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Hi Ken,

I didn't mean to imply that nobody would care. I hope it didn't come out that way. The reason I wanted to post this was to help others if they have similar problems.

I feel the same way. No perfect tool has ever been built (no perfect anything for that matter). I also agree that the things that differentiate a good company from a poor company is how well they stand behind their products. I bought my T-8 and accessories from Sharpening Supplies.com. I informed them of the problem and they sent the issue to Affinity. They also indicated that if Affinity wasn't able to help me, they would. Couldn't ask more than that. Affinity was "Johnny on the Spot" though. I had several phone conversations with them. They wanted to take care of the problem, either by helping me fix the tool or replacing it. As soon as we figured out that it wasn't fixable, they shipped one out. That is about as good as customer service can get. It makes me glad that I bought the Tormek instead of one of the cheaper copies.

Just an update, in case anyone cares. The company that handles Tormeks warranty issues is sending a new TT-50. They were very helpful and friendly. I can't complain at all about them. They're doing a good job.

I did end up taking the TT-50 apart to find what the problem was. The metal around the hole that the axle shaft passes through is coming apart. I believe the term is gaulling. It scored the machined surface of the shaft. I boogered up the brass knurl nuts taking them off, but the warranty company doesn't seem to mind.

Thanks Rick and Riverman,

The pictures help. At least I can see what I'm dealing with. I have applied oodles of WD-40... no joy. It seems like the brass bushing must have gaulled or something (though I don't understand how that could happen). I can't turn it at all now, it's frozen up solid. Since my entire set-up (T-8, hand tool kit and turning tool kit) are all less than a month old, this should be covered under warranty. I suspect that if I mess around too much more, by trying to remove the bushings, I'll void the warranty. So I better just hold off on doing anything more at this point.

I appreciate the help and advise. This is an awesome forum. Lots of helpful people.

Thanks Ken. I will contact them if the seller doesn't come through, though I have every confidence that they will get me fixed up. I got a knob off, and there is a pressed in brass bushing in the zinc housing. There is no way I could get that out without destroying the whole thing.  I guess that just means no more sharpening for a few days.

Thanks Ken. I did try the Channel locks and Vise Grips, and things just got tighter, but I'll give it another shot. I really don't have anything to lose at this point.

I wasn't actually cutting anything when it froze up. I was passing the tool over the stone to adjust it. It really feels like something is jammed in the bushing on the side. I think the only way it is coming out is if I can get the knob off to pull the rod out.

Hi,
This is my first time posting here. I got my new T-8 about a month ago and I've been diligently sharpening every tool in my shop. Today I slipped while sharpening a chisel and put a gouge in the stone. So I got out the TT-50 to clean up the wheel and the tool froze up on me. It seems like the plastic knob is frozen up in the bushing in the side of the tool. The part that holds the cutter that goes back and forth on the threaded rod seems to be free, so I don't think that is the problem.

I emailed the seller tonight, and hopefully they'll help me out under warranty. Unfortunately, I'm sitting here with a damaged stone and no way to fix it until I hear back from them. I suspect that if I could get the tool apart I could fix it, at least temporarily. This thing doesn't want to come apart though. Has anyone ever taken a TT-50 apart? I'd appreciate any advise anyone has.