinding Attachment: WSSAKO81112
WSKTS-KO Blade Grinding Belt Kit (1" x 18" belts): WSSAKO81115
Individual Extra Coarse P120 Grit Belt (1" x 18" belts): PP0002770
Individual Coarse X65 Grit Belt (1" x 18" belts): PP0003208
Individual Medium X22 Grit Belt (1" x 18" belts): PP0003209
Individual Fine X4 Grit Belt (1" x 18" belts): PP0002943
Individual Extra Fine 12,000 Grit Belt (1" x 18" belts): PP0002952
Leather Belt Kit (1" x 18" belts with.5µ compound): WSSA0002782
Visit worksharptools.com for a full list of replacement parts.
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
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