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Great comments, Rich.

If we can get beyond the notion that our precious grindstones should last forever, and realize that they are consumables, regular use of the truing tool has benefits in addition to keeping the grinding wheel true. Using the truing tool is an acquired skill acquired by practice. For those like me who who are not naturally gifted, regular use builds that skill, and gets rid of a multitude of gremlins. Light cuts administered often.

Ken

For me, grasping the concept of the wheel as a consumable is among the most important of the early lessons learned. Perhaps because it seems contrary to the ultimate purpose of the tool - to extend the life of our tools. However, (repeating for personal grinding into my gray matter) the stone breaks down to build the tools and this is it's purpose. The little grains in the bottom of the tray are the sign of a Tormek well used and should be a source of pride. Changing the grit of the wheel and truing it - all make us better at prolonging the life of tools.

Thanks for sharing one and all!

Mike

I revive this topic as I keep getting my Japanese stones edges chipped from truing with TT-50.
I was searching this forum, and tumbled upon explanation by Ionut.
Below is compilation of Ionut's comments describing the problem and solution.

"The diamond holder head on the truing tool has a play which will cause pretty severe chipping on the edge at the exit side of the stone if that play is not removed.

...The diamond holder head on the truing tool has a play which will cause pretty severe chipping on the edge at the exit side of the stone if that play is not removed. You can remove the play by simply using an electric tie that goes through the head and gets tied on the reference back of the truing tool.
The tie should go through the diamond housing and wrapped over the reference surface. It will reduce the vibration to the point where you can advance the diamond head as slow as you want creating a very fine surface on the stone with almost no scratches marks.
...tied mine as tight just to allow the head to move and  when I did that the TT-50 was mounted on the Universal Support.

I've noticed this play (don't have an SJ stone) and didn't feel comfortable about it, but noticed no issue with the edges. Do most use plastic tie wraps to solve this? I'm going to try it next true up. Thanks!

Right. But as evidence accumulates we gain confidence that we've got the science right. In the end, all that matters is utility. In other words, when we use the idea to do new things does it work for us? Do we get it right? Like, can we land that spacecraft on that asteroid? Or can we build an automobile engine that produces more power with less fuel?

Or, can we build a machine that spins a grindstone in a water bath and use it to sharpen our tools?

The art of sharpening science. Or is it the science of sharpening art? As an old newbie, I'm not sure I'm qualified (or sure I'm unqualified!). Thanks for this thread folks, made me think and smile!

Ken - as someone just getting started, I found the suggestions of the 'main topic' to be perfect! I've got a few chisels to work with and I'm learning with each effort. Quite simply, I think this is a great way for anyone to start. Thanks for taking the time, everyone, in pulling this together.

Mike