CBN wheels

[BPalv]

I know Tormek doesn't sell CBN wheels but I am interested in adding 2 or 3 to my setup.
I did look through some of the other posts but would like to get some current opinions and thoughts on them.
First question is, how gentle do you need to be with them?  Is it OK to use them edge leading?

Second question is, are the nylon CBN wheels any good?

Next question would be, can you use them with water?  I have seen where folks use them with anti-corrosion liquids.

Next, is there one brand that stands out as best and is there a brand I should avoid?

Lastly, are they a worthwhile investment?

[Ken S]

Al,

First, my thoughts on your questions. Unlike matrix wheels (SG, SB, and SJ), superabrasive wheels (CBN and diamond) only have one thin layer of abrasive. That means that if the surface is damaged, the wheel is toast. With a matrix wheel, an accidental gouge in the surface can be removed with the truing tool. No such luck with a superabrasive wheel. The easiest way to get full life from the wheel is to treat it gently.

Second question; nylon wheels: I don't know, having never owned or used one. All wheels are consumables, some with longer life, but still consumable. If I was planning to purchase another CBN wheel, I think I would lean toward getting a coarser wheel for heavier grinding and plan to follow up with the SG for finish grinding.

Third question; water: I use both diamond and CBN wheels with an anticorrosion solution. My CBN wheels don't get much use now; however, I have always used them with Honerite Gold. I always use my diamond wheels with ACC. Would you change the oil in your vehicle without changing the oil filter? If you feel you cannot afford corrosion protection, you should either raise your sharpening fees or stick with the SG. In my opinion, using wheels dry is an even worse choice. Part of the Tormek benefits is being dust free.

Fourth and fifth questions: I own four CBN wheels, 8" 180 grit for my T4; and 80, 180, and 400 grit for the larger Tormeks. The nicest one is the 400 grit with radiused corners I purchased from Knife Grinders. Sadly, Knife Grinders is no longer in business due to the death of the owner. I cannot compare the present brands, as I have no plans to acquire any more CBN wheels.

My preference is diamond wheels, based mostly on my faith in Håkan Persson, the abrasives expert of Tormek and Tormek's reputation.

My advice to you is to analyze your needs. Really understand your SG. If you still want to add wheels, start by adding just one wheel. Choose the grit which is not covered by the SG. In my case, I wanted a coarser grit for the initial "heavy lifting". Your needs may be different. In any case, start by adding just one wheel. You can always add more later.

Ken

[BPalv]

Al,

First, my thoughts on your questions. Unlike matrix wheels (SG, SB, and SJ), superabrasive wheels (CBN and diamond) only have one thin layer of abrasive. That means that if the surface is damaged, the wheel is toast. With a matrix wheel, an accidental gouge in the surface can be removed with the truing tool. No such luck with a superabrasive wheel. The easiest way to get full life from the wheel is to treat it gently.

Second question; nylon wheels: I don't know, having never owned or used one. All wheels are consumables, some with longer life, but still consumable. If I was planning to purchase another CBN wheel, I think I would lean toward getting a coarser wheel for heavier grinding and plan to follow up with the SG for finish grinding.

Third question; water: I use both diamond and CBN wheels with an anticorrosion solution. My CBN wheels don't get much use now; however, I have always used them with Honerite Gold. I always use my diamond wheels with ACC. Would you change the oil in your vehicle without changing the oil filter? If you feel you cannot afford corrosion protection, you should either raise your sharpening fees or stick with the SG. In my opinion, using wheels dry is an even worse choice. Part of the Tormek benefits is being dust free.

Fourth and fifth questions: I own four CBN wheels, 8" 180 grit for my T4; and 80, 180, and 400 grit for the larger Tormeks. The nicest one is the 400 grit with radiused corners I purchased from Knife Grinders. Sadly, Knife Grinders is no longer in business due to the death of the owner. I cannot compare the present brands, as I have no plans to acquire any more CBN wheels.

My preference is diamond wheels, based mostly on my faith in Håkan Persson, the abrasives expert of Tormek and Tormek's reputation.

My advice to you is to analyze your needs. Really understand your SG. If you still want to add wheels, start by adding just one wheel. Choose the grit which is not covered by the SG. In my case, I wanted a coarser grit for the initial "heavy lifting". Your needs may be different. In any case, start by adding just one wheel. You can always add more later.

Ken

Ken, thanks for your thoughts.
My desire for CBN wheels is to reduce messing around with the grater to set grits.  I would like to get three, 180, 400 and 600.  I may add a 1000 at some point as I like to put a refined edge on most high end kitchen knives.  Maybe the 600 will be enough... I will eventually find out I suppose.
Is there a brand you or anyone on here likes?  I read some didn't fit the T8 well.
Al

[Sir Amwell]

I have 4 CBN wheels from Knifegrinders ( sadly not available anymore as Ken mentioned). They have had fairly heavy use over 3 years. Hundreds of knives. The wheels I have run in water only ( no anti corrosive required) and so far have had no problems with them and they are still performing excellently. I would steer away from grinding dry with them (negates the whole point of water cooled dust free Tormek grinding). Unfortunately I can't recommend any purchase points, but get ones that will run in plain water. I know others promote using an anti corrosive but if you are sharpening in volume it becomes a fiddle faddle and is one more thing to keep worrying about. If you let the wheels dry naturally after a sharpening session you should be fine. Maybe try Schleifjunkies to see what their CBN wheels require so as not to void any warranty.

[Stovepipe]

I've had all the wheels that Knife Grinders supplied and must say I loved the rounded corners. Recently I purchased some Resin Bond Diamond Grinding wheels of grit size 100, 1000, 2000 and a neoprene 5mm thick strop wheel coated with Tormek honing paste for deburring. I was a bit apprehensive going from 100 to 1000 grit in case of premature wear, however, I was told when I purchased the wheels, they were good for 30,000 knives each and the wear would be negligible on the wheels and there was no need for the intermediate grits. After approximately 500+ knives the wheels have shown no reduction in diameter using a pi tape to determine wear. I do run the wheels in water so as not to temper the edges. So far, I'mm very pleased with the performance as compared to the other wheels - diamond, stone and CBN used to date.