Using leather strop

[fraseman999]

Hi Guys,

New guy here, fancy a new T7.

Had a look at a lot of videos. Can anyone tell me if you use the strop to put on a micro bevel. Or just to take the burr off. Most of the videos i have looked at are a bit unclear.

Also i dont know if you are allowed but can anyone tell me where the cheapest place to purchase one is. I have had a look on google and dm tools seems about the best price. Someone out there may have other ideas.

Anyway thanks in advance.

John

[Jeff Farris]

John,

I use the honing wheel to create a micro-bevel, but there's a fine line between creating a micro-bevel and rounding over your edge. Takes a bit of practice, but once mastered it makes the process very fast.

[Rob]

Hi John

I bought mine from D&M in Twickenham four years ago.  They're a really good team. They also do a woodworking show every year at Kempton Park which has become one of the biggest in the country

I've bought countless machine tools from them over the years including lathes and bandsaws as well as many hand tools.  I rarely find anyone cheaper. Occasionally Axminster are but only for specific deals. Their after sales service is also excellent, I really love the place.

Don't hesitate by the way, I can honestly say that the Tormek has been the singularly most useful addition I ever put in my workshop after the table,band and chopsaws.

[fraseman999]

Thanks for quick response guys,

Jeff, with regards to your post.

When you strop, do you leave the stone, take the burr off, then micro bevel and take the burr off again.

Or do you leave the stone, create the micro bevel, and just take the burr off once.

Might sound like a bit nit picky, but on a waterstone when i change grits i always take the burr of before going to a smoother grit.

thanks again

john

[Ken S]

I've had the best success with price by dealing with my local dealer, when he ran store wide sales.  (Usually 20% off) 

What country are you interested in for dealers?

Ken

[fraseman999]

Hi Ken,

I am in the UK.

DM seems to be cheapest, i think with the straight jigs its around £520 or £430 ish without.

But the whole of the uk aint on google, so i would appreciate some feedback.

Thanks

John

[Justin]

Have a look at:

http://aird-tools.co.uk/shop/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=tormek

Some good deals and free delivery on orders over £100

[Ken S]

Hi, John.

I'm afraid I can't help you with dealers in the UK.  On rare occasion I have purchased a few very nice Moore and Wright machinist's tools from different people in the UK. (I'm in Ohio, USA)

Does Alan Holtham do a television show in the UK?

Ken

[Rob]

No, Alan Holtham is a freelance journalist with a specialism in woodworking (of course). He's basically a "hired gun" to the big tool manufacturers and is particularly specialised in doing hands on demos at shows and on DVD.

He was associated very closely with record power for many years and always did their wood turning or bandsaw etc practical demos at shows as well as many buyers guides for their products. More recently though I've noticed him popping up with other manufacturers...Tormek for one and Makita for another

I noticed at Kempton Park this year that Record Power had half the floor space they normally have with no sign of Alan so I'm guessing they're being a tad careful with cost right now. I've run a company for many years and know first hand the cost risk of a big exhibition

He guests on the occasional specialist woodworking show (discovery channel type stuff) but to my knowledge has never had his own show

It's a pity because he's a Yorkshireman (as am I) and also an excellent presenter. Come on Alan, lets see your own show!

[Rob]

Hi Ken,

I am in the UK.

DM seems to be cheapest, i think with the straight jigs its around £520 or £430 ish without.

But the whole of the uk aint on google, so i would appreciate some feedback.

I've just done a broad search and D&M are definitely currently doing the best deals

[Jeff Farris]

John,

What I do is take the wire edge off with the strop, and then just raise the angle fractionally on the honing wheel to create the micro-bevel.

[Justin]

Hi Ken,

I am in the UK.

DM seems to be cheapest, i think with the straight jigs its around £520 or £430 ish without.

But the whole of the uk aint on google, so i would appreciate some feedback.

I've just done a broad search and D&M are definitely currently doing the best deals

Aired-tools are cheaper

[fraseman999]

Thanks again

John

[Ken S]

John,

Thanks for the info about Alan Holtham.  I agree, he is probably a "hired gun", although a very personable and effective one.  I enjoy his videos. 

However,  naturally, being from this side of the pond, I am partial to our own homegrown Tormek SuperHero from Missouri.

I believe there is room for two Tormek Super Heroes on our planet.

Ken

[Rob]

Haha

Oh no, Alan isn't even in the same universe as Jeff where Tormek is concerned, his focus is far more generic.

In point of fact, with the possible exception of a few individuals deep in the R&D organisation of Tormek, I genuinely doubt anyone else on the planet has the sheer variety and hands on experience Jeff has, specifically with the Tormek. His dedication to that one piece of kit is of quite serious benefit to the global user community and he should be rightly proud of the contribution he has indirectly made to every edge in my kitchen and workshop.

So, I guess I for one would like to convey my thanks to him. His knowledge and willingness to share has helped me enormously and I have no doubt it has helped Tormek broaden their market.