US-103 & US-105 difference?

[Swemek]

Hi,

I can not not find out what the difference is between the two, all i could find was that the 103 weights 74 grams and the 105 72 grams. I know that 105 is for the larger models.


The reason for asking is i'm considering MB-102 for my T4 and would like to have a second US mainly for MB-102.

Can someone fill me in?


Thanks!

[Swemek]

I found this:

I have found several uses for the universal support bars not directly mentioned in the handbook. My support bars are not limited to the standard issue US-105 (T7/8) or US-103(T3/4, 10mm shorter than the US-105).

In some swedish shops the US-103 costs more than 105 which doesn't make sense. Also the weight spec on Tormeks site might be wrong also.

[tgbto]

If you ever intend to sharpen knives, at least anything beyond short knives, I think a US-430 is well worth the price difference.

[Ken S]

The difference is to adjust to the difference in wheel thicknesses. The US-105 is designed for the 50mm thickness of the SG-250 and other 250mm diameter wheels. The US-103 is specifically designed for the 40mm thickness of the SG-200 and other T4 wheels. Many years ago, we had a forum post by a member whose chisel was falling off the edge of his support bar. He was using the shorter US-103 with the thicker SG-250 wheel.

I agree with TGB about the onger US-430 support bar. It is a must for knives longer than eight inches.

Ken

[cbwx34]

I'll third the... if you can afford it, put the money toward a US-430.

...
I can not not find out what the difference is between the two, all i could find was that the 103 weights 74 grams and the 105 72 grams. I know that 105 is for the larger models.
...

...Also the weight spec on Tormeks site might be wrong also.

For a bit of trivia, I was too lazy to get an accurate reading, but the weight of the USBs was in the 500s.

[Swemek]

Thanks for the info. The US-430 is extra lenght in all diections i suspect?

The diffrence in price makes it a strong "maybe in the future". I'm doing all my sharpening in my apartment and space is a limiting factor which also why i got the T4 instead of the bigger brother.

[John_B]

If you are going to get the KS-123 and use Tormeks adapter or a FVB having both the stock support and the extended one will save you some time. You rarely need the extra length but I have the longer bar set up on the grinding side and the stock wheel on the leather wheel side. This wat I don't have to move or adjust anything as I try and use the same projection distance when possible.

[Ken S]

Fredrik,
If you are working in a limited space, the "maybe in the future" argument seems logical. The standard US-103 support can handle knives with blades up to 200mm
(8 inches).

Ken

[tgbto]

The standard US-103 support can handle knives with blades up to 200mm (8 inches).

Ken

With very little wiggle room to choose where to clamp the knife, though.

[Ken S]

I agree. Anyone doing serious kitchen knife sharpening should not place a
US-430 too far in the future. I was active in the user movement to revive the out of production US-400 (essentially an extended support without the extension of the side legs).Tormek agreed to produce a limited number of US-400s, which quickly sold out. Tormek eventually included the US-430 as part of the line. Even today, while the US-103 and 105 are included with every Tormek, the US-430  remains a small production item. I believe this is the reason for the large price difference.

Ken

[tgbto]

Ken, I understand your point.

But again, I think this is one of the points where the fact still shows, that knife sharpening is what I call an afterthought for Tormek.

Maybe they should think of a "Premium Knife Sharpening Edition", with the knife jigs, new angle setter instead of the AngleMaster, MB-102 and US-430 instead of US-10x.

[Ken S]

Nick,

I like your Premium Knife Sharpening Edition idea.

As an old woodworker who only sharpened chisels and plane irons, I agree with your idea that knives were somewhat of an afterthought, as long as the word "somewhat" is included. After all, the original Tormek idea was a Christmas present from Torgny to his father, who was a woodworker.

I also think it is fair to say that the blue "woodworking machines" are evolving greatly for knife sharpening, especially with the new KS-123 and KJ-45.

Ken

[cbwx34]

Ken, I understand your point.

But again, I think this is one of the points where the fact still shows, that knife sharpening is what I call an afterthought for Tormek.

Maybe they should think of a "Premium Knife Sharpening Edition", with the knife jigs, new angle setter instead of the AngleMaster, MB-102 and US-430 instead of US-10x.

And of course a redesign (or return) to a more knife specific machine...




... one need only look at the post count in this forum to see where the interest lies.

p.s.  If you live in France, there's a T-4000 on eBay... 

[RichColvin]

Both have legs which are 145mm long.  The difference is in the top bar

• US-105 = 305mm
• US-103 = 295mm

As noted, the US-103 is 10mm shorter to accommodate the 200mm grindstone which is 10mm thinner than the 250mm grindstone.

[RickKrung]

Both have legs which are 145mm long.  The difference is in the top bar

• US-105 = 305mm
• US-103 = 295mm

As noted, the US-103 is 10mm shorter to accommodate the 200mm grindstone which is 10mm thinner than the 250mm grindstone.

10mm difference in length???

250mm - 200mm = 50mm