Messages

Ken,
Yep - finally your suggestion has been tested.  That is, be as minimalist as possible with the water level in the T4 water trough. I still get a few spills but nothing like before when I sharpen my wider plane irons. Thank you for your advice a couple of weeks ago.
It might be an idea to point this out to Tormek and for them to caveat the idea of filling the water level to the maximum level on the trough. Just saying!!! It's not another criticism 
Mac

Ken,
Thank you very much for your kind and comprehensive reply.
I'm going to try your recommended approach tomorrow and test out my new mat at the same time.
Judging by the way you emphasise the minimalist approach to the water level, I certainly have been overdoing it but never past the maximum line.
I complained and I learned!!! Perfect.
I'll let you know how I get on.
Thanks once again.
Mac

In response to brettgrant 99, I think you should read my initial post more carefully. I am far from thinking the T4 is "egregious". As you know, egregious means outstandingly bad or shocking. I quote myself, "I am a happy bunny". You have used the  word wrongly.
FYI I did indeed contact the distributor before coming to the forum. Shaun of G&S Specialist Timber could not have been more helpful and friendly and did all he could to get a satisfactory response. I would unreservedly recommend this company to anyone.
I make absolutely no apology for complaining (I hope politely and respectfully). It is often the only way to highlight an issue of concern and to understand how best to deal with it.
I am not complaining about your post by the way!! Thank you for the comment. I shall be keeping the T4.
I shall tune out now.

Thanks for coming back to me Stig.
I appreciate it.
Weirdly I had the rubber mat delivered today. I bought this to see if it alleviates the water loss.
I'll give it a go. I'm sure it will help. Thanks.

I appreciate all of your replies and suggestions. Thank you very much.
However, my point is that we are all talking about "making do". That is not acceptable. Tormek needs to offer us a solution that does not require us to "make do" on their premium, world-leading product.
Their silence is deafening by the way !!!!

Thanks for the advice. Will do.
I'd really like to know if there are others out there who share my lack of understanding on this issue.

Thank you for your excellent suggestion. Greatly appreciated.
Should Tormek customers have to improvise tho?
I don't think it is appropriate that we have to go to Homebase and look for a tray the right size to accommodate a failing in the way a £300 product has been brought to market.
I'm looking forward to a post from Tormek soon.
Thanks again for your reply.

I am the very new owner of a T4 with the straight edge jig. I bought a Tormek because of the company's assertion of being the very best in water cooled sharpening technology. At UK£350 I would hope so!! I have no issue with the overall quality and effectiveness. i'm a happy bunny! EXCEPT when I am sharpening my 2 3/8th plane iron. Water everywhere when the iron is moved over the left off the stone. The water level in the trough is not over full by the way. £350 and I have to pack rags and sponges around the base of the machine to protect my workbench! Why am I ticked off? Because Tormek acknowledged the problem (refer to their manual) and produced a water chute specifically for this problem. But not for the T4!!!!!!! Are T4 users not meant to use Stanley 4 1/2 planes? Since Tormek know that there is an issue I simply cannot understand why they have refused to offer a simple jig solution for the T4 community. Is it lack of interest in us or just arrogance? I don't wish to offend but if Tormek is, as they consistently say, the No.1 company in this field, this unacceptable quality issue must be addressed and quickly. I'll buy the water chute jig. I don't expect something for nothing. I do expect a responsible and professional reaction from a top company. Any and all comments would be appreciated, especially from a Tormek representative.