I'm new to the Tormek and find that when I'm grinding plane blades, especially the #6 to #8 blades that I get water spilling all over the machine when I move the blades back and forth across the grinding wheel. I've considered putting the Tormek in a plastic bucket to keep the mess off my bench. Is there something I'm doing wrong?
Nothing wrong. It can be a bit messy. Instead of a bucket, try a cafeteria style tray. It will protect whatever you are working one, and be less inhibiting than an enclosed area, like a bucket.
I had the same trouble. I solved the problem by putting a thin wedge of wood under the base of the Tormek on the end opposite the grinding wheel (the leather strop side), so that the machine tips a little downwards toward the grinding stone side. Then, the shallow end of a paint-roller tray tucks perfectly under the water tray for the stone. The tipped machine makes all the water ;D run toward the grinding stone side of the maching, keeping the water off the machine, and the paint tray catches all the water. The wet tray also makes for a handy place to set that wet grader stone. :
Terry Farrell
www.farrellpiano.com