I ordered a T8 custom but didn't receive a marker with it which I thought was a little strange, Is the marker anything special or can I use any permanent marker?
Hello,
I don't think the Custom includes the marker.
Any sharpie will do the trick. I'd advise using one with a beveled tip as i find it easier to slide along the edge.
Any marker will do. I prefer Sharpie markers.
Be forewarned, using markers on sharp edges will ruin the tips, whittling them down to little nubs. So, only use markers you are willing to have damaged and made unusable for other purposes.
Thanks, Ill pick some up today
I have used several brands of markers over the years. All worked. However, my less than scientific testing indicated that the Tormek markers provided the best coverage.
Ken
Yes, they probably chose a very high-end marker produced specifically for application on metal. It wouldn't do to just slap a logo on a run-of-the-mill marker and sell it for three times the price of a Sharpie.
To be honest, for all the money I spent on this setup (over $2000) you would think they would include one, I mean, I am obviously going to need one no matter what wheel I choose. Starting to regret my purchase as I have anouther problem with having to buy anouther wheel to do scissors. :'(
I've been using the T8 for a bit over a year now, and I have all 3 diamond grindstones, SG-250, SJ-250, MB-102, a third party front vertical base, both knife jigs, a scissor jig, the standard and extended support bar, small knife jig, the platform, and axe jig.
No regrets at all as I've used almost all the items in my sharpening business, less the axe jig. The equipment really is a sound investment that does have the longevity and precision.
I have a 1x30 belt sander on the way to be used mostly to supplement my bench polisher, and maybe some large scale reprofiling.
But long story short, the biggest hurdle to overcome would probably be the business aspect. How you create your pricing and standards framework, and how you do your own quality management.
Customers would never cease to "amaze" you. Just today, a customer claimed a knife sharpened by me had poor edge retention, and wanted me to do a resharpening for free.
I checked my records and I sharpened his knife FIVE MONTHS AGO
I prefer to use red Sharpies. I find that the red stands out better.
I second the red sharpie Mr Colvin. Absolutely.
I would like to interject my thoughts about what is included and what is not included with various Tormek models. I will use the T4 as an illustration. The balance is between the most substantial machine and the final price. I have always thought the T4 is more than a hobby machine. When it was first introduced, the only three Tormek wheels for it were the SG and the SJ. The diamond wheels were not added until several years later. I have always thought that the TT-50 should have been included, although I realize that would have increased the price substantially. I also replaced the plastic EZY Lock nut with the metal nut issued with the T8 and the plain nut with the quick release as on the T8. These make the T4 a more efficient heavy duty machine, although at higher cost.
I look at any Tormek as a long term investment. I do not factor in cost"savings" when comparing models. In the long run, I believe the more practical machine is the best value.
Ken