First, yes SS works and works well. If you have the space, try finding a granite drop from counter top sink cut out. Then you can glue all the papers down at one time. Thats what I did and it worked well, just messy if you use water. I need to be able to sharper planner and jointer blades so I went with a power sharpener, but not because I was disappointed in Scary Sharp.

: I have seen some of those spinning disk with abrasive type sharpeners coming
: way down in price, far less that a Tormeck machine.

Take a look at the Makita Knife Sharper. I bought a used one off EBay and it's been one of the best purchases I have made. I found one with all three stones. A 50(?) grit for removing metal fast. Then the standard stone and a really fine white stone. What I like best about it is that I can sharpen everything on it. 12" planer and jointer blades, hand plane blades, chisels and I don't have a bunch of different jigs either.

As long as I don't knick a blade or let it get really dull, I can sharpen a blade in a couple of minutes. Even if I have to change out stones it's still really quick and it can easily make it sharing sharp. I don't bother on powered planer blades though, but I do with my hand tools.