Messages

The KS-123, Calcapp, and a Sharpie are all either low cost or no cost options. why not learn all three?

Ken

While I am not familiar with all of the programs, I have been very satisfied with CB's Calcapp. It is straightforward and easy to use.

You might also want to try using the marker method and the KS-123.

Ken

I do not own a goniometer. However, I would be less concerned with a consistent 1° difference in readings than with an inconsistent difference. Adjusting the reading on the KS-123 by 1° would be a consistent fix. Mariners use correction factors with their charts and magnetic compasses.

When I visited Tormek in Sweden in 2023, I participated in thr planning committee during the prototype development stage of the KS-123. It went through extensive testing and evaluation. A consistent 1° difference would have been a very easy fix just by repositioning the angle scale slightly.

I will investigate this further with support and post any new information.

Ken

Well done, Rich! This should solve the problem, with the added bonus of being very cost effective. Just one modified spacer should suffice.

I like the 3D printed idea. The original pattern would print quickly and work even with smaller printers. Plus, the pattern could be easily modified to make spacers of different thicknesses. (I am thinking of adapting Norton 3X wheels with one inch thickness and one inch bore.) While everything is set up, I would suggest making up a few spares. They would be useful and inexpensive gifts for Tormek friends.

An alternative plan would be to modify a Tormek spacer. I purchased a couple as spare parts for projects several years ago, although the original spacer would also work. Dishing out a spacer would be an easy project for a home shop machinist of local machine shop.

Again, good thinking, Rich!

Ken

I have been closely following this forum since 2009. This posting is the first I have noticed on this issue in that time. The spacer has not changed. The shaft was changed to stainless steel many years ago., as was the conversion to the EZYlock.

Anyone who has experienced a frozen EXYlock (which includes me) would consider a sliding spacer as a minor nuisance. Noticing occasional frozen EZYlock posts over the years, I sent an email to support requesting advice. Support really went the extra mile. They ran tests and discovered that they could get the EZYlock to fail, IF there was no grease on the face of the spacer facing away from the grinding wheel. Putting a thin coating of grease on this face eliminated the failure. Problem solved.

How big of a problem is a sliding spacer? For the majority of Tormek's fifty years, there was only the SG wheel. Even today, with several wheels available, many users still choose to use only the SG, which remains the most versatile wheel. The wheels could be redesigned to incorporate built in spacers. That might solve the problem, but would increase the cost per wheel. How many users would be willing to pay the extra cost?

Ken

Please be patient. This isthe time of year when Swedes have several weeks vacation.

Ken

Welcome to theforum, TZero. Email Tormek support ([email protected]). They will help you.

Ken

Rjje,

I agree with John. Support's email address is:
[email protected].

Keep us posted.

Ken

Welcome to the forum, Ballacado. My first question is, do you drink this water? If not, why would you allow it to be used in your Tormek?

I apologize if this sounds harsh; it just looks like your employees have seriously abused your Tormek. I suggest you email your question and photos to support
([email protected]).

Good luck.

Ken

I stumbled upon this video. (I like Barlows.)

https://youtu.be/sGFhI47JCfU?is=owUwwJ3IgPNhsPOn

Rich,
My gut feeling agrees with yours. I also feel your design will be less prone to falling wheels.
Ken

Well done, Kwakster! A labor of love which has produced a worthy knife.

I'm curious as to how you resolved the earlier problem with your photos.

Ken

One of our members alerted me about the problem with the photos. I have contacted Tormek IT and will keep the forum posted. I recall a similar situation several years ago when another platform switched to fee only.

Ken

Like many of us, I experienced frozen EZYlock several years ago. I finally resorted to using my Channelocks. I was fortunate that my problem was fixed without damaging my grinding wheel. (This is NOT a recommendation to use Channelocks!)

I have always been careful in not leaving my grinding wheel in the water trough. Also, I always remove my grinding wheel after each sharpening session. Having noticed several posts with this problem over the years, I emailed Mats in support. Mats is Tormek employee number six. With his years of experience and dedication, I believe that no one understands the Tormek more than he does.

Mats devised a series of tests to determine what might make the EZYlock fail. With no grease on the spacer, he could get an occasional EZYlock failure. With a light coating of grease on the face of the spacer FACING AWAY FROM THE GRINDING WHEEL, he could not produce a failure. I believe this is the key to unlocking the problem.

For those who do not remove the grinding wheel regularly, I suggest loosening the EZYlock before each sharpening session. This starts each session with no residual thread resistance.

Ken

See more details in Tormek General subforum.

Ken