Through search I've only seen one or two posts on this over the years.
Long story short I desperately want a Blackstone equivalent for my T4 and the after market ones just don't cut it when it comes to Tormek and quality control.
Any chance they are going to release one? We already have 8in diamonds and Japanese wheels.
Would any T8 user be willing to sell/send me a worn down T8 Blackstone?
Thanks!
Quote from: jkSharp on May 23, 2024, 12:09:22 AMWould any T8 user be willing to sell/send me a worn down T8 Blackstone?
That would definitely work.
Quote from: jkSharp on May 23, 2024, 12:09:22 AMThrough search I've only seen one or two posts on this over the years.
Long story short I desperately want a Blackstone equivalent for my T4 and the after market ones just don't cut it when it comes to Tormek and quality control.
Any chance they are going to release one? We already have 8in diamonds and Japanese wheels.
Would any T8 user be willing to sell/send me a worn down T8 Blackstone?
Thanks!
I can't find it now, but someone from Tormek posted that they had no plans to make an SB stone for the T-4.
Quote from: cbwx34 on May 23, 2024, 02:27:47 PMI can't find it now, but someone from Tormek posted that they had no plans to make an SB stone for the T-4.
Such a shame, I really love (minus the wobble) the black sic stones.
Hello! I have a worn Blackstone at home, it's now around 200 mm. My thought was now to upgrade this to a T4. Is this basically possible? The 200 discs are only 40 mm wide, the 250 discs are 50 mm wide. Can I fit the T4 with the shaft for the T8? Then I wouldn't have to throw away this good disc prematurely. Thank you!
The 40 and 50mm grinding wheel width differences are only at the edges. The outer face of Tormek wheels is indented; therefore, at the bore (inside) the difference between the T4 and T8 wheels is negligible. In fact, without the water trough in place, a new 250mm wheel fits the T4 and a 200mm wheel fits the T8.
Although Tormek makes no 200mm SB blackstone, the Norton 3X grinding wheels are easily adaptable; however, they are not quite "plug and play". They are 25mm wide and the bore is 1". Neither of these is a big problem. A few fender washers can fill out the 25mm. Get 12mm inside diameter fender washers. I used a piece of 5/8" outside diameter plastic pipe drilled out from 9/16" to 12mm to fit the bore. Forthose who are not comfortable doing the modification themselves, it is an easy job for a local machinist or 3D printer.
The 3X wheels are available in 46 and 80 grit. You won't need both; the 80 grit wheel is probably the best choice. The largest diameter is 8", ideal for the T4 and usable with a T8. I use them wet.
Ken
Quote from: Ken S on October 14, 2024, 05:58:21 PM...snip...
Although Tormek makes no 200mm SB blackstone, the Norton 3X grinding wheels are easily adaptable; however, they are not quite "plug and play". They are 25mm wide and the bore is 1". Neither of these is a big problem. A few fender washers can fill out the 25mm. Get 12mm inside diameter fender washers. I used a piece of 5/8" outside diameter plastic pipe drilled out from 9/16" to 12mm to fit the bore. Forthose who are not comfortable doing the modification themselves, it is an easy job for a local machinist or 3D printer.
The 3X wheels are available in 46 and 80 grit. You won't need both; the 80 grit wheel is probably the best choice. The largest diameter is 8", ideal for the T4 and usable with a T8. I use them wet.
Ken
I can vouch for the feasibility and utility of mounting traditional grinding wheels on Tormeks. I've posted here many times on this. I machined custom fender washers and bushing to mount 8" dia. Norton 3X wheels and later a 10" dia. no-name wheel, all 1" wide. These wheels are trued just like Tormek wheels using the Truing Tool. They are very effective, especially for anyone who doesn't have the space, resources or interest for other options, such as belt grinders, etc.
Photo below is of a Norton 3X on my T8.
Here is a video showing truing of the 10" wheel (https://vimeo.com/482185431).
I agree with Rick. I neglected to mention one thing about the 3X, The price is around $60 US. I do not claim the 3X wheels are of the same quality, ease of use, and durability as Tormek wheels; however, they are cost effective.
Ken