To those of u who have used this system for a while, do u feel it is developing your skills toward using nothing but a whetstone &amp; holding by hand?
751787
Having had poor results for many years sharpening 'free hand', I am pleased to rely on using the systems guides. I see no reason to go back.
88354
I personally always hold it with one hand, and never had a problem, whether sanding, or cutting wood, or whatever. However, you cannot operate it with one hand at all times - for example, if you want to change the speed, the button for that is at the end of the tool, so there is no way to reach it with one hand while holding it at the same time; worse, it's hard to switch it on/off with one hand while holding, so it's best to do that with two hands. Bottom line: if you have reasonable arm strength, you should be able to operate it with one hand for a decent amount of time (enough for most jobs), but you will still need two hands to do some things, such as change speed or turn on/off. I personally always hold it with one hand, and never had a problem, whether sanding, or cutting wood, or whatever. However, you cannot operate it with one hand at all times - for example, if you want to change the speed, the button for that is at the end of the tool, so there is no way to reach it with one hand while holding it at the same time; worse, it's hard to switch it on/off with one hand while holding, so it's best to do that with two hands. Bottom line: if you have reasonable arm strength, you should be able to operate it with one hand for a decent amount of time (enough for most... » Read More I personally always hold it with one hand, and never had a problem, whether sanding, or cutting wood, or whatever. However, you cannot operate it with one hand at all times - for example, if you want to change the speed, the button for that is at the end of the tool, so there is no way to reach it with one hand while holding it at the same time; worse, it's hard to switch it on/off with one hand while holding, so it's best to do that with two hands. Bottom line: if you have reasonable arm strength, you should be able to operate it with one hand for a decent amount of time (enough for most jobs), but you will still need two hands to do some things, such as change speed or turn on/off. « Show Less
1420947
When I first got mine, I hated it because it's kind of heavy (compared to other grabbers), and it made my hand cramp, but after using it for a while, it got easier. I guess it just exercised muscles I wasn't used to using.
1220298
Yeah.Only you need a little practice and patience.With the time anyone can handle this perfectly. :)
1294454
I have not used it much for that but it feels great in the hand and is very sharp. A few slides down a sharpening stone and its perfect. Don't know if that helps.
2201822
Yes, it just takes some getting used to. I use mine on a near daily basis, and its now second nature doing vegetable prep with it.
486709
Yes, I've found it build great strength in the hands/fingers/forearms and rapidly. The tension adjustment is a nice feature so you can adjust to your needs. Highly recommended. Don't exercise too much right away so you don't strain a muscle! Just build gradually. All the best...
1194900
Hi! Really nothing can be done for that...My daughter got frustrated a lot too, so I would start the bit for her and let her finish it. She figured out how to hold it on her own with time!...a month or so.She has actually started helping me with me real drill, closely supervised of course. Best of luck to your kiddos!
137971
About the same. My hand issues make it easy on point-click but any hold - drag has learning curve.
1394711
My long sword is to light at the grip. But, I believe unless you fill the pommel and grip with metal, the material is not giving you any more. Still a good thing for basic training, If you are more advanced use the real thing.
2119494
Yes! I've done it before. There are many youtube videos to help you learn the technique.
1139719
I had mine a week (not an autostart model) and could not get it going. The company told me rotate my wrist in small circles like stirring a pot, slowly at first. Once I got the feeling, I could do it every time easily.
630888
I am careful when using something like this. I only use it on occasion. Yes, my hands feel the impact, if I exceed an occasional use. I think this is a product that is best avoided for those of us that have hand issues--or possibly if we are collecting social security because we qualify with our age. :O)
122975
with a lot of practice you can use it by yourself. but be willing to put in several hours first. I've gotten many useful answers on mine, but only after a few weeks of getting better at it.
551662
I think so. To be honest i never use it anymore, I found something I like much better and that is much more effective. Also, it can be uncomfortable at times. Good luck!
1595518
This is my most often used garden tool. I've never had my hand slip ever while using this tool. I recommend using gloves if you do much work with it as it will leave the palm of your hand sore if you do a lot of weeding with it. I also recommend that you sharpen it at least once each season depending on use. A sharp tool works better and requires less effort. I had the same concerns you do before I started using it. I have another version of this tool with a guard but like this one better. I forgot about the guard thing until you asked about it.
1828663
I have found this device very hard to use. I end up needing to put one handle on the ground and push with all my weight on the other. I then got a knipex bolt cutter that does the job with much less effort. I still use this one but it is a pain in the neck so I avoid using it.