Hey!
I was looking at the Tormek video:
(https://i.ibb.co/wW0JCjz/Screenshot-2022-01-27-at-15-19-07.png) (https://ibb.co/LtkQ6HZ)
and comparing it to mine, the honing wheel there looks much darker than mine (see below), do I need to put more oil in or does it get darker with use?
Thanks!
(https://i.ibb.co/VJ8Kk6s/Screenshot-2022-01-27-at-15-17-46.png) (https://ibb.co/zQwktdz)
It gets darker in use. As Ken (or someone) once pointed out, it's a good way to tell if someone is really using their Tormek. ;)
I think as the PA-70 paste breaks down on the honing wheel and the wheel turns black the honing improves. I have no evidence to back this up just feel.
Quote from: john.jcb on January 27, 2022, 07:15:43 PM
I think as the PA-70 paste breaks down on the honing wheel and the wheel turns black the honing improves. I have no evidence to back this up just feel.
I'm just fearful I didn't put enough oil/paste or it needs more oil/paste...
For example,
my wheel:
https://youtu.be/bI6Erij5Lk8?t=1441
it looks much more rougher and "sand paper-ish" compared to the one in the tormek video, that looks smooth and oiled...
The black colour is from the steel particles removed by the honing paste.
Quote from: JustADudeInSweden on January 27, 2022, 07:23:28 PM
Quote from: john.jcb on January 27, 2022, 07:15:43 PM
I think as the PA-70 paste breaks down on the honing wheel and the wheel turns black the honing improves. I have no evidence to back this up just feel.
I'm just fearful I didn't put enough oil/paste or it needs more oil/paste...
For example,
my wheel:
https://youtu.be/bI6Erij5Lk8?t=1441
it looks much more rougher and "sand paper-ish" compared to the one in the tormek video, that looks smooth and oiled...
It is not oil... it's use. My older Tormek looked just like the Tormek video... and it was never oiled.... just use and occasional Tormek compound.
You can over oil the wheel, so don't go that route.
(john.jcb and BeSharp are correct).
Quote from: cbwx34 on January 27, 2022, 03:51:18 PM
It gets darker in use. As Ken (or someone) once pointed out, it's a good way to tell if someone is really using their Tormek. ;)
Whenever I watch a video by a Tormek "expert" with a pristine looking leather honing wheel, I suspect that the expert may have a full ten minutes experience with his Tormek. ::)
Ken
I oiled each of my leather wheels before first use. I have not seen a need to oil again.
Thanks!
The problem with being a noob is I know not to put too much oil but lack the experience to know what "too much oil" actually is :P ::) :)
Watch the online classes. Wolfgang demonstrates the correct way (and amount) to oil a leTher wheel.
Ken
Related Q: How often does the white paste get added?
Quote from: JustADudeInSweden on January 29, 2022, 03:14:25 AM
Related Q: How often does the white paste get added?
I squirt a thin bead on the wheel and then spread it out with my finger. If paste is thinly spread and there is not enough to cover the wheel I squirt a little more. Individuals use more or less paste as a personal preference. I personally think excessive paste just gets removed by the first knife you hone.
Quote from: john.jcb on January 30, 2022, 07:25:07 PM
Quote from: JustADudeInSweden on January 29, 2022, 03:14:25 AM
Related Q: How often does the white paste get added?
I squirt a thin bead on the wheel and then spread it out with my finger. If paste is thinly spread and there is not enough to cover the wheel I squirt a little more. Individuals use more or less paste as a personal preference. I personally think excessive paste just gets removed by the first knife you hone.
Is this before every knive sharpening "session" or after x number of knives or...?
I do not add it at any set interval. My wheel is black from honing and does a great job. Opinions vary on how much paste you need. I tend to use less than I see in the Tormek videos.
I also read in the handbook (p.44) that occasionally, it is recommended to re-oil the honing wheel, in addition to recharging the honing compound. The handbook said one application of compound lasts for honing 5-10 tools. After that, it recommends you re-impregnate the honing wheel with a few drops of oil and apply fresh compound.
Quote from: Nico on February 08, 2022, 09:37:25 AM
I also read in the handbook (p.44) that occasionally, it is recommended to re-oil the honing wheel, in addition to recharging the honing compound. The handbook said one application of compound lasts for honing 5-10 tools. After that, it recommends you re-impregnate the honing wheel with a few drops of oil and apply fresh compound.
Interesting, because sounds like most here never reoil but just apply fresh compbound...
For a short period of time several years ago, it was fashionable not to oil new leather honing wheels. The smart people stated this was unnecessary, as PA-70 already contains oil. You could tell who these people were by the black flakes being thrown off of their leather wheels. Initial oiling solved this problem.
I think providing the small tube of approved oil with new machines is an exceptional idea. First, it provides an oil optimized for the Tormek. Second, the amount in the tube is enough for the leather wheel wnd the two leather disks.
Just use the amount in the tube. You have enough and you don't have too much. What could be simpler?
Like many longer term users, I have never reoiled my leather wheels, and do not intend to do so. My wheels turned black quickly from the steel. This is perfectly normal.
Experiment with the amount of honing paste you use. If you do not use enough, you will have to hone longer. Too much will leave you with a little mess to clean up with a paper towel. Neither will hurt your hearty Tormek.
Ken
Another key component in this discussion is how big a burr you are trying to hone away. I tend to stop sharpening when I can see that I have sharpened the blade over its entire length. I do this by inspecting the edge with a hand loupe. You can continue to sharpen to make a bigger burr but it really serves no purpose. After sharpening lightly with the stone graded fine I have very little burr to remove.
I liked the idea presented to use the composite wheel followed by the leather wheel for honing. I also have a second leather wheel that I use for my own knives and any customer that wants their knives sharper (none have). I use 1ยต diamond on this one.
Honing and stropping are where you really need to concentrate your efforts to achieve a very sharp edge once you have mastered the sharpening stage.
I learned a lot from the Tormek honing video that was uploaded today. Tip: fast forward past the first 7 minutes - nothing happened due to technical problems (one wireless mic was not working). Highly recommended, and well done Tormek!