Frontal Vertical Base for controlled-angle honing and edge-trailing knife, cleavers and wide blades sharpening.
Compatible with all Tormek models T-4, T-7, T-8, SuperGrind-2000 and "computerized".
(http://knifegrinders.com.au/Shop/FVB_1.JPG)
Rods are 20 cm long, and one rod is threaded for fine adjustment.
Extended position for sharpening cleavers and wide blades
(http://knifegrinders.com.au/Shop/FVB_cleaver.JPG)
Angle-controlled honing on the Tormek leather wheel eliminates risk of rounding the cutting edge
(http://knifegrinders.com.au/Shop/FVB_honing.JPG)
Use for honing on a felt wheel with diamond spray
(http://knifegrinders.com.au/Shop/FVB_felt.JPG)
Software to set grinding/honing angle
(http://knifegrinders.com.au/Shop/FVB_interface.png)
The desired edge angle is set by vertical distance from the top of the FVB to the top of the Universal Support bar.
(http://knifegrinders.com.au/Shop/FVB_US_setting.JPG)
(http://knifegrinders.com.au/Shop/FVB_vew2.JPG)
(http://knifegrinders.com.au/Shop/FVB_vew3.JPG)
YouTube videos:
Knife honing >> (https://youtu.be/UckPmizllk0)
Cleaver sharpening >> (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCKXeXTWl0o)
there are more YouTube videos on our channel, and by SHARPCO in Korea, and sharpeners in Germany, Sweden and Italy.
Full details on our website: http://knifegrinders.com.au/11Shop_VB.htm (http://knifegrinders.com.au/11Shop_VB.htm)
.
Well done, Wootz.
Do you have any suggestions for using diamond paste with felt wheels? I am getting ready to fire up the felt wheel I mentioned. I have a container of 1m diamond spray.
Keep up the good work!
Ken
👍 👍 :)
SWEET! Thank you, Wootz. This is a much needed addition to the amazing utility and versatility of the Tormek and the advancements you have provided to us all. The software is sort of a golden spike for the FVB.
Rick
Nice concept. I have drawn a block for same purpose but with very long (21cm| 8.5") legs, so I can have the block on the vertical side. Using a USB locally made with 46cm|18" long jig support (that I use for long time now).
The Idea was that I could stay on same spot when sharpening just by moving the hole support on the horizontal level and then adjusting the height for angel changes I need.
Attached the PDF instead of the PNG by mistake:)
P.S. did anyone noticed that the USB support taken from the BGM-100 set is little larger btw the legs by about 2mm?
Yeh, it caused me some problems as I used it as welding jig for the large USB I made.
Quote from: wootz on June 02, 2018, 12:24:17 PM
... one rod is threaded for fine adjustment.
I converted an old USB to have one arm be threaded. I punched numbers onto the nut, & I like it. Similar in functionality to the Tormek nut.
Rich
Quote from: WolfY on June 03, 2018, 07:20:00 AM
Attached the PDF instead of the PNG by mistake:)
P.S. did anyone noticed that the USB support taken from the BGM-100 set is little larger btw the legs by about 2mm?
Yeh, it caused me some problems as I used it as welding jig for the large USB I made.
WolfY,
That surprises me. I just checked a spare XB-100 Horizontal Base I have. I believe that is the same part used in the BGM-100. I slid the XB-100 onto the two legs of a usb and then slid both onto the sleeves of my T7. Perfect fit. To the best of my knowledge, the usb (universal support bar) has remained uniform since the beginning. It is odd that your BGM-100 is a misfit.
Have you checked with support about this?
Ken
I also got a BGM-100 when I made the "horizontal to vertical" setup... and there's no difference in the measurement... and all the parts are interchangeable.
It was my "mistake".
As the guy that welded the rods, made them to bent a little and that changed the distance. Maybe he didn't wait till they cooled down before taking of the jig.
I made a new one and now it's perfect fit.
WolfY,
I am learning 3D printing with my grandson. I can sympathize with your jig making difficulties. We are so accostumed to quick success. We forget how often success is gained after several failures. Have patience. (I say that to myself, also. :)
Ken
Android smartphone/tablet applet for our FVB is now available in the Google Play Store.
It is free.
To install the FVB Android applet, on your smartphone or tablet search the Google Play Store for FVB Angle Setter, and look for the Knife Grinders icon (http://knifegrinders.com.au/Shop/KG_100x100.jpg)
If you cannot see our applet in the Google Play Store, which means some minor compatibility issue, please email Knife Grinders, and install from the link we give.
(http://knifegrinders.com.au/Shop/FVB_Android1.png)
FYI we are developing an iOS applet for our Frontal Vertical Base, should become available next week for your iPhone & iPad; I will announce when ready.
Free as well.
:)
Quote from: wootz on April 03, 2019, 04:48:36 AM
Android smartphone/tablet applet for our FVB is now available in the Google Play Store.
It is free.
To install the FVB Android applet, on your smartphone or tablet search the Google Play Store for FVB Angle Setter, and look for the Knife Grinders icon (http://knifegrinders.com.au/Shop/KG_100x100.jpg)
If you cannot see our applet in the Google Play Store, which means some minor compatibility issue, please email Knife Grinders, and install from the link we give.
(http://knifegrinders.com.au/Shop/FVB_Android1.png)
FYI we are developing an iOS applet for our Frontal Vertical Base, should become available next week for your iPhone & iPad; I will announce when ready.
Free as well.
:)
Great!
Great stuff and many kudos to the pioneers of the next generation
of possibilities for Tormek machinery. Most of it seems to be by end users
and not Tormek, but that may be a good way for innovation.
Ken's interest in 3D printing may also be a great start for prototypes.
Lets all send him our ideas and he can work them up for us.
Thanks in advance for taking on this project Ken.
Best Wishes
Tim
Tim,
My progress with the 3D printer is moving very slowly. My grandson's interest moved away from 3D printing dried up after he had printed the Rubik's cube variations he wanted. We had some problems with the printer, which are now corrected. The constraint now is time.
I have two projects in mind:
1) A small square for checking the squareness of ground chisel edges. Being plastic, it would not rust. It could easily be sized for an ideal fit with the Tormek.
2) Reducing bushings to adapt non Tormek grinding wheels, felt wheels and paper wheels to the 12mm Tormek shaft. D-Way makes very nice steel bushings which fit very well with both the T4 and T8. 3D printed plastic would not rust. My thought is to make a thinner prototype washer first to get the ID (bore) and the OD right. Once these dimensions are tuned, a full thickness spacer/reducing bushing can be printed. If possible, I would like to be able to knurl the outside diameter to hold felt and paper wheels more securely.
I think many more useful Tormek accessories can be made with the 3D printer. I have two well made variations on the kenjig, a gift from a talented Tormeker in the Czech Republic. I encourage more 3D literate members to get involved. I am a very beginner with this.
Ken
Since I retire after tomorrow maybe I will put mechanical engineering skills (rusty) back to work and see what the local college has in the way of 3D printing equipment.
John,
Best of luck with your retirement. I have been retired for ten years, and have never been bored.
We could use some 3D printing skills!
Keep posting!
Ken
Free iPhone and iPad applets are in the App Store - search for FVB Angle Setter.
(http://knifegrinders.com.au/Shop/FVB_screenshot_iPhone.png)
Free Android smartphone & tablet applets can be installed from the Google Play - search for FVB Angle Setter.
Windows and MacBook software will be given to you upon the FVB shipment - this package also includes the Android applet in case you cannot find it in the Google Play on your smartphone/tablet.
Wootz,
I just downloaded it onto my ipad through the apple app store. Thanks!
Ken
Good morning,
although I have been writing for some years I never wrote on the forum
because I only have to learn. And thanks to you I'm learning a lot. Many doubts have disappeared, but others are born going forward.
These days I am trying the Vadim program and I am fully satisfied with the results found using the application on tablet and on mobile.
I just wanted to make my modest contribution, but I know that Vadim doesn't need it, for an application that makes us all happier and faster at work. :)
Thanks for the attention.
Appreciate your post, Van. It is important to know, because Italy uses comma as a decimal separator.
Your devices are Android, aren't they?
Today I should be getting confirmation from Germany and Austria that the applet processes well the comma decimal separator on iPhone and iPad. We had issues with comma before, but our developer has fixed that.
Quote from: wootz on April 07, 2019, 02:30:34 AM
Appreciate your post, Van. It is important to know, because Italy uses comma as a decimal separator.
Your devices are Android, aren't they?
Today I should be getting confirmation from Germany and Austria that the applet processes well the comma decimal separator on iPhone and iPad. We had issues with comma before, but our developer has fixed that.
Yes, my devices are Android and your program works fine.
I don't think that for an application of this kind it makes a difference to use the comma or the dot in dividing the decimals.
By custom, we use the comma for the decimals and the dot to divide the hundreds (120.75 - 1.200,75)
"see use the Google translator put the dot after the number one and it is automatically converted to a comma"
I downloaded the apps yesterday. I have one on my desktop upstairs and plan to make a chart with common angles and distances. I installed the other 2 apps on my iPad and will use them in my basement shop. I am really looking forward to honing with a controlled angle. My freehand results range from good to extremely good at times but I want reputability. For now I am patiently awaiting on the arrival of my FVB.
I am also thinking about getting a couple of additional leather wheels and using even finer grit diamond spray possibly 0.5 micron. I will be doing this in steps to insure that I am achieving the best results with each. I also want to digest the deburring book before I start expanding my kit.
Saturday morning, drank some good coffee, ordered the FVB, and grabbed the angle grinding app and FVB app for my android at google play. My future feels edgy 😁
Mine arrived yesterday. I want to read through the book before I use it though. I had misinterpreted Wootz's method of honing at a little bit larger angle than the grind. He squared me away in another thread but I want to go in with a better understanding of the edge finishing.
John,
"Chance favors the prepared mind." Enjoy the sharpening journey; there are inroads yet to be discovered.
Keep us posted.
Ken
Quote from: john.jcb on April 14, 2019, 03:15:34 PM
Mine arrived yesterday. I want to read through the book before I use it though. I had misinterpreted Wootz's method of honing at a little bit larger angle than the grind. He squared me away in another thread but I want to go in with a better understanding of the edge finishing.
I also have problems understanding Vadim's method on the final polishing angle. Yes, the lack of knowledge of steels plays a fundamental role .... at least for me. :(
Venanzio,
Wootz' book & his web site explain them well. My recommendation is to follow his tested & proven approach. I did today in preparation for Easter. I'm always amazed at the results.
Kind regards,
Rich
Quote from: van on April 14, 2019, 08:03:35 PM
I also have problems understanding Vadim's method on the final polishing angle. Yes, the lack of knowledge of steels plays a fundamental role .... at least for me. :(
Van, you are not alone... There are more people who beat their brains out with deburring knives, than those who readily grasp our concept.
I never believe somebody on his bare word, and do not want you to simply take my word for it, and my book gives all the facts to draw your own conclusions.
We've done a huge volume of experimental sharpening in our workshop to verify this deburring concept.
We are not guessing any more, we know the best way.
The more we learn about edge stability, the more we stress the need for a "slow and cold" sharpening as opposed to "fast and hot", and the Tormek machines are in the center of all our sharpening and deburring.
So you've set an edge, deburred it but it does not score well on the sharpness tester. Or if you do not have the tester, you are simply not happy with how the edge roughens the material it cuts or does not hold.
When deburring, it has become trivial for us to turn a 400-600 BESS edge into 40-60 BESS by 3-4 more honing passes done the right way.
To repeat yourself the key points of our research, one would need some sort of a sharpness tester to quantify sharpness, and plenty of time and resources. But it is not needed. You do not need to know how the engine works to drive your car.
The book and our website have ready sharpening protocols for people who happen not to have background knowledge to put them together themselves.
Adapt/translate these protocols to the equipment you have and start getting a longer lasting very sharp edge.
Wootz,
OK !!! Grazie ;)
I've read Wootz book front to back at least 10 times and am still fine tuning my technique. I recently purchased a low speed grinder with paper wheels and a couple of Wootz PWS from his website.i spent 6 hours in the shop yesterday experimenting and testing edges.The floor looks like a barber shop!
Obviously I need to perfect my technique as I haven't managed to lower the best Bess that I've gotten on the Tormek SG and leather wheel of 65. Guess it's practice practice practice....
Al, I remember two phases in my learning curve of honing on paper wheels the blades sharpened on Tormek.
First, getting edges that slice hanging hair, and split it. Do not bother about BESS sharpness tester at this step.
With the right setup of the paper wheel supports, you should be there already.
It is important to repeatedly get hair-splitting edge before you start using the BESS sharpness tester, before you move to the next step of getting the lasting ultra-sharp edge.
Let me explain. The BESS sharpness tester challenges the strength of the apex.
In mastering honing, the immediate goal is to learn putting an ultra sharp edge, that slices hanging hair but may be scoring bad because of mushrooming against the sharpness tester test line. This should not be discouraging.
Next goal is to learn how to hone off that weak wire edge to the clean apex that both splits hair and scores at or under 60 BESS (quality knife steel).
Humm you got me thinking with your comment "with the right set up of the paper wheel supports you should be there already " re checked the constants on your paper wheel angle setter app and had put the left wheel vertical 74.8 on the right wheel and the right vertical 73.3 on the left. Small discrepancy I know but nonetheless may make a difference
One more thing.
Initially do all honing at the exact edge angle.
This helps verify that your paper wheel setup is correct - when it is correct, you should be getting hair-splitting edge.
This edge will have strong apex on "negative burr" knife steels, but wire edge on mainstream.
Where can I get one?
Quote from: Scotty on February 28, 2020, 04:34:44 AM
Where can I get one?
A FVB?
http://knifegrinders.com.au/11Shop_VB.htm
Saw it there, but not available.
Was hoping for another source.
Given the importance of angle control, thought Tormek might jump on it.
I suppose I could make one, but my experience with that sort of endeavor usually means twice as long and twice as much.
But, if there is no alternative............
Quote from: Scotty on February 28, 2020, 05:53:04 AM
Saw it there, but not available.
Was hoping for another source.
Given the importance of angle control, thought Tormek might jump on it.
I suppose I could make one, but my experience with that sort of endeavor usually means twice as long and twice as much.
But, if there is no alternative............
KnifeGrinders is the only one who makes them for sale that I know of.
If you make your own, there are a few examples HERE (https://forum.tormek.com/index.php?topic=2635.0), of what others have done.
The TormekCalc2 Spreadsheet (https://forum.tormek.com/index.php?topic=4181.0), has some measurements that might be helpful also. (It runs in Excel, but you can open it in other Spreadsheet programs).
Quote from: Scotty on February 28, 2020, 05:53:04 AM
Saw it there, but not available.
Was hoping for another source.
Given the importance of angle control, thought Tormek might jump on it.
I suppose I could make one, but my experience with that sort of endeavor usually means twice as long and twice as much.
But, if there is no alternative............
Scotty,
When I purchased my FVB from Knife Grinders, Vadim (Wootz) informed me that there would be a delay in delivery. At the time, there were two problems: His machinist could only make four FVB units per week, and KG had already purchased every available Tormek XB unit in Australia. It sounds like KG's machinist has stepped up production, however, demand still outstrips supply. Since I ordered mine, Australia has experienced devastating fires. So, I advise patience. The KG FVB is well designed and well machined. Unless you have good machinist skills or know someone who has these skills, you will probably either pay more or get an inferior product. Also, if you wait for KG, you will get an FVB which is "plug and play" with the KG applet.
Be patient.....
Ken
Quote from: Ken S on February 28, 2020, 04:09:19 PM
Scotty,
When I purchased my FVB from Knife Grinders, Vadim (Wootz) informed me that there would be a delay in delivery. At the time, there were two problems: His machinist could only make four FVB units per week, and KG had already purchased every available Tormek XB unit in Australia. It sounds like KG's machinist has stepped up production, however, demand still outstrips supply. Since I ordered mine, Australia has experienced devastating fires. So, I advise patience. The KG FVB is well designed and well machined. Unless you have good machinist skills or know someone who has these skills, you will probably either pay more or get an inferior product. Also, if you wait for KG, you will get an FVB which is "plug and play" with the KG applet.
Be patient.....
Ken
They're pretty easy to make actually... I did mine with a crappy Harbor Freight drill press (you can read that in the other thread, along with the parts needed)... no "machinist skills" required, and it works fine.
(https://forum.tormek.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2635.0;attach=1298)
https://forum.tormek.com/index.php?topic=2635.msg21461#msg21461
If you want an even simpler method... get a Horizontal Base (https://advanced-machinery.myshopify.com/products/62-horizontal-base), Tool Rest (https://advanced-machinery.myshopify.com/collections/tormek-jigs/products/svd-110-tool-rest), and a spare USB (https://advanced-machinery.myshopify.com/products/59-universal-support-with-micro-adjust-nut?variant=17234665030), and you can make one pretty simple...
(https://forum.tormek.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3627.0;attach=4260)
... that works well! There are a variety of calculators you can use with it, like the TormekCalc2 previously mentioned.
Many options!!
8)
Quote from: wootz on April 03, 2019, 04:48:36 AM
Android smartphone/tablet applet for our FVB is now available in the Google Play Store.
It is free.
Is the app still free? I built my own FVB last night and installed the app, but it's asking for a PIN.
Something that's best addressed by emailing Wootz and asking that same question of the guy who actually has the correct answer.
Quote from: canuck on April 05, 2020, 06:11:43 AM
Quote from: wootz on April 03, 2019, 04:48:36 AM
Android smartphone/tablet applet for our FVB is now available in the Google Play Store.
It is free.
Is the app still free? I built my own FVB last night and installed the app, but it's asking for a PIN.
The software from KnifeGrinders is free... with purchase of their FVB. ::)
Also, the FVB you built has to be the same specs/dimensions as the KnifeGrinder FVB... or the software won't be accurate.
There are alternatives....
The TormekCalc2 (https://forum.tormek.com/index.php?topic=4181.0) spreadsheet has the ability to enter your FVB deminsions... if you want a similar setup as the KG software (measuring to the machine).
Or any of the calculators found HERE (http://sharpeninghandbook.info/indexCalc.html) that measure directly to the wheel, will work.