Tormek PROFFS-250 - rare model?

[hhh]

Hi! I'm interested about this Tormek which I cannot find any more information about. Type plate says for the model: PROFFG-250 (although it could be also PROFFS-250, there's a bird poo on the label image i have).

It's also interesting since there is more mounting points for tool support than I've seen before.

Just by pictures it seems all good but before I put down the cash next weekend I'd like to know if there is some information about this unit

Thanks!

[Ken S]

Welcome  Ilmarihh.

You should email Tormek support immediately. (support@tormek.se) Be sure to start the title of your email with URGENT., as this is time sensitive. (Support is dedicated, but not heavily staffed.)

Please keep us posted. I don't think any of us has seen this model before.

Ken

[hhh]

Ok, I'll resend my email to support with this notice!

[Ken S]

Excellent!

[John_B]

Please post what they say. It would be interesting to know a little bit about this seemingly obscure model.

[Ken S]

I received a CC to the email I sent to support this morning. I prefer to let Ilmarihh post the results first. Support has done an outstanding job?

Ken

[brinky]

I have the same model, great machine. Quoted the model number to support who did not have it listed! The inline mounting points are great feature, I remove the original polish wheel and replaced with leather. I am from Perth West Australia, sharpening knives and scissors is my job full time.

[Ken S]

Occasionally I send a screen shot of a topic to Tormek support. In this case, I knew that time was critical. I know support wears many hats with Tormek (English idiom meaning has many other responsibilities). Support really delivered. Here are their replies:

"Hi Ilmari.

The Proffs 250 is a predecessor to the newer PR-250, that eventually ended up in the Tormek S-4000 line.

This is a wider S-2000 that was intended for the food market ex butcher, chefs and so.

Most parts are the same today. There can be some minor modification needed but it is nothing we can´t help you with.
What I do not know is if the main shaft is the full length PR-250 or the shorter model from the SAB.
I need a better picture of the whole machine to be able to answer you. But you should be able to use the 250 line of stone and diamond wheels.
I guess the main shaft needs an extra washer if a new stone is going to be used. I don't know the condition of the drive wheel or the honing wheel.
I guess it is the aluminium oxide wheel on that machine. They often need a refreshing with sandpaper or emery cloth to soften up the surface.
Besides that the honing wheel is similar to the wheel we use today on our T-2.

This is a very rare machine, and there is not much info about it on the net, most is from my head.=)
I hope this helped."


"Hi I was on the forum a saw another picture.
This is the wide PR-250 model. I hope the machine comes with universal support because we do no longer have that model as a spare."


Ilmari, I am happy for you.You have discovered a rare and fascinating vintage Tormek. You also have both Tormek Support and Brinky, an experienced user who uses the same model regularly. If, by chance, you do not have the support bar, I think we can help. Several of us have reconfigured the BGM-100 in various ways. Also, Several members have had custom support bars made by local machinists/welders. And, you may be able to find an original part.

Please keep us posted.

Ken

ps to Brinky: Over the years I have read interesting woodworking posts by "Derek from Perth"
(Derek Cohen). Do you happen to know him? If so, would you please convey my compliments on his well done reviews.

[brinky]

Just to add, the US support legs are wider than the normal US-105 3"against 4.5/8", the new 430 US support will not fit this machine, another would have to made to suit. All latest parts fit, this machine runs a bit cooler than the 4000 model which is fully enclosed. Hope this helps. Ian

[Ken S]

Ilmari,

I have an idea for a support bar for you as an alternative to having one made from scratch by a local welder. The later 4000 models used a special US-400 support bar, the US meaning Universal Support.
The US-400 had a longer bar, which also extended on both ends. It has the special threads for the Microadjust. The two arms are the same distance apart as the present US-105 (and US-103 for the T4).

Very soon, an improved version of the US-400 will be available. The difference is that the two vertical legs of the US-1430 are longer. This allows it to work with cleavers. The longer length should work better with your longer Tormek. It is all stainless steel. It has the Acme threads for the microadjust. The only thing needed to adapt it to your Tormek would be sawingoff or "unwelding" the unthreaded leg and "rewelding " the leg to fit your distance apart.

This would give you the correct longer length, threaded for the Microadjust. The only cost above the US-1430 would be welding the one leg.

I will post when I know the price of the US-1430. Stay tuned.

Ken

[hhh]

Thanks! Sorry for not updating.

I do not yet have this beauty. Seller (whos late husbad had this) taught it was only few years old and is asking quite high price. Now she replied to me that she might give it to her neighbour and not arrange it to me. So, I need to promise high enough price before seeing this or knowing if it runs or not. Let's see how this goes. I'm trying to get it since I feel like I'm already grown into it  If I'm successful you'll get good pictures and more info about this machine

EDIT: I managed agree that I'll get a call from the seller later this evening to confirm it works. She hasn't tried it yet before. If it works it I will buy it tomorrow.

Thanks for your support and knowledge!

[Ken S]

Ilmari,

As much as I think the Tormek you found is a rare and interesting Tormek, from a practical standpoint, you should compare it with a new T8 or T4. assuming you would be purchasing it to use rather than as a collector's item, the cost should be substantially less than the cost of a new unit, which comes with Tormek's ironclad seven year warranty and all the latest improvements.

Assuming the vintage Tormek does not come with the TT-50 truing tool, add another $100 US to the cost. You will probably end up with another $100 in a custom support bar. Add another hundred (almost) for a leather honing wheel. A new T8 comes with all of these included, as well as the SE-77 square edge jig.

From what you say, I think the seller has an unrealistic evaluation of its value. With the latest information, I think you would do better to pyrchase a new Tormek.

Ken

ps The successor to this model was already out of production when I started in 2009. I think the lady's memory of just a "few" years may be mistaken.

[hhh]

Yes, true. I'd love to find something old which still works flawlessly. I have made my calculations how much I need to possibly spend on accessories. Still I've made my mind that if it works and I get it for 100€ + something extra for shipping/carrying then I'm happy to buy it.

T-8 would really be overkill for my current use and that T-4 bushcraft would be (or have been) my first choice. This kind of design and customer support is just too rate these days where you can get info, help and spare parts for old devices.

Well, I'm still waiting for that message to confirm it's a running unit...

[Ken S]

Ilmari,
Almost all of the Tormek jigs will fit your vintage machine. The only exceptions are the very few jigs which require attachment into the sleeves. They also work with the T4, in the event that you end up with both.
Keep us posted.
Ken

[hhh]

Ok, I have it It is in really good condition. The rubber wheel which turns the axle and rubber honing wheel are not perfectly round but that's not too bad.

Stone was surprisingly straight and I did some grinding with sharpening stone to clean it up a little.

I made a quick universal support from 12mm axle (4,95€) and some 12mm threaded I had. I think it came out good enough to get some jigs and start sharpening!

Thanks for your help and I'm happy that I got this oldie. It was worth it!

Here you can find some pictures that I took today:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bhFRnRVogIt6-ad28ZAKIbw6LJCX_0Mm


Ilmari