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I'm not a fan of Ballistol ever since i used it on an air rifle and found that it polymerized into a translucent film

Never had that happen. I suspect it reacted to something that was on the rifle.

I just did a google AI search and if you apply Ballistol over other coatings or oils they can become gummy. So best to clean whatever it is you are trying to protect before applying Ballistol.

Very nice indeed. May I offer a suggestion? I discovered Ballistol a few years ago. This is a (IMHO) much better option than WD40 for rust prevention and lubrication in this application. It was developed in the early 1900s for us on guns (hence its name) for rust removal, cleaning, lubrication on metals, leather and wood. I use it regularly on my tools and would be perfect for your knives. It is more expensive that WD40 but I in my experience I much prefer it to WD40. I do keep WD40 in my toolbox so to speak but tend more towards Ballistol these days.

It is s good idea to watch the Tormek Innovation videos on their YouTube channel on knife sharpening. You need to keep the knife parallel to the USB and lift the handle when you get to the tip. Rotating the knife is what causes this.

I bought a T7 second hand (actually the wife picked it up at an auction for me) and the wheel was rusted solid on the stainless shaft. The wheel broke coming off. The shaft was also well worn. It looked like it had never been lubricated. In hindsight I could have taken it off with the correct technique but hindsight is marvellous.

I always remove the wheel after a sharpening session and have storage for all of the wheels to allow them to dry properly. I also keep the shaft well lubricated.

I have a draw knife which is similar in shape but longer. I don't bother with the machine, I sharpen it by hand. I hold the knife handle while drawing the stones along the blade.

John, do you measure the sharpening angle you achieve to compare it to the KS-123 setting?

No, but I do not get any hysteresis, which is the discussion I am commenting on. If I wind up a fraction the needle moves, if I wind down a fraction the needle moves.

I find that ensuring that all three pins are firmly on the wheel and the bar is held as indicated in the Tormek videos I can get the angle spot on.

Looks fantastic. Putting in an order with my local printer -- AKA my son!

To borrow a phrase from Wolfgang, making your custom of making the final adjustment by raising the microadjust will serve you well. In itself, it may not be a big deal; however, small improvements compound.

Ken

Probably why I don't notice it. I allow for the slop in the mechanism, always have done. Force of habit.

the KS-123 has significant hysteresis

I have not noticed any.

I am not a professional so take my advice as it comes. My approach is to select a default of 20. The reason is two fold. First, the majority of general purpose kitchen knives recommend that angle, and second it is a good angle for general purpose use whilst not making it too fragile. I would have thought that 18 would also be a good compromise. When I do use a smaller angle I advise the owner to reserve that knife for fine work et al to prevent damaging the knife. All of my sharpening is for home use by non professionals so I rarely use a smaller angle.

There is the Tormek plastic matt but a much cheaper option is one of those silicone dog or cat trays from Amazon or your local pet supplies. Just get one with similar dimensions as the Tormek.

With the prevalence of diamond and CBN the sharpening difficulty is not so relevant anymore

The intro is not quite correct. There have been many refinements over the years which is patently obvious but otherwise quite interesting.

That can be a life saver (figuratively of course) for larger holes on lower power drill presses where the burr on the underside of the material can catch and stall the machine.