Jim Hall wrote:
I have a Tormek too, Barry.. but flattening plane iron on side of
Tormek grinding wheel was never to successful for me.

I do that on stones or glass. G

In other words, does an
8000 grit waterstone, for example, really make a difference. I have one
and use one, but wonder, does it really make a difference for the
average woodworker..

I think so, and it only takes seconds.