Messages

Ken and Herman,

Thanks for the explanations.  After studying the pictures a bit more and re-reading #57, I can understand the limitations of the SVD-110 for the HK-50.

I acquired a used Tormek 2000 Supergrind this past weekend.  It appears to be in good condition, with evidence of very light use.  I spent a few hours reading through this forum already, and I am glad to have a resource like this!  I have a few questions up front as I get ready for use, and to make a few upgrades.

I will mostly use this machine for sharpening plane irons and chisels.  I would like to also sharpen knives and scissors, and I see strong potential for me to sharpen scrapers, planer and jointer blades, and probably many other things.

I hate to overthink some of the small things, so who better to ask than some seasoned users?

1) TT-50 
I have not used the machine yet, because the stone appears to be very badly out of round (as much as 1/8", based on visual observation).  I will be ordering the TT-50.

2) New Universal Support
The literature states that the old Universal Support can be used for the TT-50, but advises that the new Universal Support has benefits.  I would appreciate comments on need for the new version, based on the experience of other users.  If it will give better results for truing, and has benefits for other applications, I will make the investment.

3) Horizontal Support
My current horizontal support only has one thumb screw to secure the Universal Support.  Without exerting very much force on the Universal Support (where a jig would be mounted), I can easily deflect the arm of the Universal Support (1/16" ?), and I can also see movement of the "non-secured" arm of the Universal Support in the horizontal support.  I realize this arrangement has provided excellent results for other users for many years, but it makes me wonder if the new Horizontal Support (with two thumb screws) would reduce unwanted movement when the machine is in use (when it matters).  After all, the improvements were developed for a reason.

4) Grading Stone
The grading stone appears to be dished.  Maybe improper use of the grading stone caused the sharpening stone to be out of round.  Any advice for flattening the grading stone?

It is easy to see that the cost of upgrades adds up, but these pieces seem to be an important part of the function of the machine.  I don't want to start off on the wrong foot by taking a short-cut.

Any responses to my items listed, or other general comments, would be appreciated.  Thanks.

Steve

Herman,

I am a new Tormek owner, as of this past weekend.  I read through this thread and watched your video, which was very informative.  My head is full of new information I am trying to keep track of at this point!

You may have already answered this, but is there a reason why the SVD-110 could not serve as the home made knife rest?  Also, did you list the dimensions of your steel plate somewhere?

Thanks.

Steve