Turners, Tormek use question

[SharpenADullWitt]

How often do you turn your Tormek around doing turning tools (and for what)?

I am thinking I don't really need a second rotating base, as my hand tool/knife one, I expect will get rotated a lot more then the unit setup for turning. (but would rather learn from others habits first)

[RichColvin]

SADW,

I have found that I can do it all from one side and never turn it around.   Too much hassle. 

Kind regards,
Rich

[Rob]

Never.  Only use my Tormek for spindle and bowl gouges and only use it in the wheel moving away from blade position ie horizontal.

[Stickan]

Every time I use it, I do sharpen all my dull stuff at the same time, and expecially for knifes and chisels, I use the honing wheel every time so I need to turn the machine,

Best,
Stig

[Hatchcanyon]

I also don't turn the machine at any time. Stone on the right side.

Rolf

[Rob]

Every time I use it, I do sharpen all my dull stuff at the same time, and expecially for knifes and chisels, I use the honing wheel every time so I need to turn the machine,

Best,
Stig

He's talking about turning tools though Stig :-)  I also turn mine around when sharpening anything in vertical mode....we all do don't we?  :-)

[Ken S]

That's the accepted EU practice. 

Ken

[Stickan]

Rob,
I understood that, my comment was to show that you can sharpen more than turning tools :-)
Supriclingly many Tormek owners dont think about all the other tools they can sharpen with this system.

Best,
Stig

[Ken S]

I think we are all overlooking something. SADW mentioned in the first post that he was considering whether he would need a second rotating base for his (second) Tormek which he intends to use primarily for turning tools. The question is should he have rotating bases for both Tormeks?

Over the years I have accumulated duplicates for several jigs and accessories. Some, like the knife jigs and universal supports, I have used for efficiency. Some, like the platform jig and the platform of the scissors jig, I purchased to modify. Even though I also have more than one Tormek, it has never occurred to me to purchase a second rotating base.

The rotating base is attached to the Tormek by only gravity. I routinely remove it from under the Tormek after each sharpening session as part of regular cleanup. I lean it against the Tormek to dry. It can be used with any Tormek and switching takes only seconds.

I consider the new 186 gouge jig essential for turners. One rotating base, as Stig points out, is useful for general sharpening when using the vertical position. I would put a second rotating base lower on the wish list.

Ken

[Rob]

I agree the 186 is the bees knees. For turning tools specifically I'm less certain about the rotating base although as a bit of luxury for a Christmas present its a nice option. But because of the primary horizontal grinding with elliptical tools it's a little superfluous just for that function

Having said that, I'd like one anyway......any takers for my Christmas pressie :-)

[Ken S]

Point well taken, Rob.

I don't think that horizontal (wheel turning away) was part of the original Tormek vision, although it certainly is a useful development.

Ken

[SharpenADullWitt]

Point well taken, Rob.

I don't think that horizontal (wheel turning away) was part of the original Tormek vision, although it certainly is a useful development.

Ken

You have proof of that by the fact the there was no mount on the front originally.
I did upgrade/purchase the three newest/upgraded jigs.   (think they were more benefit then a second rotating base)

[Ken S]

Good point SADW. While your agrument in another topic convinces me of the value of having a rotating base, and probably a rotating base for the second Tormek, the new jigs are also a substantial improvement. The old jigs are not bad; the new jigs are just much better. For a turner, I consider the new 186 gouge jig essential. For woodworkers, the SE-77 is in a league of its own for plane blades. I'm not sure which third jig you mean. The switch to zinc is a step up for any jig.

Rich Colvin, an avid turner who switched to the new 186 gouge jig, has a very clever use for his older 185 gouge jig. Rich uses some turning tools with inserts. He uses his 185 set up for inserts as a separate jig. Clever, Rich!

Ken

[SharpenADullWitt]

One has to fulfill their priorities and keep their budgets.

[Ken S]

I totally agree. In most of my life I am a thrifty person. Even with my Tormek addiction, I have not been able to force myself to purchase the axe jig. 

Ken