Messages

I find the kenjig an excellent way of getting everything in a 'very close' position. I then use a pair of calipers and this calculator https://connect.calcapp.net/?app=qq0pg0#/ which I found on the forum to fine tune.
I've only had my t8 a few months and the diameter of the wheel has not changed discernibly (at all)
I feel this method makes setup much quicker and with the addition of a us430, once set I only have to concern myself with the projection length.

In my limited experience they would be fine. I use a cheap non-Tormek tray and it works perfectly.

As a new Tormek user I would agree wholeheartedly with the comments above. Personally I found my outcomes and technique improved rapidly and the quality of the edges produced on both knives and chisels have been fantastic. I'm not sure whether it's worth buying a very expensive stone until you're confident that you have a solid technique, have experienced a range of different knives of different shapes and then appreciated the difference that a Japanese stone could make.
A useful addition to my t8 would be the extended USB (us 430) so larger cleavers could be more easily sharpened, this would leave the standard usb permanently set up for guided honing.
Also, I found the kenjig very useful for quick setup. Finer adjustments can be made with calipers.
Good luck and enjoy.

I bought a T8 following quite extensive research into different systems and methodology's. One of the benefits I could see was the wealth of information on this forum. I think it natural that people want the best possible results from their sharpening.
That said I have no intention of buying any other stones or paper wheels etc as the results I have achieved so far I'm happy with.
I use a modified version of the Kenjig just to speed up setting up the machine. I have 3 templates cut to create different angles. One side of the template is to set the height of the USB to  the  stone, the other side to set the height from the USB to the leather wheel.
I used a calculator that was posted on here to get the measurements and laser cut the templates for accuracy. So I would like to thank you all for being so generous with your knowledge.

I am a woodwork teacher at a school so sharpen a range of  tools and other peoples' knives.