New diamond wheels, kits and older Tormek models

[Ken S]

We seem to have some confusion about the compatability of the new Tormek diamond wheels and different kits/jigs with older Tormek models.

With grinding wheels, the proof is in examining the shafts. Every Tormek model ever made has a 12mm shaft. The regular shafts and the early stainless shafts have a right hand 12mm thread and nut holding the grinding wheel. The EZYlock has a coarser left hand 12mm thread. Every 250mm diameter Tormek grinding wheel is fully compatable with every 250mm Tormek model. Every 200mm diameter Tormek grinding wheel is fully compatable with every 200mm Tormek model.

The jigs work with the universal support bar. The US-105 support bar for the 250mm models is almost identical with the US-103 support bar for 200mm models, the only difference being that it is 10mm shorter to allow for the 40mm thickness of the smaller wheels, instead of the 50mm thickness of the larger wheels. Both sizes share the identical handbook.

Tormek does not recommend it, however, the 200mm grinding wheels will also work with the 250mm Tormeks. They work as well as any 250mm wheel worn down to 200mm. (They may require an additional spacer washer, no big deal.) For the record, a 250mm grinding wheel will fit onto a 200mm Tormek, if used dry, as some CBN wheels are recommended. Although these combinations can work, they are not ideal. That stated, I would not hesitate to use a Norton 3X 46 or 80 grit wheel on the larger Tormek. Although these wheels are 8inch diameter, they give trooper service as coarse wheels with the Tormek. For $50 US, they offer a lot of firepower.

The point of this post is to advise everyone that Tormek has not abandoned owners of the older models. An ancient SuperGrind T2000 with a new diamond wheel will perform as well as a T8 with the same wheel.

Ken