Dedicated Universal Support Bars

[RichColvin]

I love using the Tormek for resharpening my wood lathe tools, and I am always looking for ways to make that ever more efficient and speedy.  I have found that sharpening these tools almost always uses the A or B setting on the TTS-100 (only a few tools don't use this approach).  The use of the TTS-100 is a great innovation by Tormek to standardize that setting.

But, it is a bit annoying to re-set the USB each time I need to change from the A to the B holes.  So, I purchased two new USBs and attached a collar to them where the vertical setting is locked into place.  A picture is below.

You cannot view this attachment.

Now, all I have to do is drop the correct USB into the Tormek, set the tool's projection in the correct jig, and then go to town.  I am now back using the lathe quickly.

And since it is so simple and quick, I sharpen often.  This is key for making lathe work easier and the results are better.

The USBs I purchased are the US-103s designed for the Tormek T-4, but they work extremely well for this.  The legs are the same length, and the shorter horizontal bar (10mm less) is not an issue for turning tools.

[Sir Amwell]

Liking this Mr Colvin. Have been thinking about this for a while. How to fix those 'stops' on the thread of the usb? The micro adjust is too moveable, just laying it down on a bench can move it. So how to fix it on the thread?

[Ken S]

I tried unsuccessfully to use a second Microadjust nut as a lock nut. Reading this post, I wonder if the locking collar from the SE76 or 77 would work. If so, extra collars and locking screws are readily available as spare parts.

Having extra support bars can be useful time savers in many ways. They can be dedicated to different diameter wheels, including the leather honing wheel or SJ. They are handy for the truing tool when reshaping turning tools. Jeff Farris showed a dedicated support bar used to hold the platform jig for sharpening turning scrapers. Etc.

Ken

[RichColvin]

Simon,

I used these: 
  Collars, for 12 mm Diameter, Black-Oxide 1215 Carbon Steel
  https://www.mcmaster.com/57485K69

If you are concerned that the set screw would mar the USB's threads, use these:
  Collars, for 12 mm Diameter, Black-Oxide 1215 Carbon Steel
  https://www.mcmaster.com/57445K26

You might find them on Amazon.  The quality of the collar is not critical for this, only that they are for a 12mm shaft.

Rich

[Sir Amwell]

Thanks! I'll look them up.

[RickKrung]

Simon,

I used these: 
  Collars, for 12 mm Diameter, Black-Oxide 1215 Carbon Steel
  https://www.mcmaster.com/57485K69

If you are concerned that the set screw would mar the USB's threads, use these:
  Collars, for 12 mm Diameter, Black-Oxide 1215 Carbon Steel
  https://www.mcmaster.com/57445K26

You might find them on Amazon.  The quality of the collar is not critical for this, only that they are for a 12mm shaft.

Rich

Twice the price, but these are what I used for the Pin Pivot Collars, stainless steel, to avoid any chance of rusting.  No difference in function. 
https://www.mcmaster.com/9616T21/

Rick

[Ken S]

I love using the Tormek for resharpening my wood lathe tools, and I am always looking for ways to make that ever more efficient and speedy.  I have found that sharpening these tools almost always uses the A or B setting on the TTS-100 (only a few tools don't use this approach).  The use of the TTS-100 is a great innovation by Tormek to standardize that setting.

But, it is a bit annoying to re-set the USB each time I need to change from the A to the B holes.  So, I purchased two new USBs and attached a collar to them where the vertical setting is locked into place.  A picture is below.

You cannot view this attachment.

Now, all I have to do is drop the correct USB into the Tormek, set the tool's projection in the correct jig, and then go to town.  I am now back using the lathe quickly.

And since it is so simple and quick, I sharpen often.  This is key for making lathe work easier and the results are better.

The USBs I purchased are the US-103s designed for the Tormek T-4, but they work extremely well for this.  The legs are the same length, and the shorter horizontal bar (10mm less) is not an issue for turning tools.

Rich,

The stop collar shown here with spare parts works well to prevent the microadjust from slipping:

https://advanced-machinery.myshopify.com/pages/se-77-parts-diagram

If the collar (part number four in the diagram) is placed above the microadjust, the microadjust can be adjusted. An M6 socket set screw (grub screw) is an inexpensive alternative to the larger plastic knob.

Ken