Alisam Sled

[joey]

There were some recent posts about honing guides including the Alisam sled.

I recently received the SS3. I haven't sharpened with it yet but the first thing I did was insert my 3/4" chisel and oops to bad the sleds mouth wont allow it to insert far enough, not even close, for a 25 or 30 degree bevel. Same with the ½" chisel . The mouth is 1/4" which will be fine for plane blades but may not be for chisels that get thicker than 1/4" towards the handle. BTW these are LN bench chisels my hardware store Stanleys are thinner and work fine.

Finish while not a performance factor was not what I expected for a relatively expensive jig. The top of the brass knob appears as if someone started to buff out the machine marks but only went about half way and stopped. The sled body had some minor scratches

On the plus side the tool has a nice heft and feel to it.

Joe

[joey]

Just a further thought. I scary sharp on a large marble slab. I think if you were to use a plate that fits between the legs of the sled you could probably gain enough height to get a proper alignment

[AAvK]

I think 7/16" opening would be perfect because then it could take registered chisels and modern Stanley 900's, thick blades.

But I also think not many folks care to much of the idea of buying the Alisam because of the price, and possibly that very semitic sounding name (which does not bother me).

I suppose, if the manufacturing of it was amortized by a much larger company it would be a lot cheaper, but I doubt that any company is going to buy it unless he puts it up for sale and offers it out.

I also think it is easier for a good woodworker to make a "wooden same idea" ...as it were. I know I will. You should send it back for all your problems with it.

[Tim]

Joe, You are correct in stating that chisels, or any blade for that matter, thicker than 1/4 inch will not fit in the "mouth" of the Sharpening Sled. This is well stated in our brochure and website. We just could not make a model to fit every single blade, ($$$), but feel we fit most of the chisels, (like as you wrote, "my hardware store Stanleys are thinner and work fine"), and so far, all plane irons out there. As far as the finish of the brass knob....I can only say we take them from the screw machine, wash in a degreaser and dry. They are not buffed at all. That would increase the cost even more. The sled body having minor scratches, well that is unacceptable. Please send it back and I will send you a new one. "I haven't sharpened with it yet", Joe, please give it a try before passing judgement on it. I think it's performance will speak for itself. The cost is basiclly what it is. We produce it here in the USA, using your neighbors shops and talents. Also "the tool has a nice heft and feel to it" does add to the cost. Actually the reason you don't see it in mail order catalogs is because even though they all oved it, they all wanted to jack up the price to about $100.00 to allow for their margin! I would not allow that. Actually Hartville Tool will be carrying the Sharpening Sled starting in their September catalog at our suggested list prices. I guess they are as concerened about the cost to the end user as we are. If we can take up a poll and the majority of the woodworkers want a plastic version made in China, well I would stop making them. "I scary sharp on a large marble slab. I think if you were to use a plate that fits between the legs of the sled you could probably gain enough height to get a proper alignment", again this is not an issue if using the mentioned 1/4 inch thick blades or less. Joe, email me through the Alisam, (a - lee - sam, my 3 children, Alex, Lisa and Sam, sorry I came up with the name before 9/11), website with any concerns after using the sled. My first concern is customer satisfaction before all else.

Thanks Tim Queeno