So, I ordered the SG-250 so I can sharpen scissors and it didn't come with the stone grader?
If it's true, and the SG-250 does not include the stone grader, I have to say I am incredibly disappointed in Tormek. Why on earth would I buy a stone who's main feature is that It can change grits from course to fine but they don't supply the tool to do it? I am regretting more and more in investing in this company. Not a happy person if this is true and I have to go and order the stone grader.
Hello,
if you had taken some time too read the Tormek site you would understand what exactly is included with whatever machine. They are pretty clear, in my opinion.
https://tormek.com/en/products/sharpening-machines/tormek-t-8-custom#h-Includedinthebox
https://tormek.com/en/products/sharpening-machines/tormek-t-8-original#h-Includedinthebox
The stone grader is included with the T-8 original. You decided to buy the T-8 Custom....
If someone wants a new wheel to replace a worn out wheel there is no point in including another wheel dresser.
In any case, the stone is only about 30-40$ if you want it.
You do realise that you will also need the TT-50 wheel dresser to keep the SG-250 wheel true !! ::)
Danny
Why would Tormek include a stone grader when most Tormek users already have one? You opted to put together a custom unit that didn't include a SG-250 the required grading. Oh and by the way you are going to also need the TT-50 to keep the SG-250 flat and true.
Quote from: Rossy66 on Yesterday at 02:42:14 AMSo, I ordered the SG-250 so I can sharpen scissors and it didn't come with the stone grader?
If it's true, and the SG-250 does not include the stone grader, I have to say I am incredibly disappointed in Tormek. Why on earth would I buy a stone who's main feature is that It can change grits from course to fine but they don't supply the tool to do it? I am regretting more and more in investing in this company. Not a happy person if this is true and I have to go and order the stone grader.
I bought a new stone grader because my old one was very worn on the fine side, I went for a clone though so it was much cheaper. However, I havent used it, I bought a few cheap diamond plates, 80, 240, 1000 and they are fantastic, I bought 2 of each thinking they would wear quick but they havent, I dont see me ever using the stone grader again. A bonus with the plates is you have to true the stone a lot less frequently.
David,
Bad news: you need to add the stone grader (SP-650), and also the stone truing tool (TT-50).
Good news: you will probably never need to replace these two. My stone grader is 20+ years old and still working strongly. I upgraded to the TT-50 truing tool, but re-used the diamond tip which came with my machine in 2003.
I know that this all adds up to a lot of money; however, I would challenge you to find another machine that is this well made at a better cost. One similar type of machine was made by Accu-Finish (though it no longer is). You were lucky to be able to get one 5 years ago for less than $3,000. And it too required a lot of add-on pieces, so $4,000 - $5,000 was not an unusual investment.
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I had a low-end metal lathe which seemed like a good deal at the time. I learned a lot about how it worked as it was often broken down. I now have a nice Jet lathe for metal.
When I purchased my Tormek SuperGrind 2000 in 2002, it cost $549. Certainly, I've had to replace worn grinding wheels over the years just like one must replace brake pads or tires. But I've only had to replace two parts on that machine, adding another $139 to the cost. (I wish my pickup truck were so reliable.)
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Finally, I think it is also key for all of us to remember how Tormek supports what they make. There have been some nice improvements made over the years (from my SuperGrind 2000 to my T-8), but all the jigs and parts work on both machines equally well. I don't know any other companies which provide such backwards compatibility.
Please don't give up hope on your Tormek. It will serve you well for a long time.
The grader is not included since it wears at a different rate to the wheel. How fast depends a lot on the use but you will typically get many wheels out of one grader. So in fact they are stopping you wasting your money.
I personally wouldn't purchase the grader but a set of well-reviewed diamond plates in 160-ish and 1200-ish grits. So you can grade the stone much more efficiently than with the grader, and slides those plates in a SE jig to avoid the pitfalls of the stone grader.