[Adger Smith]

I'm a little reluctant to say this, but I'm going ahead. I think it needs to be said. First, Read everything you can about honing and honing procedures.
Well, Thanks guys. I guess I'm "Super Human" I bought a new AXE years ago and used it till late 90's and went to a CK-10, sold my CK 10 in 2005 and went back to the AXE. I sold the CK 10 to Frank Parks and he loves it. Then in 2013 I bought a Rottler with the diamond set up and Sunnen stone head...
Here is the deal. It takes time and patience as well as having a feel for what you are working on. I've been manual honing blocks since 1969( in a tank I built with a roll over fixture and a fluid pump and filter) and I (personal issues) would rather have the "Feel" than the automatic. It is total BS that these machines don't put out good work. The automatic CAN be more consistent in some cases. I still have my AXE and have taken MC cylinders out of it and blued them and "dusted" them in the Rottler with the same last grit and there is not a dimes difference. The Diamonds do make a difference.These machines are just like anything else, the person that uses it is the key. It is my opinion that the shop that has high volume and an employee needs to have the automatic machine. Let it knock the work out and go on. If you are a one or two man shop and have 4 hours to do a block right, get it. The real deal with honing Automatic & Manual is learning to control Speed of the stroke and load of the stone to get the proper degree angle & surface finish. There is a lot to it and I think every shop needs a good profilometer ( there are differences in those, too) to check work he is doing. I really like sitting and watching my Rottler work, but by spending so many years doing it manual it keeps me from making big mistakes that the automatic machine can do for you. (remember the operator) Don't let anybody scare you off if a manual fits your needs and your abilities. You can't be a hack or butcher with one and get good results. You have too have a feel for it. Ok, let all the experts flame away!! That includes you too Carl. I expect you know more about it than anyone.