I had the shaver before I started buying wheels. Is the shaver better than lathed - no. Are the shaved wheels better than stock - yes. Are the shaved wheels better than sanded or files wheels - yes. Is there a trick to using the shaver -yes. The trick is honing the edge. You must hone the cutting edge and then hone the whole flat blade itself. You must work the edge with a fine true stone. You can not leave any rough or machined areas on the cutting edge. Only then will it shave properly. Also polish the shaft that goes in the hub to a mirror finish or you will screw up your bore. Also hone a nice edge on the side of the blade to true the width of the wheel as well. This method can win you some local races. If you want to compete at a higher level you have to buy lathed wheels done by pro's.