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To sharpen towards or away from the direction of travel is the question? Sorry if this is obvious for those with a Tormek machine but this question is from a non Tormek user.

With some jig's recommend for use with the tool rest in the vertical position and as a consequence the direction of rotation turns into the tool edge. Which I'd class as the normal direction for grinding to avoid a feathered edge.

While other jigs are specified for the tool rest in the horizontal position so the stone moves away from the edge of the tool. Which is the direction normally used for honing so the tool doesn't dig into the wheel.

So what is the reason for using vertical or horizontal with the Tormek system? Is it better for the tool or user, is feathering not an issue or some other esoteric Tormek reason or just a pragmatic works best?

Thanks again for any replies.

As there are a number of fancy wheels available, the Japanese and the black one, then there are some 'aftermarket' wheels from Naniwa, Suntiger as well as a couple made for Dick, Dictum Gmbh and probably some more around.

First question, if wheels are changed do they require to be trued up with diamond truing tool each time they are placed on the machine? Or can you just lock and go?

Second question, anyone have experience of any of these and what value they bring if any? I see a similar question was asked in 2011 but had no reponces, so hopefully there will be some experience in the forum this time.

Thanks again all.

Greetings followers of the Tormek, I am considering converting to your sharpening religion but have some concerns which I'd appreciate some guidance from the converted.

Things I like; quality, tolerances, cool, health, however my concern is over hollow grinding. I understand it has it's place but for myself is a no no. For carving chisels at shallow angle or hard steel, it is not good plus the bevel guides the chisel, so it is a compromise I am reluctant to make.

To get around this the common method on standard grinders is to present the chisel at right angles to the wheel. Another alternative is to use the side of the wheel.

My current system is flat grinder with 7inch waterstones which has it's benefits but is cheap and nasty plastic with bad tolerances. However with the flat of the stone facing up there is good flexibility over how the tool can be presented to the stone, which I enjoy especially as most of my grinding is done freehand.

Regarding to tormek if the tool is presented at right angles then this negates the use of all the jigs that are available. If the side of the wheel is utilised this looks awkward ergonomically. There is available the Jet Wetstone Side Wheel Grinding Jig, which is possibility but looks like it would be placed inconveniently for any real practical use.

My current system was around 100 pounds/euros/dollars so I dont mind messing around with it to get the best or of it. However when spending £500+ on a machine I am reluctant to have to start messing about with it to get the best out of it.

My hope is that the T-8 would come with a universal support system for using and truing the side of the wheel easily but until that happens I would be interested to hear the views and experiences of the tormek converts.

Thanks