Leather honing wheel

[JustADudeInSweden]

Hey!

I was looking at the Tormek video:



and comparing it to mine, the honing wheel there looks much darker than mine (see below), do I need to put more oil in or does it get darker with use?

Thanks!

[cbwx34]

It gets darker in use.  As Ken (or someone) once pointed out, it's a good way to tell if someone is really using their Tormek. 

[John_B]

I think as the PA-70 paste breaks down on the honing wheel and the wheel turns black the honing improves. I have no evidence to back this up just feel.

[JustADudeInSweden]

I think as the PA-70 paste breaks down on the honing wheel and the wheel turns black the honing improves. I have no evidence to back this up just feel.

I'm just fearful I didn't put enough oil/paste or it needs more oil/paste...

For example,
my wheel:
https://youtu.be/bI6Erij5Lk8?t=1441

it looks much more rougher and "sand paper-ish" compared to the one in the tormek video, that looks smooth and oiled...

[BeSharp]

The black colour is from the steel particles removed by the honing paste.

[cbwx34]

I think as the PA-70 paste breaks down on the honing wheel and the wheel turns black the honing improves. I have no evidence to back this up just feel.

I'm just fearful I didn't put enough oil/paste or it needs more oil/paste...

For example,
my wheel:
https://youtu.be/bI6Erij5Lk8?t=1441

it looks much more rougher and "sand paper-ish" compared to the one in the tormek video, that looks smooth and oiled...

It is not oil... it's use.  My older Tormek looked just like the Tormek video... and it was never oiled.... just use and occasional Tormek compound.

You can over oil the wheel, so don't go that route.

(john.jcb and BeSharp are correct).

[Ken S]

It gets darker in use.  As Ken (or someone) once pointed out, it's a good way to tell if someone is really using their Tormek. 

Whenever I watch a video by a Tormek "expert" with a pristine looking leather honing wheel, I suspect that the expert may have a full ten minutes experience with his Tormek. 

Ken

[John_B]

I oiled each of my leather wheels before first use. I have not seen a need to oil again.

[JustADudeInSweden]

Thanks!

The problem with being a noob is I know not to put too much oil but lack the experience to know what "too much oil" actually is 

[Ken S]

Watch the online classes. Wolfgang demonstrates the correct way (and amount) to oil a leTher wheel.
Ken

[JustADudeInSweden]

Related Q: How often does the white paste get added?

[John_B]

Related Q: How often does the white paste get added?

I squirt a thin bead on the wheel and then spread it out with my finger. If paste is thinly spread and there is not enough to cover the wheel I squirt a little more. Individuals use more or less paste as a personal preference. I personally think excessive paste just gets removed by the first knife you hone.

[JustADudeInSweden]

Related Q: How often does the white paste get added?

I squirt a thin bead on the wheel and then spread it out with my finger. If paste is thinly spread and there is not enough to cover the wheel I squirt a little more. Individuals use more or less paste as a personal preference. I personally think excessive paste just gets removed by the first knife you hone.

Is this before every knive sharpening "session" or after x number of knives or...?

[John_B]

I do not add it at any set interval. My wheel is black from honing and does a great job. Opinions vary on how much paste you need. I tend to use less than I see in the Tormek videos.

[Nico]

I also read in the handbook (p.44) that occasionally, it is recommended to re-oil the honing wheel, in addition to recharging the honing compound. The handbook said one application of compound lasts for honing 5-10 tools. After that, it recommends you re-impregnate the honing wheel with a few drops of oil and apply fresh compound.