Messages

First: what are CBN grinding wheels?

Second: I read that diamond grinding wheels can also be used dry, but how long do they last? With water, approximately, how many sharpenings can they withstand?

Third: is there a coarser grinding wheel (stone or diamond) that allows you to make the first roughing (especially when the blade is very damaged) and allow the finer ones to last longer?

CBN (Cubic Boron Nitride) wheels are made of CBN, the second hardest material.Only diamond is harder. Both diamond and CBN wheels are considered superabrasives and generally. ut faster and harder steel than conventionalgrinding wheels. While not identical, they can usually be used interchangeably. Tormek recommends startng with the SG grinding wheel.


In imy,opinion, neither diamond or CBN wheels should be used dry. In addition to keeping the toolsrust free, ACC solution prevents grinding dust, runs cooler, and keeps the grinding wheel much cleaner. How long weither diamond or CBN wheels last is largely determined by careful use (light pressure whn grinding).

The coarsest diamnd wheel is the DC-250. the coarsest regular wheel is the SB-250 blackstone. Neither of these wheels is designed for a fine, smooth cut. The finst cut diamond wheel is the DE-250. The finst cut regular wheel is the SJ-4000 Japanese wheel, followed by the SG-250 graded fine.

I suggest you check on the Tormek website (tormek.com). The xcellnt handbok is available ias a free download in sixteen different languages when you register your Tormek.

Keep us posted.

Ken

Thank you and have a good continuation of the evening.

This video shows an interesting combination grind for scandigrind carving knives:

https://youtu.be/2awkDNBT584?si=HV0H3RqOuEKk5pI8

Ken

1. File off those (pointless?) marks atop the edge of the jig

That mark is for centering a plane blade in order to apply a symetrical curve on the iron.

John is absolutely correct. Far from being pointless, the line on the front of the SE-77 is what allows centering the plane blade for balanced cambering. Controlled cambering is what separates a cabinetmaker from an average woodworker.

Those who do not understand cambering should just ignore the line, preserving it for the day when they do understand it.

Ken

Nick,

I like your idea of using laser engraving as a premium sharpening service. I can see the customer's name as being very popular. Somewhat related, for sharpeners who also have a knife rental service, I think being able to identify the rental knives with a laser engraved name would be very useful.

I do have reservations with engraving lines on a chisel, if they are part of a quick setup scheme. Multiple sharpenings will shorten the chisel, thus making the lines inaccurate. Bevel angles also seem iffy to me. If obtained from the knife manufacturer, are they chosen for best cutting or minimum customer complaints. I think I would rather rely on the sharpener's experience.

I do think name engraving is an excellent idea, both for providing an extra customer service and enhanced revenue.

Ken

I have wondered why my bench stone sharpening results were not first class. Being a lefty, I have been handicapped by using right handed stones.

When will Tormek offer left handed grinding wheels?   

Ken April 1, 2024

Rich,
You would like Leonard Lee's advice on sharpening drill bits. For most users, he recommended buying quality US made hss bits.
Ken

I am curious, not critical. Are you guys using your diamond wheels with the recommended ACC solution or dry?

 In the T1 online class, Samuel recommends using acetone to clean the T1 wheel, which can only be used dry. In an email with support, they told me that ACC in addition to preventing rust also forms a surface on the wheel to keep it clean. Also, that air drying helps to preserve this cleaning, rust preventative surface.

Ken

You can set the bevel angle with either the Distance from the grinding wheel to the support bar OR the Projection. Usually with chisels we control the setting by changing the Distance with the Microadjust.

Using my method with the TTS-100 automates both of these settings. Using the hole in the TTS-100 standardizes the Distance setting. The two metal wheels automatically compensate for differences in grinding wheel diameter.

Marking one of the slots in the TTS-100 for 25° Projection (or whatever angle you desire) is just a convenient way to do this. As you note, there are other easy ways to do this. Wooden stop blocks are a typical choice which work well.

Try it. Set the Distance using the TTS-100. If you prefer, use a stop block to set the Projection. You may have to do some trial and error fine tuning for the initial chisel. After that, everything is automated.


Ken

For several years, I enjoyed corresponding with our member, Wootz (Vadim Kriachuk of Knifegrinders). I considered him a friend and admired his dedicated research in pushing back the frontiers of sharpening. I especially appreciated the respect he showed Tormek, even though his evolving technique often differed from traditional Tormek technique. Here is a link to my favorite video he made. It shows the achievable BESS score using only traditional Tormek equipment and technique.

https://youtu.be/UckPmizllk0?si=hPCKmdPqOotI2X39

Ken

PS I agree with 3DAnvil about the effect of edge angle.

You are correct; the manual only shows the TTS-100 for turning gouges. That is unfortunate, as the TTS-100 has several more uses. My suggestion is based on my actual working method for more than ten years. Try it; you will find it works well. No marking is needed beyond the one initial mark, done only once. The patented two metal wheels automatically correct for wheel wear. Used this way, the angles are accurate and consistent.

I don'tknow why Tormek does not show other uses for the TTS-100.

Ken

Rick,

I agree with you that the platform designed by Jan is the way to go when roughing drill bits with CBN and a dry grinder. Drill bits frequently get very hard use and infrequent sharpening. "Resharpening" them is often really reshaping, especially with larger sizes.

Did you have success using the (eight inch diameter) 46 or 80 grit Norton 3X wheels (wet) or the (ten inch diameter) 46 grit wheel (also used wet) with the DBS-22? Granted, they are not as fast as a high speed dry grinder; however they do not produce loose grinding dust to ruin your jig.

Ken

Mrgimp.

You do not specify whether you were using your diamond wheels with the remonnended ACC solution or dry. This is just my opinion; however, I wish Tormek had never said that the diamond wheels could be used dry. ACC has several benefits. It prevents rust on both the wheels and the tools as well as helping them stay clean. If tools sharpened with ACC solution are allowed to air dry, the ACC will leave some rust prevention.

The first I heard of using PBBlaster was in a video by a vendor who recommends his CBN wheels be only used dry. These wheels are made of a fiberglass type substance or aluminum. Tormek diamond wheels are made of steel, which is stronger and require fewer chemicals during manufacturing. Please note: I am not disparaging CBN wheels. I am just stating that, especially when used dry, they are different than diamond wheels.

Tormek should issue specific cleaning instructions.

You should email your question and photo to (support@tormek.se).

Please keep us posted.

Ken

Good thoughts, John.
Ken

PS The same guy did another video where he sharpened a paring knife @17° per side) using the T1 and had a BESS reading of 110 (and then 99 adding just a dry leather strop). He claims BESS readings of 50 when using extra honing gear, but, as a cook, he feels BESS 100 is more than sharp enough for kitchen knives.

Rick,
You should sent your question to support (support@tormek.se).

One question I have is about the choice of grinding wheels. This seems like a good use for CBN wheels. Diamond and CBN wheels run cooler than conventional wheels. I mention CBN because they are available in 80 grit. As a general rule, coarser wheels run cooler than conventional wheels.

On the plus side for diamond wheels, they are built on steel frames. There are some CBN wheels with steel frames.

Ken

John,

My table saw is a 1931 Eight inch Delta tilting table saw. I have learned how to tune it and would not trade it for a new one. While a Tormek is less complicated, when I first purchased my T7, I did not know how to tune it. (I do now,)

What I want to say is a person with some machinery experience can certainly make good use of an older Tormek. A new user without this experience may have a shorter learning curve with a new, warranteed machine. If possible, find a good coach when starting out. (Your son has the ideal situation.)

Ken