As pointed out by Ken S in the previous thread - the 200mm stone size of the T-4 is highly prevalent across many grinder brands and models.
I have a T-4 Bushcraft and have added the Japanese stone, All 3 (DC, DF and DE) diamond stones for scandi grinds and modern steels (Magnacut, Elmax et all, the large guide, the hand tool kit and the new angle finder - a great system
Love the system but would like another machine to reduce the number of inevitably time consuming stone changes as I move through grits.
If I had a T-8 the situation would be simple - I could by a bare "T-8 custom" without the stones or base kit for half the full set price (in UK terms at least) and crack on but that option is not available for the T-4 and I am loathed to pay double the implied price of a base unit for extra jigs and stone etc that I already have.
I am not aware of any uk second hand forums that cover Tormek's and eBay hasn't thrown much up that doesn't include a value destroying 300 mile round trip to collect.
Are there any simple but reliable machines that are known to be compatible with a Tormek stone? Apologies if that is heresy on this site btw
I might contact Tormek about a bare/custom version btw
Hobbit,
Good question. Many years ago, my T7 was stolen during a break in while I was moving. I contacted a friend who was a former US importer for Tormek. He referred me to a large US dealer who also stocked spare parts. While there was no official "custom" program at the time, he sold me a stripped down version of the T7 at a fair price. Neither he nor I got rich on the deal.
I have no knowledge of UK dealers. I would suggest you contact the UK importer and several larger dealers. Include the dealer who sold you your present T4. Explain your situation and that you are looking for a second T4, either regular or Bushcraft (they are identical). Watch for sales and the second hand market.
Unlike the T8 Original, the T4 does not include any jigs in the original box. Essentially, you would end up with a spare SG-200, leather honing wheel, and marker, all of which you would probably end up using.
Ken