Is there a an alternative for the TT-50 Diamond Bit?

[Rimu]

I was wonder if anyone has found an alternative for the TT-50 Diamond Bit? That part seems very expensive for what looks like a few specks of industrial diamond...

Just a quick search on aliexpress turns up very similar looking bits in the $5 range...

Also: why random specks and not a single point?

[Arthur]

I was wonder if anyone has found an alternative for the TT-50 Diamond Bit? That part seems very expensive for what looks like a few specks of industrial diamond...

Just a quick search on aliexpress turns up very similar looking bits in the $5 range...

Also: why random specks and not a single point?

I am using TT-50 with some modification

[Ken S]

Clever modification.

Ken

[Ken S]

Rimu,

It would help if you provided some background information. Are you missing the diamond cluster; is it worn out; or, do you not have a truing tool? In all three of these scenarios, the ideal solution is just to purchase the new (2019) version of the TT-50. For not much more than the cost of a diamond cluster you get the whole truing tool of the newest design.

However, that is not really your question. My second choice would be a fairly coarse flat diamond stone. 2 x6" should be large enough. I would mount it in your square edge jig. Used with care, results should be close to the TT-50.
Personally, I would economize elsewhere. My original TT-50 from 2009 is still going strong with its original diamond cluster. I believe we are already seeing the transformation to diamond wheels which will make wheel truing obsolete in the future.

With either the TT-50 or a homebrew option, I believe the key to success is frequent, light truing. Do not allow your grinding wheel to get far from true.

Ken

[Arthur]

Clever modification.

Ken

Thanks Ken! I use about 10 different circles of different grain sizes on my T4. I use a variety of diamonds to dress the wheels. I also have a TT50 version of 2019. I also have a rust eraser. 

[Ken S]

Ah ha!....a fellow innovator.

You are ahead of me, Arthur. I only have eight wheels for my T4, and even that is overkill.

Ken

[Guelgo]

Hey Rimu,

Would this be an alternative?

[tim]

A single point diamond is better than a cluster. Google surface grinding supplies and look for diamond dressers. You will find a variety of shank sizes. Be careful though,  that are fragile. Might be why Tormek uses clusters.

[Ken S]

Tim,

I have an old single point diamond dresser that I purchased twenty years ago for my dry grinder. I never had any complaints with it, although I seem to remember having to use it carefully. I have not used it in ten years.

I also have no complaints with the Tormek TT-50. Tormek has used the same diamond cluster since before the TT-50. In those many years, if a single point diamond worked better, I can't imagine Tormek not switching.

Ken

[tim]

Hey Ken
In the surface grinding world a single point diamond gives the best finish. No disrespect to Tormek but that's what a career in toolmaking taught me.