Hello my name is Cliff I live in Carlisle Ontario Canada; I've been a woodworker for many years I'm a new lucky owner of what appears to be an early version of the Tormek sharpening system? it came with one attachment I believe for plan blades, missing is Tormek Hand Book the Video and WM-200 Angle Master I believe I can purchase these from Lee Valley. I wanted to attach 3 pictures but all I got was (//) ? don't know what I'm doing wrong? I expect I can up-grade this unit to what the current model offers. Any advice to a new user would be appreciated. Thank you, Cliff
Quote from: Cliff on March 28, 2018, 07:10:16 PM
Hello my name is Cliff I live in Carlisle Ontario Canada; I've been a woodworker for many years I'm a new lucky owner of what appears to be an early version of the Tormek sharpening system? it came with one attachment I believe for plan blades, missing is Tormek Hand Book the Video and WM-200 Angle Master I believe I can purchase these from Lee Valley. I wanted to attach 3 pictures but all I got was (//) ? don't know what I'm doing wrong? I expect I can up-grade this unit to what the current model offers. Any advice to a new user would be appreciated. Thank you, Cliff
I can help a little bit...
If you go to the
Tormek Registration page (https://www.tormek.com/canada/en/account/register/) (this is the link for Canada), and register the machine, it will give you access to the most current version of the handbook, and some additional instruction videos.
My suggestion on additional items: the Stone Grader, Stone Truing Tool,
(I think Ken is rubbing off on me), and of course whatever jigs for tools you sharpen the most. Maybe honing compound for the leather wheel also? (Does it have the Universal Support Bar (https://www.tormek.com/canada/en/spare-parts/other-spare-parts-and-upgrades/us-105-universal-support/)?)
As for pictures, did you attach them first (using the attachement below)? (You have to do that first... the pics will show below the text, you can then modify the post and add them in). If you use this site for pictures... it's pretty restrictive on the size. If you use a 3rd party host... just add the BBCode for the picture to the text box. (I'm probably clear as mud). :-[
p.s. Welcome to the forum! ;D
Welcome to the forum, Cliff. I second the good advice CB gave you. I would also encourage you to acquire at least one sharpening chisel. This is covered in the first tips and techniques topic.
Don't be shy about posting questions!
Ken
Thanks for getting back to me CBwx34 and Ken S
I register my Tormek it does not have a serial # so I expect it is an older model. It does have a universal support but no threads, I expect I will buy the current one for the 2000 model, the Stone Grader, Truing tool and honing compound. Now I need to check out the Videos and download the Hand Book
Cliff
Excellent progress, Cliff!
At the risk of seeming very generous with your money, I would suggest one other accessory if your Tormek does not already have it. The XB-100 was an add on which allowed early models to have both a vertical and horizontal choice. Read about it in the handbook. You don't need it right away, nowever, it makes the Tormek more versatile.
https://www.tormek.com/usa/en/spare-parts/other-spare-parts-and-upgrades/xb-100-horizontal-base/
I ordered an out of production jig years ago from Big Bear Tools, the Tormek importer in Canada. Dave Street was very helpful; they are nice people to deal with. I have also bern a Lee Valley customer for decades. Canada is well blessed with goid Tormek dealers.
Keep us posted on your journey, Enjoy the ride!
Ken
Cliff,
Be aware that the present XB-100 is an improved model. The original model only had a locking screw on one leg. The present model with locking screws on both legs is more secure. I bought the earlier model by mustake once. I thought it was a deal...which it was not.
Ken
Thanks Ken, appreciate this information after I get up and running It's likely something I would buy.
Right now I've been cleaning it up as it has sat in a workshop and was covered in sawdust and grime. I expect the first thing I should do is dress the stone. and watch the videos.
Wise thought, Cliff.
I am a real believer in the value of spending some quiet time getting to know your Tormek. I have half a dozen handbooks of different vintages. The handbook was written years ago by Torgny Jansson, the inventor and founder of the company. Later editions added sections to cover newer accessories and jigs, however, "the meat and potatoes" of the handbook has not changed. Your time studying it will be well spent. Incidentally, if you should ever be interested in acquiring a printed copy, the yellow cover editions are the right vintage for your machine. They are available on ebay, and not expensive. I have the current edition downloaded in ibooks on my ipad, however, I am partial to the book versions.
I really came to appreciate the build of my Tormek when I took it apart to upgrade the shaft to the EZYlock. You can have the same experience when you clean yours. Be sure to clean and regrease the two nylon bushings on the shaft. Making a smple drawing during disassembly will help putting it back together. It is not complicated, however, I wish I had thought of the drawing idea beforehand........
I use white lithium grease, although the Tormek is not finicky. Vaseline will work. The Tormek shaft works at 90 RPM. That is much less stressful than a high speed grinder motor. The annual relub also gives you a good chance to check the shaft for rust. Before 2006, the shafts were not made of stainless steel. Good housekeeping goes a long way; always dump and clean your water trough at the end of each session.
Your Tormek will give you good service for many years. Enjoy!
Ken
Thanks for the heads up Ken on where to look for to older yellow cover editions, I found one on ebay.$5.00 USD. Other than my Tormek was covered in sawdust & grime it's in pretty good shape and it appears I may only need to dress the stone hopefully with just the Stone Grader PS-650. Wow attachments are expensive!!
Mine came with the Straight Edge Jig SVH-60 which will get me started and when I'm ready to up grade I expect I should purchase the Radical Camber Square Jig SE-77 instead of the SE-76 Jig.
I plan to replace the standard Universal Support with the one with the adjusting nut. and of course the Angle Master WM-200.
I expect most of the attachments if not all should work on my unit, would this be correct?
Thanks for all your help,
Cliff
Cliff,
All the current attachments will work with your Tormek. "No Tormek left behind" is part of Tormek's philosophy. For what it's worth, my recommendation would be to only purchase the attachments you need, and only when you need them. (being somewhat flexible for discounted prices).
Good find on the handbook. My yellow handbook was a sale paired with an SVH-60 jig. While I like the two newer versions, do not be in a hurry to abandon the older jig. It does not have the square register fence like the newer versions. It requires more skill to use, including careful use of a square and balancing the torque of two screws. I am certain your ability is up toit, and that skill will serve you well with several jigs.
Must dash. I will return later.
Ken
I really appreciate your help & suggestions Ken.
With anticipation I turned it on this afternoon filled the trough with water to the marked level but the stone wheel did not get wet?
so I had to shore it up some, I kept filling the trough I guess the stone wheel is very porous and soaks up quite a bit of water?
The stone measures 9 9/16" I expect it is undersized from new, I tried sharpening a 1" chisel even though I do not yet have a truing stone, I appears the stone wheel needs a good truing before it will properly grind my chisel as it took quite a while. I suspect if you press too hard when you are sharpening a chisel you can stop the water wheel from turning? It also appears the plastic bushings on the SVH-60 Jig may need to be replaced there is some play in them?
Cliff
Quote from: Cliff on April 01, 2018, 10:42:58 PM
so I had to shore it up some, I kept filling the trough I guess the stone wheel is very porous and soaks up quite a bit of water?
The stone measures 9 9/16" I expect it is undersized from new,
...
The water trough has two little hooks on it... these hook inside the machine, so it's at a higher level. (See attached pic). A 9 9/16" stone is almost new... new is 10"... so I suspect you haven't discovered this. ;) They do soak up quite a bit of water.
Thanks CBWX34
WOW I thought I needed to buy a new grind stone, after taking the wheel off (A Super Grind) it measures 9 1/2" not 9 9/16"
I need to buy a truing stone before I can sharpen tools properly.
Cliff
Quote from: Cliff on April 01, 2018, 11:58:44 PM
Thanks CBWX34
WOW I thought I needed to buy a new grind stone, after taking the wheel off (A Super Grind) it measures 9 1/2" not 9 9/16"
I need to buy a truing stone before I can sharpen tools properly.
Cliff
The stones can easily be used to 200mm (7.87")... so you have a ways to go. ;)
Cliff,
CB's advice is solid. I would suggest your first priority at this point is figuring out how to use your water trough.Set your chisel and square edge jig aside until you become fluent with using your water trough. Your grinding wheel has plenty of life remaining.
My standard routine is to fill the water trough until the outer surface of the wheel is wet. Turn on your Tormek and let it run. As the stone absorbs water, you will need to add water. After a minute or two, you will reach the saturation point. You want a little water flowing over the stone.
SADW had a very good idea. He recommends using a turkey baster to remove the water when you are finished. I use mine all the time now. A turkey baster costs only a very few dollars at your grocery store. I consider it a high priority purchase. It will cut your water spillage dramatically.
Master your water trough before even thinking of truing your grinding wheel. It is a basic skill. Also, truing is a wet grinding operation. No water, no truing!
You will soon be an old Tormek hand. Hang in there!
Ken
I very much appreciate all this good advice glad I decided to join the Tormek Community
I have a turkey baster in my wood shop, what a great idea for the trough.
Glad I decided to remove both the wheels so I can farther service the unit.
Iv'e been reading the recent posts and will go through previous older posts as well as time permits
Cliff
Cliff,
A good way to learn from the older posts is to do a member search for Jeff Farris. Jeff was the founder and original moderator of the forum. Most of the earlier topics were much shorter. A member would post a question and Jeff would answer it. Occasionally other members would chime in. Jeff was the US Tormek agent and demonstrator for many years. He handled repairs and parts. His posts have a wealth of knowledge. When you pull up his member profile, click on show posts. The forum format assigns number one to the most recent post. Since Jeff no longer posts, his post numbers are static and easy to follow. I have often studied his posts and have never failed to learn.
Ken
ps Your handbook is not precious. I make notes and underline in mine. Like the Tormek itself, I use my handbooks as tools.
How did you inspect the play in the bushings? Were you able to get the stone off the shaft?
If your able to get it off and you think you need bushings, consider the shaft upgrade with the EZ nut. (WELL worth it)
The bushings and the shaft should be lubed once a year (probably more if used a lot with the non stainless shaft). While any grease should do, I believe white lithium was what was originally recommended. I however use a food grade approved grease that is inexpensive and I picked up as Snap on uses it in their ratchets. (Super Lube) One tube should last a long time as is inexpensive, as well as available at some building centers, and a few other places.
As you learned you should always fill the water trough and let it run a bit.
Also on those older models, they do not have a magnet in the tray. The newer ones have a place for a magnet, the older ones I have seen a magnet inside a small ziplock bag, or gluing magnets on the outside of the water tray. Both have pro's and con's. I think if I obtained a new to me, older unit, now what I might do is glue some metal onto the tray and place a magnet on it. This would allow me to pull the magnet off and watch the metal fall into the trash can easier.
Thanks for the info on the water trough CB I found the two hooks that is made for the trough I have that figured out now, looking forward to getting the sharpening hand book, it's also good to know there is lots of life left in the stone.
And again thanks to Ken for suggestion on how he fills his water trough and let the Tormek run and absorb the water, I like the turkey baster idea I have one in my wood shop. In a previous post you suggested I clean and re grease the two nylon bushings on the shaft
mine is steel as you suggested and it was rusted and pitted took a while to remove not all but some of it. perhaps I will replace it for the stainless steel one like you did down the road.
Thanks,
Cliff
I sure appreciate all the help, I look forward to reading Jeff Farris posts!!
To answer SharpenADullWitt; The stone was hard to remove from the shaft and the shaft was pitted and rusty I cleaned it up as much as possible re greased it with some Molly grease I used for my motorcycle. After I get up and running properly I plan to replace the shaft with the Stainless Steel one with the EZ nut. I will check out the Super Lube you suggested.
I like the magnet idea I have a small and strong one I could glue on the outside of the tray
Much appreciated,
Cliff
Cliff,
Good timing thought with your shaft replacement. Incidentally, the kit comes with a new set of nylon bushings.
I used electrical tape to hold the magnet onto my water trough. It works fine, and is easily redone should you change your mind about placement. The magnet trick has been around for many years. It works, and works even better with CBN and diamond wheels which do not shed abrasive swarf.
Good progress.......
Ken
Cliff, as an owner of a 1996 Super Grind 2000, I agree with all the suggestions you have received about upgrades. Over the years, I have added the threaded universal support with micro adjust, horizontal universal support base, stainless steel shaft and EZ nut, updated angle finder, and after reading here just a few days ago about Super Lube, obtained a tube and did a clean and relube of my machine yesterday. It is still working great. And then there are the jigs (and improved jigs) as applicable.
Having just found this site a few weeks ago, I have been going through the threads and find I am learning a significant amount which will improve my sharpening skills (and also correct a large number of bad habits which have unfortunately crept into my work process over the years). In my opinion, you have found the right place for Tormek information.
Jon
Jon,
You are a happy example of what Cliff's "Ghost of Christmas Future" will be. You are an experienced Tormek user. You have incorporated the essential improvements into your Tormek and it continues to work like a trooper.
You are also a member of a valuable forum group that I missed. I did a lot of work on my house in the nineties and purchased many of my power tools then. For some reason, I was completely unaware of the Tormek. (I was still using oilstones and my dry grinder; I must be a slow learner.) I did not purchase my first Tormek, a T7, until 2009. I have no direct experience with the SuperGrind. The older SuperGrinds are not very different from the T4/7/8. However, I have never dealt with shaft rust or used the previous truing tool. There are many subtleties I missed, and I am grateful that we have a number of active posters who do have that experience.
Do keep posting. We will always have new members with shiny new Tormeks. We will also always have new members like Cliff who are reviving veteran SuperGrinds and putting them back on active duty. They will continue to need the guidance, camaraderie, and experience this forum shares.
Cliff, I hope that as you become an old Tormek hand, you will share that experience with future new hands. I have faith.
Ken
Lots of great information, much appreciated Jon for your comments after a thorough cleaning and breakdown of the parts I found the shaft will need to be replaced with the stainless steel one however it is still fairly tight in the plastic bushings with very little play I expect after I get up and running I will replace it. and the threaded universal support as well. as time allows I'm also going through the threads.
WONDERFUL NEWS!!! guess I'm a lucky fellow I went back to the place where I bought my Super grind 2000 and we looked around and found the following: The yellow hand book; Whetstone Grinding of Edge Tools, A Yellow Plastic WM-100 Angle Master and a WM-200 Angle Master, ADV-50 Diamond Stone Truing Tool, SP-650 Fine Surface with Stone Grinder, a partially used tube of Honing Compound PA-70, SVM-45 Grinding Jig for knives, SVH-60 Grinding Jig for straight edges, SVH-320 Grinding Jig for Plainer Blades.
I very happy about the SHV-320 now I can sharpen the planer blades for my General Jointer instead of sending them out to be sharpened.
Looks like I'm all set for a while, I can now dress the Tormek.
Cliff
Great news, Cliff!
You are in business.
Just for possible future reference, if you ever decide to upgrade to the TT-50 truing tool, there is a version named the TT-50U. The U stands for upgrade. It does not come with the diamond and is designed for people who already own the ADV-50 and want to reuse their diamond. The cost is about half the cost of the TT-50.
I am pleased you stopped back. Fortune favors the brave!
Ken
The TT-50U is a great idea Ken it would for sure give you much more control.
Much appreciated,
Cliff
Cliff,
In the spirit of full disclosure, I must confess how I first learned about the TT-50U. I was truing my grinding wheel when the wheel jammed. The diamond tip put a gash in my grinding wheel when it abruptly stopped. I thought I had ruined the diamond cluster.
I realized that I had neglected to lock the TT-50 to the support bar, a lesson I hopefully learn once. Shopping for a replacement diamond cluster, I noticed that Advanced Machinery was selling what I thought was the TT-50 for the price of just the replacement cluster elsewhere. I ordered one.
My curiosity got the better of me the next day. With the TT-50 properly secured, it worked fine. I ground out the gash and order was restored.
When my replacement arrived, I noticed that it was the TT-50U, the upgrade unit for those who wanted to reuse the diamond from the earlier truing tool. The oversight was entirely mine; the listing was quite clear. I was just too focused on finding a bargain. I contacted AM, who refunded the cost of the tool. I paid the return shipping, which seemed fair. I am still a satisfied AM customer.
So, I share this in the hope that you and other readers will not make my mistake.
Ken