Recent posts

#1

Knife Sharpening / Re: Knife Jig Prototype

Last post by Alston - Yesterday at 05:36:16 PM

I need to check out the local college and see what tools they have available.

If they have a milling machine and lathe you're all set. 

#2

General Tormek Questions / Re: Tormek 2000

Last post by RichColvin - Yesterday at 05:08:08 AM

Greggy,

I wrote this summary which you may find helpful: What to Upgrade on an old Tormek, & What to Keep As Is.

Kind regards, 
Rich

#3

Knife Sharpening / Re: Wheel direction

Last post by RickKrung - July 09, 2025, 10:07:10 PM

I'm kinda confused. I bought the Tormek T-8 with the knife angle setter and the knife jigs. I follow the tuturials the same as on the YouTube videos.

But the thing is, their wheel is turning away from them and the knife edge. But my wheel is turning toward me toward the knife edge.

I have the 600 grit diamond wheel. But that wheel will get damaged if I sharpen with the wheel grinding toward the edge.

So is there any way to reverse the spinning direction? Because obviously I can't sharpen knifes like this.

I think it is simply a matter of which side of the unit you are standing or sitting on.  Viewed (and working) from the front, the wheel is turning away from you (edge trailing).  Viewed (and working) the wheel is turning towards you (edge leading).  Those who work from the rear of the machine typically stand.  Those who work from the front can stand or sit.  I sit. 

I've not heard before that the diamond wheels will be damaged by edge leading sharpening.  I've been doing it that way for years and they all still work fine (DC, DF, DE).  This Tormek video shows a knife and a chisel being sharpened edge leading, starting about 0:22 - 0:25. 

Where did you get that idea? 

Rick

#4

Knife Sharpening / Re: Wheel direction

Last post by Royale - July 09, 2025, 09:33:17 PM

I think it's quite common for Tormek T-8 users on this forum to sharpen with the grindstone spinning towards the knife edge (called edge leading) I run my own sharpening business, and I sharpen almost all customer knives edge leading as well.

The grindstone spins only in one direction, and the way the T-8 drive system is designed, I don't think it'll spin in the opposite direction consistently even if you cracked open the machine and reversed the polarity of the electric motor.

Don't sweat the diamond grindstone getting damaged with edge leading sharpening. The diamonds are electroplated onto the steel hub, and is pretty robust (think of it as "gluing" the diamond dust with another metal... Tormek uses nickel I think)

I do sometimes sharpen edge trailing (grindstone spinning away from knife edge) when I've ground a distorted knife edge flat, and have a square edge where the cutting edge was. I'm still not too concerned with the knife edge damaging my diamond grindstone, but more cautious about the edge catching onto the grindstone, and the entire knife gets thrown away from me.

If you're concerned with damaging the grindstone with edge leading sharpening, I propose starting with light pressure and a small knife (3-4 inch blade) to get a feel of the grinding process. 600 grit against a blade will give some "pushback", but still waay easier to control than a dull blade on the 360 grit diamond grindstone.

#5

Knife Sharpening / Wheel direction

Last post by Dinosaur - July 09, 2025, 09:10:19 PM

I'm kinda confused. I bought the Tormek T-8 with the knife angle setter and the knife jigs. I follow the tuturials the same as on the YouTube videos.

But the thing is, their wheel is turning away from them and the knife edge. But my wheel is turning toward me toward the knife edge.

I have the 600 grit diamond wheel. But that wheel will get damaged if I sharpen with the wheel grinding toward the edge.

So is there any way to reverse the spinning direction? Because obviously I can't sharpen knifes like this.

#6

General Tormek Questions / Re: Tormek 2000

Last post by Ken S - July 09, 2025, 02:02:20 PM

Greggy,

I totally support your decision to spend some time on youtube learningabout using the Tormek. In my opinion, you will maximize the value of thattime by focusing on the Tormek online classes. I do not say this as a marketing ploy for Tormek. These classes did not exist for most of the years I have used my Tormek. My learning process would have been much easier with them. Too many youtubes are biased by vendors trying to sell their own products or by alack ofunderstanding about the Tormek. Also, you do not need to hear grumbling that Tormek products are "too expensive". Prices are what they are; you can make up uour mind.

I am not saying to never watch non Tormek videos; I am advising you to concentrate first on learning the basic Tormek philosophy and technique. Once you have that solid footing, you will be able to intelligently branch out if you wish.

Regarding the redesigned jigs, I have reviewed them for the forum. I would divide them into two groups. Most of them, if I was buying them for the first time, I would choose the newer design. However, if I already hadthe older design, I would be reluctant to spend the money to upgrade. The second group is typified by the SVD-186 (now R). For an active woodturner, the new jig, in my opinion, was a no brainer. The older SVD-185 was still as good as ever. The new design is substantially better, enough to deserve an upgrade.

Evaluate your present jigs carefully. You may want to replace a very few soon and most eventually, if needed. For the present, increased knowledge will serve you best.

Keep us posted,

Ken   

#7

General Tormek Questions / Re: Tormek 2000

Last post by greggy - July 09, 2025, 11:34:56 AM

Hiya John, I was lucky  all my Tormek gear was covered up well and all the jigs were in the four drawers in my Tormek station that I made.
It does feel so strange to go on their website and see that it's totally different from what I had been used to.😱

I'm so happy that they do care about the people who still have their old machines, after all not many companies do this day and age.👍👍
 
Well it's time I spend some time on YouTube and see what's going on.
Regards greggy.👍

#8

General Tormek Questions / Re: Tormek 2000

Last post by John Hancock Sr - July 09, 2025, 12:40:14 AM

TBPH most of the old jigs should work perfectly well so long as they are in good nick. Some, such as the new axe jig are a complete rethink which makes them worth while whereas some others are just upgrades. 

One of the great things about the Tormek philosophy (The Tormek Way) is that they want to keep every machine they produced in working order if possible. I know of no other company who goes out of their way to help customers maintain their machines however old.

#9

General Tormek Questions / Re: Should I Persist?

Last post by John Hancock Sr - July 09, 2025, 12:32:42 AM

I think it's fair to say that you shouldn't need a non-included truing tool to be able to sharpen properly

You don't need a true stone for plane irons and chisels. The only time I true the stone is if it is getting grooves, glazed or for the planer blade or drill jigs. I adjust chisels and plane irons for square as I go along and once I set the jig it is pretty much set for that session.

If you are using the planer blade or drill sharpening jigs then the trueing tool is essential.

#10

General Tormek Questions / Tormek 2000

Last post by greggy - July 08, 2025, 04:30:48 PM

Hello all,
Let me first say due to heavy work loads and health problems in the past
It's a very long time since I was on here last.

I have the 2000 since it first came out. I can't remember when.

I didn't know that a few of my jigs are now outdated and replaced by better ones.
 So I am now having to start all over again ( well nearly) 😁
 Anyway please excuse me while I start to read up on all the gossip.
Regards Greggy.