Tormek Community Forum

In the Shop => General Tormek Questions => Topic started by: Sharpco on December 05, 2017, 01:20:44 AM

Title: Shaft thread wears bushing
Post by: Sharpco on December 05, 2017, 01:20:44 AM
Every time a stone is replaced, the thread of the shaft wears the bushing of the stone. This is an anxiety because I replace the stone very often. SJ is more worried because there is no bushing.
Title: Re: Shaft thread wears bushing
Post by: Ken S on December 05, 2017, 03:17:12 AM
Sharpco,

I shall pay special attention in the future. I generally remove my grinding wheel at the end of a sharpening session. I have two suggestions:

First, cup your hand under your wheel before you remove it and take the weight off the shaft.

Second, when the thread wear starts to be a problem, contact support. Your new Tormek warranty covers even commercial use for seven years. I do not speak for Tormek, however, I would be very surprised if they did not send you a new replacement shaft.

Keep us posted.

Ken
Title: Re: Shaft thread wears bushing
Post by: Sharpco on December 05, 2017, 04:10:45 AM
Quote from: Ken S on December 05, 2017, 03:17:12 AM
Sharpco,

I shall pay special attention in the future. I generally remove my grinding wheel at the end of a sharpening session. I have two suggestions:

First, cup your hand under your wheel before you remove it and take the weight off the shaft.

Second, when the thread wear starts to be a problem, contact support. Your new Tormek warranty covers even commercial use for seven years. I do not speak for Tormek, however, I would be very surprised if they did not send you a new replacement shaft.

Keep us posted.

Ken

Ken.

I have been careful that the weight of the stone does not push the shaft. Nevertheless, it was difficult to avoid the wear of Bushing.

And what I worry about is not the wear of the shaft, but the bushing is worn to affect the rotation of the stone.

When I contacted Stig, he says it would be OK, but I am still worried.
Title: Re: Shaft thread wears bushing
Post by: cbwx34 on December 05, 2017, 05:45:18 AM
I wonder if the bushing is put on the coarse stone to protect the shaft from the coarse stone... and not needed on the fine stone?

How much wear are you seeing on the bushing?  (And do you see any wear on the fine stone?)

A search didn't bring up anyone reporting the bushing on a wheel wearing (or a fine stone)... so that's a plus.

But you do bring up some interesting points.
Title: Re: Shaft thread wears bushing
Post by: Sharpco on December 05, 2017, 09:27:41 AM
Quote from: cbwx34 on December 05, 2017, 05:45:18 AM
I wonder if the bushing is put on the coarse stone to protect the shaft from the coarse stone... and not needed on the fine stone?

How much wear are you seeing on the bushing?  (And do you see any wear on the fine stone?)

A search didn't bring up anyone reporting the bushing on a wheel wearing (or a fine stone)... so that's a plus.

But you do bring up some interesting points.

I can not see the wear of bushing with my eyes. However, the powder created by the wear of the bushing always exists on the thread.
Title: Re: Shaft thread wears bushing
Post by: cbwx34 on December 05, 2017, 04:10:17 PM
Quote from: sharpco on December 05, 2017, 09:27:41 AM
I can not see the wear of bushing with my eyes. However, the powder created by the wear of the bushing always exists on the thread.

So, the next question (should've asked in the last post).... how much has your stone worn?  (Just trying to get an idea of if the stone would wear out before the bushing wear became noticeable?)
Title: Re: Shaft thread wears bushing
Post by: RickKrung on December 05, 2017, 07:32:10 PM
Quote from: sharpco on December 05, 2017, 09:27:41 AM
I can not see the wear of bushing with my eyes. However, the powder created by the wear of the bushing always exists on the thread.

There is dust everywhere on my machine, including the shaft and threads, which is the residue from grinding distributed by spilled tank water. So, at first I thought that was what it was rather than wear of the bushing. But, then I looked at the back side of the bushing and there were chips out of the edge of the bushing bore.  At first glance, I didn't see any chips on the threads, but it seemed logical there could or should be.

So, I used a marker to blacken the chipped corner of the bushing, plus a little on the bore and outer flat and then put the wheel on and off again a couple of times.  Sure enough, where were additional chips out of the bushing and chips on the threads. 

There is not much clearance between the bushing bore and threads so I tried to think what could go on the threads to protect the bore and prevent breakout.  Teflon plumbers tape is the thinest I could think of, that I have.  Tried that and still there were chips on the threads and breakout, but it was less. 

Tried a single layer of blue painters tape and there was still some, but much less. 

Perhaps Sharpco could post some pix of what he is describing as the issue, especially if what I have pictured is not what he is experiencing. 

At this point, I only have one wheel, so this is not much of an issue for me, but if changing wheels often, I can see why there is concern.

Rick
Title: Re: Shaft thread wears bushing
Post by: cbwx34 on December 05, 2017, 09:20:07 PM
Some interesting testing Rick.

Here's what I see.  I took a couple of pictures of my stone... it's currently at approx. 218mm.  It has gotten switched a lot between it and a Japanese waterstone.

(https://forum.tormek.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3460.0;attach=1409)

I tried to snap a photo with light to the side to show chipping (top photo), then a picture with a flash to show the "bore" (bottom).  Similar to Rick, you can see chipping around the edge, but the bore looks fine.  I didn't take a picture of the shaft because frankly I don't see anything to take a picture of.

I don't see the chipping around the hole to be an issue at all.. since the bore itself isn't affected.  And since the stone rides against a washer that is at least 6mm beyond the edge of the chipped area (rough measurement)... the chipping won't affect the stone in that regard either.

So, while at first glance it appears to be an issue, I'm probably over 1/2 the stone's life, and don't see how it could affect anything... unless I'm missing something?  ???
Title: Re: Shaft thread wears bushing
Post by: RickKrung on December 05, 2017, 11:02:57 PM
Quote from: cbwx34 on December 05, 2017, 09:20:07 PM
Some interesting testing Rick.

Here's what I see.  I took a couple of pictures of my stone... it's currently at approx. 218mm.  It has gotten switched a lot between it and a Japanese waterstone.

I tried to snap a photo with light to the side to show chipping (top photo), then a picture with a flash to show the "bore" (bottom).  Similar to Rick, you can see chipping around the edge, but the bore looks fine.  I didn't take a picture of the shaft because frankly I don't see anything to take a picture of.

I don't see the chipping around the hole to be an issue at all.. since the bore itself isn't affected.  And since the stone rides against a washer that is at least 6mm beyond the edge of the chipped area (rough measurement)... the chipping won't affect the stone in that regard either.

So, while at first glance it appears to be an issue, I'm probably over 1/2 the stone's life, and don't see how it could affect anything... unless I'm missing something?  ???

I actually agree with you, CB, that the chipping is not likely to be a problem over the life of the stone.  Like you, I see that the stone is held by shouldered washers against the outer surface of the stone (light colored area on the side of the stone just outside the dark, recessed area of the bushing more easily seen on all my photos of that area).  And that the bore is wide enough and largely unaffected that even if the chipping erodes a few mm, there is still plenty to align the wheel and that chipping in the recessed area has no direct bearing on wheel alignment. 

I was more exploring the question for myself, as at first I didn't get what the problem was. 
Title: Re: Shaft thread wears bushing
Post by: Sharpco on December 06, 2017, 12:11:28 AM
Quote from: cbwx34 on December 05, 2017, 04:10:17 PM
Quote from: sharpco on December 05, 2017, 09:27:41 AM
I can not see the wear of bushing with my eyes. However, the powder created by the wear of the bushing always exists on the thread.

So, the next question (should've asked in the last post).... how much has your stone worn?  (Just trying to get an idea of if the stone would wear out before the bushing wear became noticeable?)

Good point, CB.  ;)

Actually, SG is not a big problem. There is only a slight possibility. Because, as you say, it is okay if the stone wears up to 200mm before the bushing wears and causes problems.

The real problem is SJ. It is a stone with very little wear. I used it for nearly a year, but the diameter is still 242mm. But I can feel that the hole is wider than at the beginning. SJ has no bushing.
Title: Re: Shaft thread wears bushing
Post by: cbwx34 on December 06, 2017, 03:25:24 AM
Quote from: sharpco on December 06, 2017, 12:11:28 AM
Good point, CB.  ;)

Actually, SG is not a big problem. There is only a slight possibility. Because, as you say, it is okay if the stone wears up to 200mm before the bushing wears and causes problems.

The real problem is SJ. It is a stone with very little wear. I used it for nearly a year, but the diameter is still 242mm. But I can feel that the hole is wider than at the beginning. SJ has no bushing.

Hmmmm.  I guess if it wore to the point you couldn't use it... maybe a warranty claim?  Since the design is now to allow the easy switching between stones of different types... I would think the design should support it.

Maybe a little more input from Tormek is needed here....  ???
Title: Re: Shaft thread wears bushing
Post by: Herman Trivilino on December 06, 2017, 04:13:39 AM
Quote from: RickKrung on December 05, 2017, 11:02:57 PM
And that the bore is wide enough and largely unaffected that even if the chipping erodes a few mm, there is still plenty to align the wheel and that chipping in the recessed area has no direct bearing on wheel alignment. 

This is what I was thinking, too. Perhaps this is what Stig meant when he said it's not a problem.
Title: Re: Shaft thread wears bushing
Post by: Ken S on December 06, 2017, 04:32:15 AM
Sharpco, CB, and Rick,

I have noticed some slight chipping on my wheels. I just thought it was "normal wear and tear". My attitude toward my Tormek has changed over the years. First, my Tormek was stolen and never recovered. Then my (replacement) Tormek was used heavily for a weekend as a demonstrator, including a lot of prep duty. Over the years, I have done a lot of testing for the forum. As much as I still value my Tormek, it has become a useful tool instead of a precious tool.

CB, you make an interesting point about Tormek making the grinding wheel interchangeable. That is a possible stress area the older Tormeks did not have. I always welcome input from Sweden.

Stig has told me about an American knife sharpener named Terry. I forget the vast number of knives Terry has sharpened over the years. What is even more amazing is that Terry bought his Tormek used, several years used. His venerable SuperGrind is still going strong! My grandfather's 1891 Stanley jack plane still works great, even with a broken frog, however, that is with very light use. Terry's SuperGrind gets day in day out commercial use.

I totally believe the wear posts, however, I have to believe that, wear and all, the Tormek is a very tough, long lasting machine,

Ken
Title: Re: Shaft thread wears bushing
Post by: cbwx34 on December 06, 2017, 05:35:34 AM
Quote from: Ken S on December 06, 2017, 04:32:15 AM

Stig has told me about an American knife sharpener named Terry. I forget the vast number of knives Terry has sharpened over the years. What is even more amazing is that Terry bought his Tormek used, several years used. His venerable SuperGrind is still going strong! My grandfather's 1891 Stanley jack plane still works great, even with a broken frog, however, that is with very light use. Terry's SuperGrind gets day in day out commercial use.


Terry is in this video...

Tormek Sharpens 30,000 knives (https://youtu.be/8zQDmQ_n7wg?t=1m17s)
Title: Re: Shaft thread wears bushing
Post by: SharpenADullWitt on December 09, 2017, 10:07:40 PM
Quote from: cbwx34 on December 06, 2017, 05:35:34 AM
Quote from: Ken S on December 06, 2017, 04:32:15 AM

Stig has told me about an American knife sharpener named Terry. I forget the vast number of knives Terry has sharpened over the years. What is even more amazing is that Terry bought his Tormek used, several years used. His venerable SuperGrind is still going strong! My grandfather's 1891 Stanley jack plane still works great, even with a broken frog, however, that is with very light use. Terry's SuperGrind gets day in day out commercial use.


Terry is in this video...

Tormek Sharpens 30,000 knives (https://youtu.be/8zQDmQ_n7wg?t=1m17s)

Since Steve has retired, I would love to meet this guy and take some training from him.  I can see this as a retirement gig.
Title: Re: Shaft thread wears bushing
Post by: Ken S on December 10, 2017, 03:38:26 AM
SADW,

I used to live about an hour and a half from Steve, and regretted not having met him before he retired. (I had ordered his book from him.) I had the good fortune of spending a day with him at his home. He essentially walked me through his course, including a very pleasant walk to his favorite diner for a delightful lunch.

At the time, I had already reviewed his DVD and watched it numerous times. We have debated teacher vs DVD on the forum. I had the best of all options, all of the above. I can tell you from personal experience that his Sharpening School DVD and package is just like studying with him. (Alas, without the lunch at Joe's. Check it out on his website (sharpeningmadeeasy.com)  I consider it a bargain for training from a real deal knife and scissors man. In addition to having years of "in the trenches" sharpening experience, Steve brings the expertise of both a trained engineer and a love for the subject. I consider it must have training for anyone starting a sharpening business or, like me, an enthusiastic amateur.

Ken
Title: Re: Shaft thread wears bushing
Post by: cbwx34 on December 10, 2017, 02:50:20 PM
Quote from: SharpenADullWitt on December 09, 2017, 10:07:40 PM
Quote from: cbwx34 on December 06, 2017, 05:35:34 AM
Quote from: Ken S on December 06, 2017, 04:32:15 AM

Stig has told me about an American knife sharpener named Terry. I forget the vast number of knives Terry has sharpened over the years. What is even more amazing is that Terry bought his Tormek used, several years used. His venerable SuperGrind is still going strong! My grandfather's 1891 Stanley jack plane still works great, even with a broken frog, however, that is with very light use. Terry's SuperGrind gets day in day out commercial use.


Terry is in this video...

Tormek Sharpens 30,000 knives (https://youtu.be/8zQDmQ_n7wg?t=1m17s)

Since Steve has retired, I would love to meet this guy and take some training from him.  I can see this as a retirement gig.

Pretty sure this is the same Terry... and he does offer training...

SharpQuick (http://www.sharpquick.com/training.html)

Steve's "Sharpening Package" is a good option also.
Title: Re: Shaft thread wears bushing
Post by: SharpenADullWitt on December 14, 2017, 07:05:32 AM
I have the course, ordered it pretty close to when he announced retirement.

I still see benefit from having someone with experience, watch the student as they may catch things that you don't realize your doing, to cause issues.
Title: Re: Shaft thread wears bushing
Post by: Ken S on December 14, 2017, 10:56:24 AM
Excellent point, SADW. In this case, I have been fortunate enough to spend time with Steve. Spending a day with Steve at his home and shop, he generously gave me the essence of the class he had taught for many years. That is how I know that his DVD closely resembles his class. Steve made the DVD wanting future students to benefit from his training after he retired.

Ideally, I would have both the mentor and friend looking over my shoulder, and the DVD for periodic refreshment of my knowledge. Every time I watch Steve's DVD I pick up new knowledge. I can't speak for others, however, with me, I learn by stages. I usually pick up a basic understanding initially. As I work with the subject matter and continue to explore, my understanding gradually deepens. During my telephone career, I always welcomed the rare opportunity to have a class a second time, after a few years of field work. The second class gave me the chance to really hone my knowledge, picking up fine points.

I agree that a DVD is not quite the same as personal mentoring, however, when a dedicated expert teacher puts the amount of work into a project like Steve did, it comes very close.

When I was younger, I bought a lot of equipment. As I finally matured, I have come to realize that equipment is of secondary importance when compated to knowledge.

Ken