So Sad. Ken Rizzo ran a great company with great customer service and was personable to boot. WTW has been my choice of sanding discs for a long time,, but I am switching to Vince's WoodNwonders and will spend my time turning rather than fight for something I need.
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Woodturners Wonders
- Thread starter Lou Currier
- Start date
I use WTW mesh sanding disks (3") in fine grits, up to p1200. I've checked around, but not found alternatives.
Ken (Branches to Bowls Ken) is great to work with, A++.
In fact I changed my mind after the order, called Ken next morning, and he said shipment hasn't gone out yet. He repacked my order with VL300 instead of VL240, charged the small price difference, and shipped next day!
My main appreciation is customer service, he always picked up my calls!
Steve Worcester
Admin Emeritus
Not the same price, but we sell Abranet
Pardon my ignorance, but what is the company name?
Does Abranet make 3" disks in grits finer than p400?
And pardon me for butting in, but I see the company name at the bottom under Steve's avitar photo of the dogs. Look for "Website."
A few clicks and I saw 3" Abranet disks up to 1000 grit.
JKJ
Mirka is the maker of Abranet.
Ahh! Found it on my PC (turningwood.com). That info was not displayed on my cell phone.
I'm way too old to be looking at web sites on my cell phone. Or filling out forms, ordering things. I use it for calls. And texts. Oh, and a photo or two. These little supercomputer communicators and high-definition still/video cameras we all carry these days are amazing. Except for the little screen. And the keyboard.
Beam me up, Scotty.
JKJ (typing on a real keyboard with clicky keys and viewing on dual 27" monitors)
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I have dual 28" monitors. Not sure I would want to downsize. Ha ha.
Same here. Although I love the new laptop in the house, the desktop in the shop is king and the monitors are knights in shining armor.
I started using dual monitors decades ago, when the only monitors available were massive hot, bulky CRTs with wide bezels. I had four computers with duals when doing the 3D graphics work so if one was busy I could roll my chair over to another across the room. How decadent.
I posted this photo before: my basement Dungeon where the commute to work was measured in seconds. This is one corner - along about then LEDs were becoming available, what an improvement. The other, smaller monitors were for video. I worked in the Dungeon until we moved to the farm a few years before I retired in '06 and downsized to just two dual monitor computers. I don't remember how I got by...
I still have a CRT degaussing coil if anyone wants it.
I LOVED the work but still kept a cartoon pinned up of Ziggy looking at a historical marker that said something like "On this spot in 19[whatever] Edgar [someone] said 'The heck with it and never went to work again.' "
JKJ
Steve Tiedman said:
Try as I might over the past decades, I've never gotten another person to take up woodturning.
Space to do woodturning can be a major problem. In my neighborhood the older 1915 homes like ours have workspace in the basement complete with a built in work bench. Plenty of space for woodturning. The new homes run about $2.5M with no workspace, bedrooms even in the basement. Worse is, more than 50% in the city now live in rentals with no workspace.
Woodturning can be very expensive. This forum seems to have degraded into "which expensive tool should I buy to become an expert turner". In the last week or two someone posted a picture partially showing the headstock of a 1940 vintage Delta lathe, not something that's often seen here. Would that lathe owner be a better turner with a $10K Oneway or Robust?
After the lathe purchase comes dollars for grinding equipment. Seeing Richard Raffan hand grinding his tools makes me wonder if you can't save a fortune there. Developing the manual dexterity to hand grind might help with the dexterity needed to hand turn?
Try as I might over the past decades, I've never gotten another person to take up woodturning.
Space to do woodturning can be a major problem. In my neighborhood the older 1915 homes like ours have workspace in the basement complete with a built in work bench. Plenty of space for woodturning. The new homes run about $2.5M with no workspace, bedrooms even in the basement. Worse is, more than 50% in the city now live in rentals with no workspace.
Woodturning can be very expensive. This forum seems to have degraded into "which expensive tool should I buy to become an expert turner". In the last week or two someone posted a picture partially showing the headstock of a 1940 vintage Delta lathe, not something that's often seen here. Would that lathe owner be a better turner with a $10K Oneway or Robust?
After the lathe purchase comes dollars for grinding equipment. Seeing Richard Raffan hand grinding his tools makes me wonder if you can't save a fortune there. Developing the manual dexterity to hand grind might help with the dexterity needed to hand turn?
Donna Banfield
TOTW Team
I can think of one advantage, to starting with a high end, quality lathe...because I lived that experience. My woodturning journey began on a Craftsman lathe. I wanted to turn bowls. Moving the tool rest required a wrench. The chuck jaws hand to be moved individually, just like a machinist chuck. And even with brand new bearings, that motor was noisy. There was nothing pleasant about turning on that lathe, and everything was a pain. I outgrew (got tired of) that lathe in 6 weeks and began the search for a replacement.
Stumbled upon a used Oneway 2436 for sale on a listserve (how woodturners communicated before these forums existed), and raced 4 others to Queens, NY, hauling a covered UHaul in a 'Nor'easter storm to be first in line. (Note, this was a time when used Oneways did not show for sale very often). I realize I lucked out in getting a top-of-the-line piece of machinery in my first year of turning.
As I continued with my woodturning journey, learning all the muscle-memory movements, and nuances, the one truth was this: if something wasn't working, it was all on me. I could not blame poor performing equipment. A well-made piece of equipment will do what it was designed to do, every time.
I also learned how to free-hand sharpen my gouges from JoHannes Michelson, before he developed the Vector sharpening system. My left hand is my jig/guide. It took more than three months of practice, every day. And I still have and use several gouges with that free-hand grind.
Let's not forget, Raffan has a bit of experience! Likewise with Chris Ramsey and other pros.
I read once that the motions and control needed for sharpening by hand are somewhat similar turning. The advice was to set up the grinder at the same height as the lathe spindle. I do sharpen certain tools by hand. I can sharpen gouges by hand but don't like to.
Judging from some tools people have brought me for sharpening help and how little they were interested in the process, I've decided some people would benefit greatly from a jig. Or have them get a pile of old tools to grind to nubs. And provide lots of instruction sessions.
JKJ
One of the first turners I happened upon when I started turning was JoHannes Michelson and free hand sharpening. I just had too many problems with that and I got the Oneway Wolverine System which I still have and sometimes use. But me being me when I ran into something else I had to try it. So I have most all sharpening systems (I even have the Pro Grind Sharpening System down in the shop unopened with an unopened Delta grinder). Also a Tormek that Nick Agar always tried to get me to use. But at SWAT one year as I was walking through the sales floor I stopped at Michelson's booth and saw the new Vector Sharpening System and bought it on the spot. The Vector is what I use 99.99% of the time. Using a system (no matter which one) will give you a sharp tool every time without fuss or muss. I respect those that can do freehand as I cannot.
Is it not time to start a new thread title, as the recent discussions have nothing to do with the decline of WTW?
I've shown this picture before. Chris Ramsey was at our in 2015 club turning a cowboy hat and sharpened his gouge freehand in an extremely short time. Talk about respect - I was blown away. I asked him if I could see it up close and took a photo. Then since the bevel itself was a little hard to see in the picture, I colored it red.
I was impressed by the way he ground the clearance on the heel, the minimalistic perfect cutting bevel, and how quick he ground it. I suspect he'd had some practice.
Chris came prepared to demo! brought his Oneway on a trailer, dollys and helper to unload, lights, grinder on a stand. He turned a fantastic hat (and round frame) in an impressively short time. And what a good-natured gentleman!
As I understand the protocol here, anyone can start a new thread at any time.
I really liked dealing with the Ken Rizza WTW. Always reachable, prompt, reliable, took special orders, reasonable prices, fixed any issue.
JKJ
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LOL! I am probably in the minority but I don't even NOTICE the thread titles - I just click on new posts up top and work my way through each and every one without bothering with what the title is.. (or when it was posted) So I don't even notice when a thread goes off on a tangent to its original discussion.
Maybe not. I rather enjoy the tangents - I learn so much from spinoffs, free association.
The times I moderated forums we policed nothing except the usual banned subjects: politics, religion, vulgarity, personal attacks.
But I have a naturally disorganized mind - just ask my wife. My two remaining brain cells are probably bruised from flopping around in my empty scull.
However, spiraling tangents might be irritating for organized people those who search for a specific thing and find it started at the north pole and quickly went south.
and irritating to the original poster who's question may not have been fully addressed.
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In this particular case... "What Question?" - one wasn't asked, the original post was just a comment on the supposed state of WTW... I didn't see any questions implied, just someone's opinion on perceived bad customer service....so I imagine this thread spiraling off on some completely unrelated tangent doesn't really matter.. But anyhoo... Likely eventually the thread will just die off until someone years later resurrects it (Which is also sometimes irritating, no?)
What would it be like if there were no tangents? Let us talk about this glass of water. Well it looks clear. Well the glass has no finger prints. Hmmm. Now with tangents. Let us talk about this glass of water. Well it looks clear. That's because the city cleans it before it gets to you from the lake. Oh yeah, the lake. There is really good fishing in the lake. Yes nothing like a good smoked trout. Really glad the government pushes the fact that smoking is bad for your health. ad infinitum!
For me this would be a pretty boring place if you did not see tangents every once in awhile
For me this would be a pretty boring place if you did not see tangents every once in awhile
His site, Hannestool dot com only gets WordPress errors and redirections to totally unrelated stuff
I do love the tangents! I did hear at our last club meeting that Ken Rizza is now selling carving tools of the rotary type. I don't think he sits still very long....
robo hippy
robo hippy
Ken told me if Feb his planed new business venture was high speed carving tools, maybe close to dental drill speeds.
If so, they might be great for piercing. Wood, not body parts, except maybe by accident...
Sir Google tells me this:
Detroit Area Woodturners
From: Ken Rizza <ken@powercarvingdepot.com>
Date: Wed, Jun 25, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Subject: What I’ve been up to (and how your club can benefit)
To: Ken Rizza <Ken@powercarvingdepot.com>, Karen Schlawin <karen@powercarvingdepot.com>
Hi, this is Ken Rizza. You might know me as the founder of Woodturners Wonders — I sold the company in 2022, though I still consult with them.
I recently got into power carving, and after seeing the steep prices out there, I decided to do something about it.
That’s how Power Carving Depot was born — same model as Woodturners Wonders: great products, better prices, and top-notch customer service.
We’ve launched an affiliate program that I originally created for instructors and demonstrators — but I realized it’s perfect for clubs too.
Here’s how it works:
Your club gets a custom link (e.g. powercarvingdepot.com/my-club) to order through.
Members get free shipping.
The club earns 10% back on everything purchased.
No fees, no catch — just a simple way to raise money for your club.
If any of your members teach or demo, we can set them up with their own affiliate link as well.
Feel free to forward this to your board or members. Let me know if you have questions or want to get started — I’d love to work with your club.
Happy Carving!
Ken Rizza website is powercarvingdepot.com
Power Carving Depot
Disclosure: I have no connection with this company and certainly won't get a penny from posting ths. JKJ
Nice work.
Darn, his site was working. I wonder if he knows about it. I sent him an email.
So, WTW. I ordered a couple wheels off them on the 14th. On the order confirmation it says that I will be notified when the order is shipped. Still no items or shipment notification on the 21st. I sent an email to their customer service and, after the boilerplate customer service speak (warehousing system issues) , they (Kim Lavarias if anyone is interested) assured me the order is now being processed and should ship Monday (25th). 'Processed' doesn't mean charged, of course, they charged me on the 14th. Monday comes and goes with no shipment notification. I figure I'll give them another shout on Friday if I don't hear anything. Not sure how long I'll wait before cancelling. I'd be fine if their customer service told me they are back-ordered or similar, but I'm not really interested in entertaining 'The check is in the mail'. Really would be nice to have them before the long weekend. In contrast, I bought a Thompson gouge on the 24th, had a UPS tracking number on the 25th, and it should be here tomorrow.
D Way also comes highly recommended but they are a lot more expensive. I'd prefer to go with quality but $240 / wheel is a tough sell. Rockler has lower prices but not a great selection and they're currently out of stock. Roll the dice with cheaper ones off Amazon with guaranteed shipping? Fine line between borrowing trouble and planning for contingencies.
D Way also comes highly recommended but they are a lot more expensive. I'd prefer to go with quality but $240 / wheel is a tough sell. Rockler has lower prices but not a great selection and they're currently out of stock. Roll the dice with cheaper ones off Amazon with guaranteed shipping? Fine line between borrowing trouble and planning for contingencies.
john lucas
AAW Forum Expert
I have had a DWay. Excellent. I'm still using a Woodturnerswonders 350 grit. Good wheel. I just bought a cheap wheel off Amazon. 180 grit with flat sides and rounded edges. $129.SEEMS OK.
I bought CBN wheels for my 7” Baldor grinder back when Ken had it. He had to special order them, but he did so gladly and efficiently. Recently decided I’d like to have one in #180 rather than the #220 that I got back then, and I got a notice from the new owner that they now had CBN wheels in stock. I emailed them asking if they had the 7” wheels and got back a reply that was more than a little confusing because it was so badly worded, but the answer is apparently…… no. It’s not like when Ken had it, for sure.
I haven't used Woodturner's Wonder so I am, I think, unbiased. The question that pops into my head is, "Why bother with them? Why not just move on?" They clearly are not the company they once were.
I bought CBNs on Amazon for $110 each. Granted, it was probably a risk, but I didn't know any better at the time. These wheels have been great for me. No issues. I don't have anything to compare to, but I can't imagine a $240 wheel is twice as good. You can spend more on radiused edges, wide profile wheels, etc., of course.
I bought CBNs on Amazon for $110 each. Granted, it was probably a risk, but I didn't know any better at the time. These wheels have been great for me. No issues. I don't have anything to compare to, but I can't imagine a $240 wheel is twice as good. You can spend more on radiused edges, wide profile wheels, etc., of course.
I saw in some SWAT videos that they had a booth there. Looked like Ken was even in the booth helping out. Wonder if anyone stopped by and complained about the customer support to them?
Kurt, Do you have a link to the ones you purchased? Were they steel or aluminum?
I talked to Ken Rizza in January. He was helping the new guy in the booth. I stopped in for a new 600 grit CBN wheel.
I've bought a lot from him over the years - I liked that he was happy to special order things he didn't normally carry and get them quickly at good prices. This reminds me I wanted to call him with some carving questions.
JKJ
I wondered the same thing - I've only ever used aluminum wheels (on both the Tormek and bench grinders). Years ago I heard that the heavy steel wheels available at that time might stress 1/2hp bench grinders.
It has an aluminum body, according to the specs.
Those look good, I might recommend them to some people. Thanks for the tip.
One thing to keep in mind is the Amazon page indicates the width is only 1". I've been spoiled with the WTW MegaSquare wheels, 1.5" wide and with 1" of grid down the sides. I like the wider wheel especially when sharpening large skews, and use the side grit when making some custom tools. However, the WTW wheels (if you can get them!) are more, listed at $180. (I use 60 and 600 grits)
Mega Square 8" Diameter, 5/8" Arbor
This wheel is for customers who are not concerned about having a radius edge, it offers more flat area on both the surface and sides than any of our other wheels. The wheel edge is covered with CBN material and is a full 1.5 inches wide and 8-inches in diameter. The side faces are a full 1-inch...
woodturnerswonders.com
JKJ
Yeah, and I never knew them 'before'. I just started turning and my first experience with them is somewhat south of ideal. Frankly I've given them more leeway that I would most vendors, so fair point there.
D Way claims to have steel wheels designed specifically for 1/2 hp grinders, but again, $240 a wheel.