Quick verdict
A pair of third-party jigs that hold the small pivoting razor blades from a robot mower at a fixed angle against the wheel of a Tormek T-8 water-cooled grinder, so the blades can be resharpened a few times instead of thrown away. Robot blades are cheap individually but a season uses dozens, and an owner with a Tormek already can sharpen a set in minutes. The jig is only useful to someone who owns the grinder; for everyone else, replacement blades are the answer.
Strengths
- Holds small robot mower blades at a consistent angle on a Tormek T-8
- Resharpens blades several times before they are scrapped
- Two jigs so a second blade is loaded while one grinds
- Secure grip stops the blade slipping on the wheel
- Cheap for an owner who already has the grinder
Weaknesses
- Only useful with a Tormek T-8 or compatible universal support
- Third-party part, not from Tormek
- Blades are inexpensive; the saving is small for a light user
The overall YardToolLab Score is out of 100. Section scores are out of 10.
A Jig for the Blades Everyone Throws Away
Robot mower blades are small pivoting razors that dull in a few weeks and are usually replaced by the pack. An owner with a Tormek T-8 water-cooled grinder can resharpen them instead, and this pair of third-party jigs holds the tiny blades at a fixed angle on the Tormek universal support so the grind is even and the fingers stay clear of the wheel.
This review is based on the listing specifications and on how Tormek jigs are used for small blades generally. We have not used these jigs ourselves and they are a third-party part, not made or endorsed by Tormek.
How It Works
The jig clamps a blade with its edge exposed and rides on the Tormek universal support bar, which sets the angle to the wheel. Pass the blade across the slow wet wheel a few times, flip for the other edge, strop on the leather wheel and swap the blade for the next. With two jigs, one blade is loaded while the other grinds and a disc of six blades takes a few minutes.
Is It Worth It
Only for someone who owns the grinder. The Tormek costs many hundreds and a pack of blades costs little; nobody buys a grinder for mower blades. But for a woodworker or a knife sharpener who has one and also runs a robot mower through a large lawn, resharpening a season of blades saves a pile of packs and the trips to buy them.
Limits
Blades can be sharpened a few times before they are too narrow or the pivot hole wears. Watch for a blade that is thinner than its partners on the disc and retire it. Some robot blades have a hardened coating that sharpening removes, after which they dull faster; owners of those may find replacement cheaper after all.
Fit
Made for the Tormek T-8 universal support. Other grinders with a 12 mm support bar may take it; the seller only claims the T-8. It is a generic part and the finish is workmanlike rather than Tormek quality.
Safety
Small blades and a spinning wheel are a poor combination for fingers. The jig is what keeps them apart; never freehand a robot blade on the wheel.
Who Should Buy It
- Tormek T-8 owners with a robot mower.
- Large-lawn owners who go through blades by the pack.
- Anyone who dislikes throwing steel away.
Common Owner Complaints
Finish and fit on grinders other than the T-8. It is a generic part; use it on the grinder it is made for.
Alternatives to Consider
Replacement blade packs, which suit most owners. The Tormek small knife holder for a brand-name jig. A diamond card and a steady hand for a quick touch-up.
Verdict
A niche jig for a niche owner: if a Tormek is already on the bench, it makes robot blades reusable and the cost is nothing. If it is not, buy blades.
Full specifications
Robot Mower Blade Sharpening Jig Compatible with Tormek T-8, 2 Pieces FAQs
For an owner with a Tormek and a mower that eats a pack of blades a month, yes. For an owner without a grinder, replacement blades cost less than the grinder would.
A few, until the blade is noticeably narrower or the pivot hole is worn. Balance matters less for small pivoting blades than for a single mower blade, but keep both edges even.
It is made for the Tormek universal support bar. Other grinders with the same 12 mm bar may take it; check the mount.
One blade grinds while the next is clamped, which halves the time for a disc of three or six blades.
