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So the registration information for your machines is removed from the website. Also the warranties have radically changed, especially for commercial or professional use. I wonder what management is thinking about their product.

Hi Everyone,

I'm Dan owner of Exact Blade Inc. in Northbrook IL. In the last 48 months, I have over 6000 hours on the Tormek wheels combined.  I was exited about the Diamond series wheels, but no data on how long they would last. I got the DF250 (fine) and it wore out. It doesn't have chips, but the diamond surface wore off the face on the inside of the wheel, perhaps a high spot? Either way it was used just a few times in 3 weeks on the T8 and T7.  We get all our Tormek supplies from Affinity, the US distributor for Tormek or Sharpeningsupplies.com. 
Darren at Sharpening Supplies has a 90 day return and I asked if they could send (swap) me the DC250, coarse. I'm sending the DF250 fine back; I seriously doubt i will get another DF250 unless someone can prove to me they have used it for more than a year or sharpened over 500 items without issue. I'm very disappointed because the concept of a firm square wheel that does not need to be dressed could make us alot of money.  The execution seems failed at this point. 

I agree. Rarely is the knife blade centered perfectly in the jig, resulting in slightly different angles on a dual bevel blade.

If so, can you contact us at Exact Blade Inc., USA
847-920-7349
dan@exactblade.com

We would like to ask you some questions regarding performance.

Thanks
Dan

The newer your jig (or 3050 adjustable stop and 3560 o-ring replacement parts) the better results you get.  2 reasons that each side of a two bevel blade may feel different.

1) There is play in  the threads of the Adjustable Stop on the Jig Shaft.  When you press on the Support Arm, the jig shaft tilts inside the Adjustable stop (slight angle bend), when you switch hands to do the other side, it's doubtful you are replicating the pressure of your other hand. 
2) Secondly, it is doubtful that the knife center-line itself will be perfectly parallel to the center line of the jig shaft.  The jig clamp has two elements- a fixed piece and a smaller piece that tightens.  It would be mathematically impossible to tighten the clamp while keeping your knife's vertical center line exactly parallel to the jig center line. 

So until Tormek makes a all stainless steel  forged machine threaded jig and adjustable stop,  you have to compensate with feel through experience practice.
I solve these small mathematical errors through feel.  Of course I sharpen for a living,  about 4000 knives per month.  There are a number of small tricks I use to keep bevels even(i can share these techniques in another thread).  I got really good at this because stones, machines and jig wear out, so I was forced to sharpen on new or old equipment (new T8 with a 250 mm stone or a worn out T7 with 185 mm and a worn out jig.)  One thing i do is order replacement parts for jigs- the brass threaded bushings (M6), new knob screws and o rings. 

One tip.  Don't over sharpen.  Do your knife and check it.  If it seems good, turn the knob once, fine stone grade the stone for just a revolution or two and make three more passes each side to finish your edge.  make sure to hone at the same angle you sharpened at.

Sorry, but math is overrated for perfect results because the machines, stones and jigs are not as "fixed" perfect as you think.  Understand the math first, then just get better with experience.  I can close my eyes, listen to you sharpen and tell you if a fine German or Japanese knife is in the jig or a cheap steel form China.   

Dan
www.exactblade.com

I use the dbs for larger expensive bits, charge $9.  I use Drill Doctor for cone tip twist bits, charge 80 cents per bit, minimum 25 bits.  We call the deal bucket-o-bits.  Sometime we will do one 4 facet for free, mixed in w the order.  The customer will undoubtedly see the difference and want more. 

Re water trough.
Do not pour your trough water into any sink.  The iron shavings will accumulate in your pipes.  Once they settle, they are like concrete, water passes over and levels build.

I dump the water in grass, under ever green or on hard ground, or in a tempory bucket/can/large cup. What remains in trough is the slurry.  Let it dry overnight, and next time you use, scrape in a small bucket or tupperware or used plastic cup.  Use a 1-2 inch putty knife. Rinse remainder and pour that in your temp holding container or in grass.  I do this everynight in our shop.  At the end of the week, i take the iron powder and spread it under all my evergreens and other plants that like iron. 

If you have a driveway or gravel lot that doesnt mean much asthetically, dump and rinse everything there.  Mother nature will dry it and blow the iron back to where it came from.

Tormek engineers should consider jigs for salon and beauty tools.
A cuticle jaw nipper jig would be a good place to start.  A machine set up specific for that runs about $1200.  I'm sure a jig can be a great alternative to a separate system.

Is there any jig ideas for a deli disc/ disc slicers....

Remove wheel clean shaft, gently and naturally replace and tighten according to manual.  Gently allow the USA to seat, tighten and then true.  If wheel still wobbles makes sure rubber disc under honing wheel is not damaged or nicked.  If all above checks out, get a new shaft.  I got one from affinity tool tormek dist and I solved my wobble problem and the wheel now moves within tolerance limits

I have read the entire string.  Glass guys suggestion is the best.  One inch rise of the USA would not be bad for stability.  You should exercise diligence when sharpening at 25 degrees or more on bigger knives, I have had many flip inward on me.  Both hands must be steady. 
A 3.5 inch tall cleaver at 35degres cannot be sharpened using the standard t7 universal support arm,

I have the DB22 jig and a Drill Doctor- drill doctor good for quick standard sharpening and for smaller bits.

The tormek is great to put a 4 facet point on larger and more expensive bits.  use the magnafier glass to make sure 4 edges meet dead center in the drill bit.

i posted a drill bit demo on my youtube channel showing how a 4 facet bites into something with very little thrust.  www.youtube.com/exactblade

Any names of companies that I can order custom bulk paper/cardbaord knife edghe guards/sheaths?

I second that- its very hard to square a chisel in the square edge jig.

i bought a machinist square and square the tool edge to the stone, of course making sure your stone is trued

What is the best slow speed grinder that would work best with the Tormek bench grinder accessory?
Thanks
Dan