Topics

Gentlemen, I'm currently using two different leather wheels on my T4, one with the standard Tormek honing compound (about 3 or 4 microns) and the other with 1 micron diamond paste. My question is - for best results do I oil the leather wheel I'm using the diamond paste on ... or do I just use it "dry" with only the diamond paste? (The one with the Tormek compound is well oiled).

I'm experimenting to see if I can avoid the need to purchase a separate machine with either a paper or rock hard felt wheel ... and do everything (roughly) to Wootz's specs in his book on my T4.

Is there any advantage to cleaning the leather honing wheel?

Mine seems quite loaded with black remnants of the honing compound, and I'm wondering if there might be some sort of cleaning process I'm not aware of, or if cleaning just isn't required on a leather wheel seeing normal use?
If one was to clean the wheel ... what general process and cleaning solution is used?

There is no real reference to this in the Tormek manual, so I'm wondering if it's not terribly important ... or if cleaning simply isn't required?

Glad to join the forum!
I've just picked up a T-4 (with a bunch of accessories), and look forward to enjoying its excellent sharpening abilities.
I've also picked up Wootz's software and FVB, along with a a laser goniometer and Mike's BESS sharpness measuring system.

I've also begun construction of the Ionut/Herman small knife jig, and look forward to trying that out when it's finished.

I look forward to dealing with hard facts and known entities from here on in when sharpening!