Truing Tool

[Jim Watkins]

When I opened my kit, the truing tool looks like a cylinder.  Is it supposed to look that way and will I need to loosen and reposition it from time to time to keep the wheel true?

By the way, I had a great time chatting with you at the show here in Portland, OR. Jeff.  Thanks for the tips.  I have more questions, but will post them as time permits.

Thanks again.

[Jeff Farris]

Hi Jim.

The bronze tip looks smooth when new, but it has dozens of diamond chips in the tip --- kind of like nuts in Jello.  Once you start using the tip, the bronze will wear and some of the diamond chips will be exposed.  

The simplest way to set the truing tool up is to set the diamond on the lowest point of the stone.  If you can't locate the lowest point, guess -- you'll find the true low point later. Check the alignment from the side of the machine.  The tip should be setting flat on the stone so that it is not digging in with either the front edge or the heel.  Once located in this manner, lock the Universal Tool Support and bring the depth stop against the back of the diamond cutter handle and lock the stop.  Now, the cutter is limited from digging any deeper into the stone than its lowest point.  

Start the machine and feed very slowly from one side toward the other, keeping the handle of the cutter tight against the depth stop.  The slower you go, the better surface you will create on your stone. Any scratches that you create can be smoothed out with the stone grader.