a visit with the parts man

[Ken S]

Forum member, Garrett McDaniel, sent me a pm requesting how to purchase parts for his knife jig. I referred him to Wolfgang Derke at Advanced Machinery, the major North American Tormek parts dealer. Although I have never met Wolfgang personally, I have been a satisfied Advanced customer for eight years.

Garrett lives close to Newark, Delaware, where Advanced is located. I suggested that he drive there in person, combining a practical errand with an enjoyable Tormek day. The attached photo is a happy souvenir of that visit. Wolfgang is on the left; Garrett is on the right.

Ken

ps A special thank you to my resident tech expert, Grepper, for helping me post the photo. Once again, Grepper has made the impossible possible.

[RichColvin]

I've found working with Wolfgang to be quite pleasing.  He's got great customer service and I always receive my parts faster than i expected.

[GeoTech]

Yes, Wolfgang and Advanced are super to deal with.

[RickKrung]

I don't know how many employees Advanced has, but the one I have dealt with (in addition to the owner, Wolfgang), Tracy, has been wonderful.  Very helpful, knowledgeable and even remembered me.  Advanced is where I got the adjustable collar locking screws for replacing the O-rings. 

Rick

[Ken S]

Some guys like to customize their cars or trucks. I have no interest in this, although I do like to customize my Tormeks. I appreciate being able to get my parts from Advanced.
My T4 now has the steel EZYlock nut and quick release for the leather honing wheel.
I use several one inch thick grinding wheels, so I ordered four extra spacer washers. The Tormek washers are nicely machined and are made of stainless steel.
I ordered two extra stone hooks for my Tormek Work Station. It now holds four wheels, a more workable number when I added the diamond wheels.
I ordered a spare microadjust to use as a lock nut. That idea did not work out as hoped, however, it was nice to have access to a good parts dealer.

Advanced also took good care of me when my first T7 was stolen. Many of the included components were not stolen. Through Advanced, I was able to order just the components I needed.

Ken