Messages

Join us for a new live episode featuring the brand new KSK-106 Knife Sharpening Kit.

In this session, Sébastien and Hugo will walk you through how to use every piece of the kit to achieve a precise and repeatable edge on virtually any knife. You'll see the full process, from setup to final honing, along with practical tips to improve your results.

Ken

One of the things I admire about Tormek is its fair and balanced approach. I believe there was some bias against the T4 when it was first introduced, a preference toward the tried and true. However, the stout hearted "little brother" has proven itself a worthy competitor. Eventually, Tormek paid for industrial recertification, which eliminated the "thirty minute duty" myth and introduced the three 200 mm diameter diamond wheels, which added to the machine's "oomph". ( I hope this evolution will soon continue with an SB-200 silicon carbide grinding wheel and a T4 flat composite honing wheel.)

Tormek does seem to be innovating into recognizing the need for smaller, specialized machines. Like the English version, this translated German version uses an overview followed by role playing. The two versions are similar. I recommend watching both. Here are links:

The original English version:

https://www.youtube.com/live/zPfckZXyW6Y?si=3M7N3bU2kFSKbpvb

the German over dubbed into English version:

https://www.youtube.com/live/lpxrs6StlwE?si=H4ecvJwKxjHm-IK8


Ken

I just found the auto dubbed German to English Tormek Maintenance video. Another all thumbs up recommendation. I believe we can all benefit from watching this video. It goes into more depth than the older video. Here is a link:

https://www.youtube.com/live/CQf1ieSwEI4?si=Kp16ngKRc4HZq_ly

Ken

Rich,

I found a couple more over dubbed videos on Tormek's German channel(Tormek DE). The #14 video covering basic honing seems excellent and more advanced than the English language version. I recommend it very highly. In fact, I would consider it intermediate or advanced honing. When the basic honing video was first introduced, intentions for a second video, advanced honing were announced. This video seems to include those more advanced parts. Here is alink:

https://www.youtube.com/live/-hqZS3ztYeA?si=jxlqp0VwhgiRVbIl

I don't know if the Tormek Swedish and French channels have any auto dubbed videos. I hope so. If anyone locates any more auto dubbed videos, please post links.

Ken

I like to compare slightly different versions of videos. In this case, this video is the German version, overdubbed in English. Wolfgang is the presenter. I suspect the subtle differences may arise over time from user questions. Here is a link:

https://www.youtube.com/live/esyBimutGiY?si=Dk0nkenEwCZHz4OP

Ken

I agree that the new kit might be useful for someone setting up to sharpen knives. Like any of the kits, this kit makes more economic sense for someone who does not already have any of the components.

Ken

Good post, John. A scrub plane was on my want list, but sadly never made it to the purchased column. Your solution is quite practical. A scrub plane needs to be sharp. Precision edge shape is not so critical. The cambering feature of the SE-77 is a valuable aid with a smoothing plane. I agree with John that the SVD-110 is a very adequate and cost effective tool for sharpening a scrub plane.

Ken

The Tormek crew has recently released a very informative new video centered around cambering plane blades. Also included is valuable information covering grinding wheel housekeeping (truing, dressing and deburring) and good technique to avoid water trough noise with the T8.

This video also reflects the evolving refinement of the Tormek videos, namely more effective use of close ups. Here is a link:

https://youtu.be/TIicRhEh57E?si=17Si_fg0bImvLdNV

Earlier videos focused primarily on getting a square grind with chisels. While also important, in my opinion, this is a secondary function. Nicking the corners to avoid "plane tracks" is a good starting point, but not "the highest and best use" of a plane blade.

Cambering allows the plane to be tuned to different functions. Heavy cambering is usually used for rough initial planning. This is generally done with a jack plane. Heavy cambering blades are set for a deep cut and a narrow width.


The second function is jointing. The planes of choice for this function are longer. Cambering is set for a cutting depth of approximately .005". This is to joint or level the edge.


The final function is smoothing. These planes are shorter. The blades are set for a cutting depth of around .001. This is preferred over doing a lot of sanding.

In skilled hands, properly cambered plane blades can produce fine woodworking.

Ken

In the ongoing grinding into or away debate, I don't hear much about freehand or guided sharpening. Freehand sharpening favors grinding away for safety. Guided sharpening can be either.

Ken

 Herman,

Let's be fair. Although not quite as fast, the new knife kit is capable of doing almost everything your homemade platform can do.

Ken

"And Torgny said, 'Let there be light'. Although I had studied the handbook, setting up my Tormek in good daylight for the first time in bright daylight instead of my poorly lit garage was quite a surprise.

Great idea about the headlights!

Ken

The adjustable water trough introduced with the T8 is a real innovation. However, it can also be prone to introducing noise. This is preventable and easily corrected. It is explained in the new Tormek video on cambering plane blades, starting at around 20 minutes. The problem is not related to cambering or any jig. I suggest watching this video, whether or not you sharpen plane blades. Here is a link:

https://youtu.be/TIicRhEh57E?si=csPW48Q1pxzo2T1Z

The problem is caused when the two forks which support the water trough get slightly bent. This can be prevented by using an inexpensive turkey baster from the grocery store to withdraw the water instead of just dumping it. Making this part of your sharpening routine should prevent the noise.

Ken

With some of the new jigs, I feel there are some substantial improvements and some which look good for marketing. In my opinion, the substantial improvement in the
KJ-45 jig is the self centering.

Ken

Good questions, Tom. Paul Sellers from the UK is certainly an excellent source. Another excellent resource person in the US is Ernie Conover. He can be emailed through conoverworkshops.com.  I have known Ernie for thirty years and have taken numerous classes with him, including his handplane restoration class. He is an excellent teacher.

The #1 plane is really a very collectable plane rather than a user. Approach any restoration carefully.

Ken

I was pleased to find this new video from Tormek about convexing sharpening a knife with a T4 Bushcraft. Granted, it could be just as easily done with a T7/8 or a regular T4; however, I have felt the T4 Bushcraft has not received much press.

The video was very well done, both informationally and technically. Here is a link:

https://youtu.be/zqqEyRU2SxY?si=-MOVJymKkkPCObaJ

Ken